This annoying problem is a fungal illness known as grass rust fungal disease or “Lawn Rust”. This is a yellowish-orange tint caused by rust fungus, and it transfers into your shoes when you walk over the lawn. At first, this condition appears as a little yellowish dot on the blades of grass. From a distance, it seems to be large patches of yellowish-orange grass. When you pull a couple of blades from the lawn, you'll notice that they're coated in a yellowish orange powder. In severe cases grasses can decay to a dark brown color causing the grass to weaken and die.
About Lawn Rust
It frequently appears in patches or completely covers the full area.
Lawn Rust fungi are obligate parasites, which means they must eat living plants to survive.
Typically affects Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and zoysia grass.
This fungus normally appears after a long growing season, typically in late summer or early fall.
When fungal spores cover the grass, they prevent the grass from performing photosynthesis, converting sunlight energy into chemical energy.
Causes Of Lawn Rust
This fungus normally appears after a long growing season, typically in late summer or early fall.
A stressed and tired lawn is very susceptible to Lawn Rust.
Lawns that are low in nitrogen and have poor soil conditions.
Dry weather or low hot days with limited watering.
Overwatering can also promote the growth of fungus in grass.
Prevention for Lawn Rust
To stay clear of Lawn Rust, the first step is to maintain a healthy, thick lawn. A thick lawn is less likely to be attacked by diseases and pests that feed on weaker grass.
Fertilize your lawn regularly. Nitrogen specificity can help treat and keep Lawn Rust at bay.
Water the lawn at regular intervals rather than at short intervals. Water early in the day to allow the grass to dry before the heat of the day sets in.
Mow your lawn on a regular basis and at the proper height (3 to 3.5 inches during hot summer months)
Check out “The Ultimate Lawn Care Guide” to learn more about keeping your lawn healthy.
Treatments For Lawn Rust Fungus
Water early in the morning to give the grass blades time to dry and grow. Make sure you do not have any standing water on your lawn.
Fertilize your lawn with a high-nitrogen, quick-release fertilizer like Scotts® Green Max™ Lawn Food. Nitrogen will help your grass grow quickly and should get your lawn out of trouble fast.
Fungicides, like Scotts® DiseaseExTM Lawn Fungicide can be used, but typically are not needed and should only be used in severe situations. If properly fertilized, lawn rust may go away on its own.
The lawn rust can be an annoying issue and without proper care can also cause unwanted problems with your lawn. That being said, follow these simple steps, give your lawn the care it needs and you might never have to worry about Lawn Rust again!
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