What is a distinctive symptom of Fairy rings in turfgrass?

A distinctive symptom of fairy rings in turfgrass is the presence of arcs of green stimulated turf. Fairy rings are caused by certain types of fungi and are characterized by a circular or arc-shaped pattern of lush, green grass that grows more vigorously than the surrounding turf. This increased growth is often due to the organic matter released by the fungal mycelium, which enhances the nutrient availability in the soil, leading to an area of dark green grass.

In contrast, the other symptoms mentioned do not accurately represent fairy rings. Rings of dead grass or brown spots that appear during drought are not typical of this condition and may indicate other issues, such as heat stress or pest infestations. Patchy growth of stunted grass could also suggest problems like nutrient deficiencies or diseases unrelated to the specific influence of fairy rings. Therefore, the unique characteristic of enhanced green turf in arc patterns distinctly identifies the presence of fairy rings.