Symptoms of red thread are small, circular patches of tan colored grass, usually with a distinctive pink hue. When observed up close pink to pale red fungal growth can be seen in association with the tan, grass blades. Red thread usually occurs early in the season when air temperatures are still rather cool. Dollar spot disease usually occurs a little later in the spring than red thread. It is more common when daytime temperatures are warm but nights are still on the cool side.
Symptoms are small, tan color spots in the turf.
On most lawn grasses these spots are usually four to six inches in diameter. The affected grass blades develop a lesion that is bleached colored and bordered by a darker tan or reddish brown margin. The overall appearance is similar to red thread but there is no hint of red or pink on the grass blades. With both of these diseases a primary control strategy is reviewing the nitrogen fertility of the turf. If there is the potential or likelihood that nitrogen levels are below normal levels, an application of a water-soluble nitrogen source can be very helpful in dealing with both of these diseases.