What Are These Mushrooms Growing in a Circle in My Lawn?

How to Identify and Control Fairy Ring Fungus in Your Lawn

Fairy Ring Fungus might sound magical, but for homeowners in Texas, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana, it’s a real lawn disease—and it’s no fairytale. This soil-borne fungus creates strange, circular patches that can damage your turf and leave frustrating dead spots behind. Luckily, with early identification and the right strategy, you can keep your lawn healthy and green.

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What Does it Look Like?

Fairy Ring Fungus usually shows up as dark green circles, arcs, or rings. These rings often have brown or tan centers surrounded by extra-lush grass. That green halo is caused by a sudden nitrogen release as the fungus breaks down organic matter in the soil.

During rainy periods, you may also notice mushrooms growing along the edges of the ring—another telltale sign. Some Fairy Rings can grow over 20 feet wide, and they don’t always form a complete circle, making them harder to predict.

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How Does Fairy Ring Fungus Spread?

Fairy Ring Fungus spreads underground through a network of fungal threads called mycelium. This mycelium feeds on thatch, buried roots, old stumps, and other organic debris. As it grows, it creates a dense mat in the soil that blocks water and nutrients from reaching turfgrass roots—especially in the center of the ring.

The result? Greener grass on the outside, and dying or dried-out grass in the middle.

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When Is Fairy Ring Fungus Most Active?

In Texas, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana, Fairy Ring Fungus typically appears from late spring through fall, especially after rainy or humid weather. Lawns with poor drainage, compacted soil, or thick thatch layers are most at risk.

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How Dr. Green Services Controls Fungus

At Dr. Green Services, we take a proactive and effective approach to lawn fungus control, including Fairy Ring. Our licensed technicians focus on both treatment and long-term prevention with a combination of proven strategies:

✅ Liquid Aeration

We open up the soil to break through the fungal mat, allowing better water and nutrient flow.

✅ Soil Surfactants and Wetting Agents

These help water penetrate compacted areas, improving absorption in affected zones.

✅ Fungicide Applications

We apply selective fungicides at the right time for maximum impact—targeting active fungal growth and preventing further spread.

✅ Thatch Reduction

Removing excess thatch limits the organic material the fungus feeds on.

✅ Lawn Strengthening

We promote a thicker, healthier lawn with proper mowing and premium fertilization—your best defense against future outbreaks.

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Can You Prevent Fairy Ring Fungus?

Yes—preventing Fairy Ring starts with great lawn care habits. Here’s what we recommend:

• Aerate annually to keep soil loose and reduce fungal buildup

• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots

• Mow at the right height based on your grass type

• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can fuel fungal growth

And remember, odd-looking rings are never normal—early detection leads to easier control.

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Call Dr. Green Services for Proven Lawn Fungus Solutions

If you suspect Fungus in your yard, don’t wait. Our experienced, licensed technicians know how to stop the damage before it spreads. We’re local, family-owned, and always focused on delivering the best results.

📞 Call Dr. Green Services at 800-465-2934 or get started here today! Let’s build a lawn you’ll love—lush, green, and fungus-free.