Lawn Rust | How to Identify and Control It the Lawn

Don't worry if you see rust-colored dust on lawns (even your own). Lawn rust (sometimes known as grass rust) is a problem that many homeowners face. But knowing what it is and how it grows will help you prevent little yellow patches throughout your home.

What is lawn rust?

Rust is a fungal disease that affects turf grasses and inhibits growth. This commonly occurs in late summer or early fall, when the grass is dry or nitrogen deficient. Lawn rust can damage grass and expose it to other diseases and turf issues. Grass rust fungus spreads fast via spores, but most grass rust fungi do not require fungicides.

What Causes Lawn Rust?

Lawn rust is caused by a combination of conditions. They are:

• Lawn overwatering
• Thatch growth
• Nutrient deficiency

Watering your lawn is necessary, but too much water can cause problems since warm, moist weather encourages the growth of rust fungus.

Thatch is a typical, ugly lawn problem. Thatch occurs when a layer of partially degraded grass pieces (roots and stems) builds up on the ground surface. Gra

In lawn care, fertilizer is vital. Soil and grass require nutrients to thrive, and lawn fertilizer ensures this. You will probably need to apply nitrogen if your lawn develops "lawn rust."

Grass Types Commonly Affected by Rust Diseases

• Perennial ryegrass
• Tall fescue
• Kentucky bluegrass (some varieties) 
• Zoysiagrass

However, it is best to consult a local lawn care provider to verify that you are using the proper product for your lawn.

How to Control Lawn Rust

However, if replacing your sod is not an option, there are additional control techniques. In truth, most grass rust issues may be remedied with proper care and upkeep.

Mow the lawn frequently to keep it short. Also, rinse lawn tools to prevent disease spread. This reduces air circulation and provides a breeding ground for spores. Rake and remove any thatch that grows to 12 inches (1 cm).

Water early in the day to allow the grass to dry before the heat of the day. Test your soil before fertilizing with nitrogen in the fall. Fertilize your sod in September.

In most circumstances, chemical control is not required because the grass will not die. Severe infections can disfigure the grass. Because climatic conditions cannot be controlled in some regions, rust appears annually. In any of these circumstances, a fungicide should be used to prevent spore formation.