When you walk around your yard, do you ever notice patches of grass that have pink or reddish strings growing at the top? If so, you are most likely noticing a fungal disease known as red thread disease.
You might also be tempted to treat your lawn with a fungicide to eradicate the pathogens that cause red thread disease — but unfortunately, fungicides are only effective in preventing fungal disease, and they do not work as treatments for fungal infection.
With that said, you might be wondering: what is the best way to treat and prevent red thread disease in your yard? This lawn care company in Auburndale, Florida is going to discuss everything you’ll need to know below.
First: How to Identify Red Thread Disease
The main pathogen for the red thread is Laetisaria fuciformis. You don’t have to be a professional landscaper in Auburndale to identify red thread disease. The telltale signs are:
- circular patches that go from 1 inch to 2 feet in diameter
- red antler-like threads that protrude from the tips of the infected grass
- stringy sclerotia with fuzzy mycelium
What Causes Red Thread Disease?
Laetisaria fuciformis thrive on temperatures between 40°F and 75°F. High moisture and humidity are also factors for these fungi to thrive.
Long, hot, oppressive, and wet summers, as well as cool winters in Auburndale, Florida, makes it even more challenging to keep your turf from getting infected by funguses. Other factors that can cause red thread disease are over-accumulation of thatch, drought, low fertilization, nitrogen-deficient lawn, and not enough sunlight.
How to Treat Red Thread Disease
As soon as you suspect red thread disease, it would be best if you acted quickly. Mycelium from red thread can spread easily, so prioritizing a lawn care routine can make your lawn recover much faster.
No amount of fungicide can stop red thread. So, to treat this disease, the following treatments can turn your turf from red to green:
- Fertilize. Since red thread attacks nutrient-deficient lawns, a light application of quick-release nitrogen fertilizer can make drastic improvements.
If you follow a natural way of fertilizing your lawn with grass clippings, you might want to consider avoiding this method for the time being. Rain can easily cause the clippings to clump up, which holds in moisture that red thread loves.
- De-compact your soil. Compacted soil prevents airflow in the root system of your grass. Regularly aerating your lawn can improve drainage and allow nutrients to reach the roots as it goes deeper into the ground.
- Manage the soil’s pH. Maintaining the pH levels of the soil between 6.5 to 7 can help reduce red thread. Applying lime to the soil can help you achieve the right pH.
- Water correctly. The sun sets in the afternoon, which means you’ll want to avoid watering during these times. As any knowledgeable lawn care company in Auburndale will tell you, excess water cannot evaporate without sunlight. As such, the excess water will keep the grass moist, which is the perfect breeding ground for fungus. So, take advantage of long sunny days in Auburndale, Florida and water your lawn early in the morning.
Fungal disease on your turf can be quite challenging to treat and manage. While maintaining your yard on your own can help you save money each month, sometimes, it’s best to leave issues like this to the experts.
Looking for the Most Trusted Lawn Care Company in Auburndale, Florida?
Are you dealing with any issues with your lawn? Looking to partner with the most trusted lawn care company in Auburndale, Florida? If so, look no further than Creative Edge Landscaping & Lawn Care LLC. Contact us today at (863) 880-1355 learn how we can assist you.