Red Thread

Thumbies,

Red thread is here! What is it? Why do I have it? How do I get rid of it?

What is it...Red Thread is a fungus that is caused (as most are) by hot days, cool nights and wet weather. Add them all up and you got yourself a perfect recipe for Red Thread! Small spots on the grass blade that appear water soaked enlarge and cover part of the leaf blade. As the spots dry, they fade to a light brown. Pink webs bind the grass blades together and the fungus forms thin (red / pink) gel spots at the top of the grass leaf...hence RED THREAD.

Why do I have it...The reason you have it is that Red Thread attacks healthy Kentucky Bluegrass and Ryegrass. Most of us have this grass combination in our lawns.

How do I get rid of it...There are two ways to control this fungus. The first is to wait it out and MAYBE the fungus will not get worse and go away in a few weeks. The second is to have me come to your lawn and spray a fungicide on your grass. NOTE: this fungicide will not kill / control Red Thread but is will stop it from progressing and getting worse. Also, regular feeding of your lawn, which is what we do, will help to control the disease.

Cultural practices you can do: Mow your lawn with a bagger and get rid of the grass. Wash your mower and shoes. I've had some clients even soak their mower blades in clorox. Is this necessary...that is a question only you can answer.


At the very least, if you see signs of Red Thread, please call me!



TIP OF THE DAY...If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's probably Red Thread!