What’s Up With the Giant Circles in Your Lawn? It Might Be Fairy Ring.
- Danny at Spring Touch
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
If you’ve spotted big, circular patches in your lawn that look greener, browner—or even have mushrooms popping up—it’s probably not a prank. You might be dealing with Fairy Ring, a common lawn fungus with a not-so-magical name.
Despite how whimsical it sounds, Fairy Ring can be a real problem if left unchecked. But with the right approach, it’s something you can manage—and we’re here to help.
How to Identify Fairy Ring
Fairy Ring shows up as:
Large rings of grass that are either darker green or browner than the surrounding turf
Circles ranging anywhere from 3 to 20 feet wide
Mushrooms growing in a ring during wet or humid conditions
A different texture or growth rate inside the ring compared to outside
These rings stand out—whether it's because the grass looks extra thick and lush, or thin and dried out.
Want to compare what you’re seeing? Here's a helpful link from the University of Wisconsin-Madison:
What Causes Fairy Ring?
Fairy Ring is caused by fungi living in the soil that feed on organic matter like dead roots and old thatch. As the fungus breaks down material, it releases nutrients—causing some areas of grass to grow faster and greener, and others to dry out.
It’s more likely to appear in:
Lawns with thick thatch layers
Poorly drained or compacted soils
Areas with buried organic debris
Turf that hasn’t been aerated regularly
What You Can Do About It
Step 1: Fertilize smart
Keeping your lawn well-fed—especially in spring and fall—helps it recover more quickly and stay healthy enough to resist fungal issues.
Step 2: Aerate annually
Liquid aeration improves drainage, reduces compaction, and helps prevent fungus buildup below the surface.
Step 3: Break up the ring
Lightly raking the affected area can help even out the growth and disrupt fungal activity—especially if mushrooms appear.
Step 4: Not sure if it’s Fairy Ring? Send us a photo!
Not quite sure if it’s Fairy Ring or something else? Text us at (507) 934-5296 or email us a photo of the affected area at info@springtouchlawn.com, and we’ll help you diagnose the issue.
Dealing with Recurring Fairy Ring? Spring Touch Can Help.
If Fairy Ring keeps popping up year after year, it's time for a more aggressive solution. Spring Touch offers fungus control treatments that can help reduce fungal buildup and restore your lawn’s health and appearance.
