Grounds Services, Inc. | Turf, Tree & Shrub Management System: Turf Disease: Rust

Turf Disease

rust on grass Rust
Rust is favored by warm and humid conditions and develops most frequently on grasses subject to drought conditions, low nitrogen fertility and shade. The disease first appears on grass leaves as small orange to reddish-brown flecks that enlarge to form raised pustules on leaves and stems. They contain a powdery mass of orange to reddish-brown spores. As the pustules mature, they turn brown to black. Heavily infested turf becomes thin with an overall yellow-orange to reddish-brown color. Infected leaves turn yellow, wither and die though this disease is rarely severe.

Disease Development Favored by:

Soil compaction/poor drainage
Thatch build up
Low Fertility
Lack of moisture
High humidity

Corrective Measures:

Do not mow while lawn is wet
Do not water in the evening
Remove thatch
Aerate lawn
Mow on a regular basis

Rust on lawn

Fungicides are not usually warranted, though if you need a technician to come out and review the condition of your lawn, feel free to contact us at 419-536-4344.

Grounds Services is Ohio certified in:
Commercial Core
Aquatic
Industrial Vegetation
Ornamental Pest Control
Ornamental Weed Control
Vertebrate Animal Control
Turf Pest Control
General Pest Control