Red rust throughout lawn - Ask Extension
I am experiencing a discoloration in my lawn..not as vibrant..in last 3 weeks orange/ yellow dust on shoes and lawnmower when I cut lawn..I have had t...
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Red rust throughout lawn #878620
Asked July 24, 2024, 3:53 PM EDT
I am experiencing a discoloration in my lawn..not as vibrant..in last 3 weeks orange/ yellow dust on shoes and lawnmower when I cut lawn..I have had this in the past years..but nothing has really helped . Lawn has looked great until last couple weeks. Also I have kept it a bit longer this year do to early heat..what chemical or application would you recommend..thank you
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
You have Rust, caused by fungi in the Puccinia species which is largely a cosmetic disease. The orange dust on your shoes and lawn mower are spores of the fungus. Adequate nitrogen and irrigation (early in the day) are the usual ways to control rust in established lawns. Fungicides are usually only used on newly seeded turf. More info in the attached links:
https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/preventing-rust-diseases-home-lawns
https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-diseases-rust-diseases-causal-fungi-puccinia-spp
https://turf.purdue.edu/rust-diseases/
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/turfrustdiseases.pdf
If you haven't done so I suggest you do a soil test! You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/preventing-rust-diseases-home-lawns
https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-diseases-rust-diseases-causal-fungi-puccinia-spp
https://turf.purdue.edu/rust-diseases/
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/turfrustdiseases.pdf
If you haven't done so I suggest you do a soil test! You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
Thank you..Dick M ...I will try the soil sample
On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:25 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dick..I have been cutting lawn 1 setting higher this year..to help against heat..grass generally looked better until recently.. I do pick up clippings ..is increased height making a difference with the rust ?
On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 3:01 PM, Steve Stahley<<personal data hidden>> wrote:Thank you..Dick M ...I will try the soil sample
On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 2:25 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Good for you, mowing higher! Your turf also thanks you. Rust is rarely a fatal turf disease. Fungicides are not recommended very often. Bagging clippings won't hurt while you see rust on the grass blades, stop bagging when the rust is gone. I don't think the taller turf makes it more susceptible to rust.
Smart Lawns Tip Sheets-MSU - see mowing height and mulching leaves tip sheets
The soil test results will give you fertilizer recommendations.
Smart Lawns Tip Sheets-MSU - see mowing height and mulching leaves tip sheets
The soil test results will give you fertilizer recommendations.
