Fairy ring is caused by more than 60 basidiomycete fungi, including those producing the familiar puffballs and toadstools. The rings result from the activities of these fungi growing radially through the thatch or soil, rather than from a direct parasitic relationship with the turfgrass. Fairy ring occurs wherever grass is grown.
Type 1 - Rings that result in loss of turf at the outer margin of the ring.
Type 2 - Rings have outer margins that are darker green in colour than the surrounding turf. Fruiting bodies may or may not be found in association with Type 1 and 2 rings.
Type 3 - Rings exhibit a ring of fruiting bodies with no effect on the turf.