How to Prevent Rust in Lawns

If your lawn has a yellow, orange or reddish tinge, it may have a rust fungus infection. You might find the rust rubbing off on your shoes or blowing like dust when you cut the grass. Rust occurs most often during hot humid weather in shady areas with high soil compaction, particularly when lawns become overly wet. You cannot prevent weather that is favorable to rust, but you can use some techniques to prevent the development or spread of rust in your lawn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Irrigation or sprinkler system
• Low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer
• Aerator
• Lawn mower
• Mild soap

1. Water the lawn deeply in the early morning, according to the needs of the grass rather than on a timed schedule. Apply at least 1 inch of water with each watering and up to 3 inches a week.

2. Feed the lawn with a low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer over eight weeks. Follow the directions for the product of your choice.

3. Use an aerator to poke holes in the soil. If you do not own one, you can rent one from a tool rental business or hardware store. Both manual and motorized aerators are available. Aeration allows water and nutrients to penetrate to the grass roots and prevents them from standing on top of highly-compacted soil.

4. Wash the underside of your lawn mower with mild soap and water if you notice rust in the lawn and you have already cut the grass this season. Mowing unaffected areas with an unwashed blade can spread the rust.

5. Set the mower blade to its highest setting, because short grass is affected more by heat and has a difficult time fighting off disease.

6. Mow unaffected areas first if your lawn has rust anywhere, then use a bag when mowing the areas affected by rust or collect the clippings afterward.

References

• Cornell University: Common Lawn Diseases
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Aerating Your Lawn