Look Out for Turf Disease

Turf diseases has begun to flare up with the May rains and may be having an impact on your lawn. The two primary culprits right now are Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) and Leafspot (Helminthosporium). Red Thread is a foliar disease that affects the topgrowth of your lawn, but will not cause permanent damage. It appears as pale spots or areas which will vary in size and can be rather unsightly. These may have a red or pinkish tint and, upon closer inspection, will show red strands and/or pink cottony growths of mycelium on the tips of the grass.

 

Comments

[Julie F]

Hi Todd and Cliff,

Thanks for these posts. Always learning something new - I have been cutting my grass too short. Great watering suggestion. I have been watering in the morning before I go to work, but had been told by some I should not be watering then. Now, I know I am doing something right.

If someone has either of these turf diseases is there anything that can be done to help the grass recover, such as fertilizer? Or should they resolve pretty much on their own with time as the weather gets drier and warmer?

Thanks, again, for all your insights!