If you’re walking around your neighborhood and notice rust-colored dust on lawns (including your own), don’t fret. Lawn rust (also called grass rust) is a common problem many homeowners experience at one point or another. But understanding what it is and how it develops will help you keep those small yellow patches from developing around your home.
What Is Lawn Rust?
Lawn rust does not develop like the rust you find on your car or an old swing set. In this case, the rust is caused by a common lawn fungus.
Lawn rust typically starts showing up in the late summer or early fall. It is a fungal lawn disease that is often triggered by the stress of shorter days and periods of cool, wet weather.
What Causes Lawn Rust?
In conjunction with these conditions, lawn rust is often a result of several additional factors. They include:
- Overwatering your lawn
- Thatch build-up
- Deficient nutrient levels
Watering your lawn is important to keep it thriving, but too much water can lead to trouble because warm, moist, humid weather creates the perfect environment for rust fungus to develop.
Thatch is a common and quite unsightly lawn problem. Thatch occurs when a layer of partially decomposed grass parts (roots and stems) build up into what looks like a thick mat on the surface of the ground. Gra
An important part of lawn care is fertilizing. Lawn fertilization ensures that your grass and soil are getting all of the nutrients they need to thrive. In the case of lawn rust, your lawn will most likely need nitrogen added.
What Types of Grass Are Affected?
Lawn rust infections can occur with almost any type of grass, including:
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Tall Fescue
If you’re not sure what type of lawn you have, you’ll find that treatments are generally the same for all types, but it is best to check with a local lawn care company to ensure you are using the right product for your lawn.
How To Control Lawn Rust
If you’ve spotted what looks like rust-colored dust on your lawn, you should consider treating it right away. Our lawn care technicians are some of the best in the business. They can help you to confirm the signs and symptoms of lawn rust and prevent it from ever coming back.
Our team will not only properly fertilize your lawn, but they will also perform services like:
- Aeration
- Fungicides
- Watering recommendations
We’ll identify a proper watering schedule for your lawn, to ensure you never over water again.
Don’t hesitate to connect with the Lush Lawn team for treatment options if you come across lawn rust on your lawn. Contact your local Lush Lawn branch to request our services.