Rust
Rust
Rust affects many different species of turfgrasses throughout our area and damage is most common during the summer and fall months.
Identifying Rust
Rust is a relatively easy lawn disease to identify in your lawn. It initially causes light yellow flecks on the grass blades and sheaths. The flecks enlarge and elongate over time, turning yellow in color. These areas then rupture, releasing spores that are yellowish-orange to reddish-brown in color (hence the name “Rust”).
A severe disease infection can cause the entire turfgrass shoot to turn yellowish to reddish-brown in color and slow growth in your lawn.
Turf may appear to be thin as individual shoots begin to die. Towards the end of the Rust disease infection cycle, leaves may become shredded and point downward if the infection is severe enough. Also, plants infected by rust are more susceptible to infection from other turfgrass diseases.
Rust Control
Cultural disease control practices create favorable conditions for a healthy lawn, and often create unfavorable conditions for the growth of Rust. Environmental conditions cannot be changed, but cultural practices performed by the homeowner can be modified to lessen the chance of extensive damage from Rust. Turf Care can help determine a plan for preventing and controlling Rust in your lawn.
For Rust control and treatment, Turf Care recommends the following cultural control tips:
- Use fertilizers with adequate levels of nitrogen
- Reduce thatch by de-thatching
- Reduce shade and improve air circulation
- Avoid watering at night
- Water deeply and infrequently to increase growth