Can anyone identify my lawn problem?

I have a lawn laid new a few years age using standard garden centre turf. It is on chalky soil and drains well. Last year individual leaves went a sort of red/gold colour, then large patches died. I tried aerating and feeding but it got worse. During the winter, with frost, it improved, but now it's coming back. Any ideas?

 

Hi Dux .....welcome to GC...
This may be your problem...

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=487

 

It's a long time since I worked as a groundsman .. We used to get Red Thread disease on some turfed areas which matches your symptoms..
It is usually worse in autumn and early winter .
Lawns should be aerated and given a nitrogen feed ..I think you could use Bayer Garden Lawn Disease Control, but I'm a bit out of touch with these things ..
Hope this helps

Dave

 

Thanks, guys. It's certainly not chafer grubs, but I don't think it's red thread either. There are no signs of actual threads, just red/gold grass blades. Looks a right mess though .

 

I agree with Dave, it sounds very much like Red Thread. The red thread refers to the pink or red colouring of individual grass leaves. Treat with a suitable fungicide.

 

Red thread might clear up with a nitrogen rich feed. Not much red thread about at this time of year though.