Getting Rid of Lawn Rust
by
Gabby Hyman, All About Lawns Columnist
July 7, 2008
Fortunately, rust disease is not a serious
malady, nor does it occur every year on your lawn. Rust occurs most
often in hot, humid climates in the northern, central, south,
southeast, and eastern states. When you have a steady patch of 90-plus
degree weather, showers and cloudy days followed by sizzling
temperatures--that's when rust gets a toehold in the grass. Rust won't
kill off your lawn, but it can weaken it sufficiently and expose it to
more damaging diseases.
Rust
begins in shaded areas of the lawn where lingering dew and moisture
from excessive watering has a chance to brew. Nitrogen deficiency can
also contribute to rust. The spores are light and minute, easily spread
by wind and footfall, or can be carried about underneath your lawn
mower. You'll know you have it if the dust rising from your passing
mower kicks up in a reddish hue. In a severe case, the blades of grass
go yellow and droop.
Controlling Rust on Summer Lawns
Rust
prefers new or year-old lawns, particularly Kentucky bluegrass,
perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. You won't need fungicides to
battle it. First, be sure to clean your shoes and the undercarriage and
wheels of your mower (with 10 percent bleach solutions) if you believe
you've walked across rust in the lawn.
Cut
back on watering in the areas prone to the disease, especially in
shaded parts of the lawn, and water only early in the day, allowing the
summer heat to evaporate excess moisture. Mow as frequently as you can,
without cutting the lawn too closely (scalping). Keep kids and critters
off the rust as well.
If rust becomes more
than a rare occurrence year after year, it's time to consult with a
lawn expert about adding different over-seed or blended cultivars to
your lawn to beef up resistance.
Source:
University
of Illinois Extension
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for
Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems,
Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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