Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 7/30/2005

Question
WE live in southern NH near the seacoast.
We had a new lawn put in last fall. We have fertilizer it twice so far this summer, early spring and Weed an feed early summer. The grass is yellowing all over, there are mushrooms growing in a few places and when you walk across it our toes and shoe turn a rusty orange color.
What is causing this and what can we do about it
Thank you


Answer
Your lawn has been attacked by a lawn disease called "rust" (the orange powder on your shoes). Mushroom are harmless and are actually a good sign.

Rust typically happens on overfertilized lawns and immature lawns. It is not uncommon on newly established lawns.

In future, fertilize in late spring, early fall and late fall (May, September and late October). Do not fertilize during hot summer months and avoid fertilizing too early. I do not recommend using weed-and-feed (fertilizer w/broadleaf weed control). Instead fertilize as directed in this paragraph and fight weeds seperately (use spray bottles of weed-b-gon). Always fight weeds in late spring or early fall. Do not fight weeds during hot summer months.

If you water your lawn manually, water infrequently but deeply such as once per week for 2 hours rather than 15 minutes daily.

Mow the lawn tall (2.5-3.5" after a cutting) and mow frequently (weekly). Avoid cutting too close.

There is not much you can do against lawn disease now. Just keep watering deeply but infrequently and mow when needed. The lawn will probably not improve until late fall or early next year. Fertilize as directed above.

The lawn should recover fully by next season.

Note: avoid too much fertilizer in spring and never fertilize during hot summer months. Always apply most fertilizer during the fall months.