Problems Section

Snow Mould or Fusarium Patch is one of the most common lawn diseases. Nothing like snow these round patches of yellowing grass appear in Spring or Autumn. The patches can be seperate about a foot across or merge to make a real mess. In damp weather the edges are covered with white mould, hence the name snow mould. My feeling is that it looks more like a patch where the dog has been and is usually mistaken for this, berate the dog if you wish, but the patches won’t go away with him unless treated.

Avoid using nitrogen rich fertilizers in autumn and treat by spraying with carbendazim.


Coral Spot
Throughout January 2006 we have been clearing large areas of overgrown and old debris from some of our larger gardens. In some we are noticing Coral Spot fungus on dead wood. Often the wood is dry and brittle and easily burnt (best option). The appearance is actually very pretty with raised pink pistules, but don’t be tempted to inspect it too much - get it incinerated and out of the way. The spores are air-borne and can infect living trees and shrubs through wounds. To avoid infection clean up wounds from wind damage and prune cleanly.

When you have finished working on infected wood, clean tools and disinfect as far as possible.

For an in depth description and treatment try the following RHS link

Powdery Mildew

Major Oak in Sherwood Forest - now here you have a tree with a serious problem. It needs props to maintain itself, indeed they are so out of place in winter that it begs the question, ‘Why not paint the struts?’