JO
Lawn Algae (Nostoc): Why you have jelly-like patches (and how to get rid of them)
Can someone identify this fungus or mold for me please? I removed the frost cloth from the area I resowed and found patches of this in the really shaded parts. It’s a like papery, rubbery film.
Hey Jono, I'm not hugely experienced when it comes to fungal diseases, but this just looks like a slime mould of some description which doesn't usually infect the grass itself. With the frost cloth now removed it's likely it'll just sort itself out and dry up from better airflow and some sunlight.
@Ben Wilton I've just had a quick look this morning. The slime spots that are getting sun seem to be reducing so looks like you're right. Thanks mate.
That’s a pretty heavy algae mat sitting under the grass canopy. Usually it points to a combination of compaction, poor drainage, low soil pH, and likely some shade or reduced airflow keeping the surface moist longer than it should.
I wouldn’t worry too much about a 100% ID, we know it’s from a family that NZLA Moss will sort, but it won’t fix the underlying issues causing it. Mix at the higher rate (500 ml per 10 L), spray onto a dry surface, and leave it for at least 12 hours before any irrigation. You should see it start to die off fairly quickly. Apply in a high water volume so you’re getting the product through the canopy and down onto the soil. If you’ve got a white 08 nozzle, use that.
Longer term, you’ll want to look at what’s allowing it to establish in the first place, whether that’s compaction, drainage, or both. It’ll keep coming back if the conditions don’t change.
@Jonny Hicks thank you. It's definitely a poor drainage area and shaded all winter. This picture was taken at about 12:45pm today. I tried to core aerate that corner before resowing but couldn't get decent cores out - too wet I thought at the time. I've thought about putting a French drain along that entire fence line. I'll order some NZLA Moss today. Thanks again.