Fungicides can be effective in minimizing the damage. But, for satisfactory results, they must be applied early in the spring, as grass begins to turn green. A balanced nitrogen fertility program in the fall will eliminate the need for fungicide. Red thread may occur on all cool season turfgrasses used for Midwestern lawns. It is generally a disease of spring and fall, with symptoms often disappearing during the heat of the summer.
Outbreaks occur in turf stands where nitrogen fertility is at less than optimum levels.
The disease may be spread by water or machinery moving over infected turf. Patches enlarge as the fungus grows outward from the initial infection site. The patches tend to have a pink cast. The threads are structures called sclerotia that enable the fungus to survive among turf debris in upper layers of soil. Symptoms can be confused with dollar spot at initial observation.