Red thread is a common lawn disease in Ohio that you should be aware of. This fungal disease appears as pinkish-red threads on the grass blades and can cause patches of discolored and weakened turf. Red thread thrives in wet, humid weather when temperatures start warming up, typically in late spring into early summer. If you suspect red thread on your lawn, it's crucial to take action promptly. Contacting professionals who can assess the situation and apply curative treatments is highly recommended to prevent further damage and restore your lawn's health.

What is red thread, and what are the symptoms of this disease?

Green grass with red threads from a disease in Delaware, OH.

Red thread is a common lawn disease that affects various types of grass. The disease gets its name from the distinctive pinkish-red threads that form on the grass blades. These threads are actually the mycelium of the fungus, which spreads across the lawn.

Another noticeable symptom of red thread is the appearance of small, irregularly shaped patches of discolored grass. The affected areas may have a pinkish or reddish hue, especially when the grass is wet. As the disease progresses, the grass blades become thin, straw-colored, and may even die off, resulting in bare patches on the lawn.

What conditions are conducive to the development of red thread?

Red thread tends to thrive in certain environmental conditions. It is most commonly observed in late spring and early summer when temperatures start warming up and there are extended periods of wet, humid conditions. Lawns that are deficient in nutrients, nitrogen in particular, are more susceptible to red thread. Poor drainage and excessive thatch build-up can also contribute to the development of red thread. Therefore, maintaining proper lawn care practices, such as regular fertilization, adequate watering, and aeration, can help prevent the development of red thread.

What should you do if you suspect your lawn has been infected with red thread?

If you suspect that your lawn is infected with red thread, it is important to take action promptly. Contacting a professional lawn care company is highly recommended. They have the expertise and knowledge to accurately diagnose the disease and provide the appropriate treatment. Professionals will typically apply curative treatments to control and eradicate the red thread fungus. They may even use multiple types of products to give you the best results.

In addition to curative treatments, it is important to address the underlying factors that contribute to the development of red thread. This may involve improving lawn fertility through regular fertilization, adjusting watering practices to avoid overwatering, and mitigating any drainage issues. By addressing these factors, you can help prevent future outbreaks of red thread and promote a healthy, resilient lawn.

You may need to invest in lawn care services to help your grass recover from a red thread infection, like fertilization, aeration, and overseeding.

Call us today to schedule our lawn disease control service.

Don't let lawn diseases detract from your turf's curb appeal and overall health! Our team at Hoffmans Lawn & Fertilization offers a lawn disease control service to safeguard your grass from these damaging stressors. You can take advantage of our curative treatments to eliminate an existing infection from your lawn, which are effective against red thread and other diseases. However, if you want to prevent these issues altogether, our preventative treatments are just what you need! These are applied 3-4 times to ensure diseases don't get the upper hand.

Our lawn disease control service is available to residential and commercial property owners, as well as HOAs, in Delaware, Lewis Center, Powell, and throughout the surrounding areas in Ohio. Give us a call today at (740) 318-5296 to schedule, and make harmful diseases a problem of the past!