Fairy Ring

Fairy rings are reported to be caused by many (60) different soil-inhabiting fungi of the class Basidiomycetes. These fungi can cause the development of rings or arcs of deep green grass as well as unthrifty or dead grass. Rings may vary in size from a few inches to 200 feet (60 meters) or more in diameter with an annual radial growth of 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 19 inches (48 cm) depending on grass, soil and weather conditions. The term fairy ring' has its origin in myth and superstition as they were believed to be the result of a circle of dancing pixies (fairies'). These circular rings were also thought to be the result of lighting strikes and where the devil churned his butter. Today's research community has shown the dark green circles are the result of fungi colonizing the soil, leaf litter or thatch. The break down of organic matter by fungal activity releases nitrogen stimulating grass on the outside of the ring causing it to grow taller and darker than surrounding grass. The band of stimulated grass is often associated with the fruiting bodies of the fungus. The fruiting bodies range in size from 3/8 inch (1 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. Some of these so-called mushrooms',toadstools' and `puffballs' are poisonous and are best picked and disposed of if young children frequent the area. Removing these fruiting bodies does not weaken the fungus but does help improve the aesthetics of the area.