Red Thread- Pink, Patchy, and Problematic
With all of the rain we’ve been having, one common problem keeps showing up on the lawns I’ve been working on - red thread. From a homeowner’s perspective it may just look like your turf is patchy, but it’s actually a fungal disease that thrives in humid, wet climates. Typically we see the majority of these cases in May, but with this year’s climate some lawn diseases have been a bit more persistent.
So what does red thread actually look like? Well, to someone who doesn’t know what it is, it’ll look like dead grass or sun damage. If you look closer at these patches you’ll see:
a pinkish or reddish hue when wet
threadlike strands that cling to the grass
slower regrowth in those areas
Most of the time red thread will eventually clear itself out. Nitrogen in the soil promotes new growth so it will be pushed out and make way for new grass growth. However, during heavy rainfall, nitrogen gets caught up in runoff and is carried away with the surface water. If left untreated, red thread can create more thatch which causes a higher risk of further lawn disease.
How can Jersey Worms help?
In our normal plans we don’t offer red thread treatment, but we do have it as an add-on service. We use fungicides containing azoxystrobin or propiconazole, both of which get absorbed by the plant. This treatment is applied to your whole lawn and starts working within a few days. Visible improvement, though, may take a few weeks to notice a difference.
Red thread isn’t the worst lawn disease out there, but it’s a clear sign that your lawn needs a little TLC. From where I stand, it’s a reminder that even the healthiest looking lawns can have underlying issues. If you notice weird patches or reddish strands on your lawn, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Give it some attention, and with the right care, your lawn can bounce back stronger than ever.
As always, if you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, don’t hesitate to call Jersey Worms. We’ve got the eye, and the resources, to get your grass back in shape.