Question
I just recently moved to Omaha, Nebraska 68116 and I have had trouble trying to get my lawn looking nice ever since due to the previous homeowner not caring for the lawn. Just recently I have noticed a rust colored look on my lawn and it has now spread throughout my front and backyard, but has not affected my neighbors yards. On the individual blades up close, it looks like little spherical shaped fungi with a rust color. When you walk on the lawn a rust colored powder/dust will cover your shoes. What can I do to treat this problem? I can get pictures if necessary. Thank you.

Mikael Daugherty

Answer
You appear to have identified the problem correct.

"Rust" is the name for the orange or yellow-orange spores which is found on grass especially in late summer to early fall when weather is dry. The spherical shapes are called pustules and they come off easily when rubbed. It is therefore easy to get on your shoes, etc.

Typically lawns which is not growing actively due to low levels of fertility (fertilizer) are susceptible to rust. However, it does not have to be due to lack of fertilization. Cool season grass are often affected by very hot or dry summers which can also result in less active growth and make them suceptible to rust. Finally, heavily watered lawns (or lots of rain) can wash out nitrogen from the soil (especially on sandy loam bases) which can have same effect.


There is not much you can do now, and you definitely do not need any fungicides, etc. However you can change some horiticultural factors as follows:
- fertilize in september and october using a high nitrogen fertilizer (such as Scott's Turfbuilder 29-3-4).
- water infrequently and deeply if you do water. Try to water maximum twice per week and when you water, water deeply (45-60 minutes each time). Try to water in early morning hours, or alternatively at night after dew fall. Avoid fertilizing in late afternoon or early evening.

If you have not done so already, I also recommend that you have a soil test done. If phosphorous or potassium levels show below optimum, it may be a good idea to use fertilizers with higher levels of these. For example, the so-called "Starter fertilizers" have higher levels of phosphorous and the so-called "Winterizers" have higher levels of potassium. If needed, substitute these for your usual (normal) type fertilizer as needed.

Good luck.