Fairy rings are circular patterns of mushrooms or fungus that appear on lawns. The rings of varying size (from 1 foot to several hundred feet) usually make an appearance in spring or summer and are caused by the release of organic nutrients such as nitrogen. Generally speaking, mushrooms and fairy ring are an indication of very healthy, nutrient-rich soil under the turf.http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/fairyring/fairyring.htmhttp://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/PDFFiles/004051/Fairy_Ring.pdf The fungus that causes fairy rings is Marasmius oreades, and its mycelium (the body of the fungus) spreads outward in a sprawling ring shape.http://www.herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/funfacts/Ringsfct.htm.

There are three basic types of fairy ring. Type One appears as rings of dead grass that result from the thatch and soil becoming hydrophobic, meaning that they repel water. Type One characteristically appears during dry, hot summer months. In contrast, Type Two appears as rings of dark green, lush grass that grows faster than the surrounding grass. This type, too, is most common during dry, hot summer months. Type Three embodies the most typical image of fairy ring, with mushrooms appearing in a circle or arc. This type is most common during prolonged bouts of wet weather and lawn conditions.http://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/PDFFiles/004051/Fairy_Ring.pdf

Fairy ring will often not cause any serious harm to lawns, and is mainly considered a cosmetic nuisance. Stumps or old pieces of decaying wood should be removed from the area to prevent the fungus from forming. For all types of fairy ring, heavy watering is recommended, and should be done in the early morning hours--never in the late afternoon or evening.

Type One -

Treating the dehydrated, water-resistant soil of this type of fairy ring means rehydrating the soil by aerating and allowing water to reach deeply into the soil. Homeowners should take caution not to overwater surrounding areas where fairy ring is not present.http://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/PDFFiles/004051/Fairy_Ring.pdf

Type Two -

This type of fairy ring can be disguised by applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to surround grassy areas. This will cause a green-up and growth spurt and will mask the ring effect. This will not, however, treat the actual fungus.http://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/PDFFiles/004051/Fairy_Ring.pdf

Type Three -

The mushrooms that appear with this form of fairy ring can be hand-removed or trimmed down. Homeowners who choose to remove them by hand should take care to wash their hands thoroughly after touching the mushrooms.

Fungicides are not recommended for treating fairy rings.http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/fairing.shtmlhttp://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/fairyring/fairyring.htm

Fairy rings, aside from being a common lawn nuisance also have a place in mythological history. Centuries-old tales depicted fairy rings as mushroom paths that were created by fairies dancing in a ring on the grass. For thousands of years some people have believed that walking into a fairy ring could bring misfortune from either death at a young age, or being stuck in a fairy world and being unable to escape the ring. According to these old traditions, the only way to be safe was to run around the fairy ring exactly nine times (never ten) while a full moon is in the sky. Wearing a hat backwards is also said to offer protection, as it is supposed to confuse the fairies.http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/plants/news-fantastic-folklore-surrounding-fairy-rings