In This Article >  Yellow Grass >  Bare or Ragged Patches >  Red Grass >  Whitish Grass >  Brown Grass >  Shabby, Worn-Out Looking Lawn >  Mushrooms >  MOSS >  DIRT MOUNDS

This is a fairly reliable indication of disease; fortunately, both red thread and rust are easily diagnosed and treatable.

What Causes It

Red Thread
Red thread, a fungus that occurs during cool, wet weather, causes circular patches of dried grass.

Fast fix: Mow regularly to remove infected blade tips, and apply compost.

Prevention: Water deeply and provide regular, adequate nitrogen by leaving the grass clippings on the lawn.

Rust
Rust, a fungus afflicting drought-stressed, nutrient-starved lawns, causes reddish spores.

Fast fix: Mow regularly to remove infected blade tips, and leave grass clippings on the lawn.

Prevention: Avoid night watering, which causes a prime damp environment for spores to grow.

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