Have you ever noticed slight orange or reddish-brown patches across the lawn? It might sound odd, but those are most probably the rust, which are not the same as the ones that are found on metal. These rusts can be damaging to the lawn, and are most commonly caused due to fungal spores.
These rusts are mostly visible during mid-summer and stay till late fall and making the lawn look unsightly. In addition to affecting the grass and small plants nearby, this rust can also damage your shoes and clothes while you are out on a walk. So, most homeowners have a common question: “how to treat lawn rust?” If you have a similar issue, then this blog will provide answers to your question.
How to Identify Rust in Your Lawn?
If you don’t know what rust disease looks like, here are a few signs to look for -
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Uneven yellow patches are one of the first signs that you may notice.
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As the disease spreads, you may find orangish powder on the grass blade. This occurs when the yellow fleck ruptures and releases yellow-orange, powdery spores. These powdery substances can stick to anything, even your clothes and shoes.
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In case of severe rust issues, you may also find the grass turf thinning and grass blades dying back.
What Are the Causes of Lawn Rust?
Lawn rust is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm and humid climates. They prefer shaded areas and prefer to stay away from light. If you live in a region with temperatures around the 70s, followed by morning dew or cool, wet periods, you may notice rust forming in the lawn.
Lawn rust usually has a rusty orangish color, either as a few spots or may also cover the leaves completely. These spores are lightweight and can spread through the wind or be picked up by humans or animals.
How to Treat Lawn Rust?
Here are some ways to treat lawn rust -
Reduce Watering
Do not water your lawn frequently. Instead, try deep but infrequent watering methods. Also, you can water the yard during the morning, which allows the grass to dry up during the day.
Fertilize Your Lawn
You can apply nitrogen to the lawn, as it makes the grass less hospitable for rusts to settle in. However, it is important to understand that adding fertilizer is not required during certain times of the year.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Pruning trees and shrubs allows sunlight and fresh air to reach the turf. This also ensures proper circulation, which allows excess moisture to dry and prevents fungal infection.
Reduce Moisture Levels
You cannot control the weather, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the moisture levels in the lawn, such as -
Aerate the Lawn: Aeration loosens the soil, which helps in better water absorption and drainage. This reduces the accumulation of water and moisture retention.
Dethatch: Gently dethatch the infected areas. This helps remove the layer of organic matter that covers the soil and smothers the grass. This method prevents water evaporation and ensures the moisture level is high around the roots, crowns, and stems of the grass.
How to Repair Your Lawn After Rust?
Rust only damages the foliage of the grass, and you can remove the infected tip as the grass grows. You can water the turf for the grass to grow properly, especially during the drought season, and feed it with nitrogen-based fertilizers. All these speed up the healing process and restore the beauty of your lawn by making it lush green again.
However, it is recommended to evaluate the amount of fertilizers you’re applying. Don’t overfeed the grass during summer, especially if it is cool-season turf. With all this care, you can expect the grass to grow healthy again in 2-3 weeks.
How to Prevent Rust in the Lawn?
If your lawn is stressed out, it is most likely to develop rust problems. So, the best preventive solution is to keep them healthy and strong. Here are some tips you can consider to keep your lawn green and healthy -
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Ensure the lawn is well-fed, as it helps the grass grow deeper and stronger roots that can fight diseases.
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Avoid watering too frequently, as it gives the grass the exact moisture it needs, neither too much nor too little.
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Make sure the lawn is properly aerated and dethatched. You can do this every 3-5 years to help air, water, and nutrients move freely into the soil.
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Consider mowing your lawn to the proper height, depending on the grass type. This encourages stronger and vigorous growth.
Conclusion
The best way to treat lawn rust is to prevent the fungal condition and control the atmosphere, making it less likely for the rust to develop. Keep the lawn mowed and feed the grass with fertilizers, as per the grass type.
