Rust

About Rust

Rust (Puccinia spp.) produces the distinctive orange powder on grass blades that rubs off on shoes, mower decks, and pets. It is visible in Middle Tennessee fescue toward the end of spring and is almost entirely cosmetic — it does not significantly damage plant health. Rust is in the same not-a-real-problem category as red thread. The window in which it is active in our climate is very short, and from an integrated pest management perspective it is not worth adding a dedicated chemistry or treatment visit. If rust shows up during May or June, the fungicides already being applied for brown patch and dollar spot prevention will address it as a side benefit. The simple fix if rust bothers you visually: apply a little nitrogen to push fescue growth. The grass outgrows the infected tissue faster than the pathogen can spread. You can also simply mow and bag the clippings once to remove the most visibly affected leaf blades — the new growth coming in behind will be clean. If you see orange powder on your lawn and shoes, do not call an emergency service or buy fungicide at the hardware store. It is not going to kill your grass.

Rust (Puccinia spp.) is a lawn or landscape disease commonly found in Middle Tennessee, including Columbia, Thompson's Station, Spring Hill, and the surrounding areas. This entry is part of our Disease Identification Library.

As lawn care and treatment specialists, we diagnose and treat Rust regularly when servicing properties across the region. Early identification is the key to effective fungicide treatment and minimizing damage to your turf and landscape plants.