Wet and Humid June Can Bring Red Thread Fungus To Lawns In New Hampshire

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Red Thread

Stratham, NH (PRWEB) June 30, 2012

The problem was spotted by real estate professional Jim R. Bolduc of Stratham NH when viewing a real estate listing. Jim researched the problem by connecting with O’Brien Landscaping of Dover.

[Red thread is a fungal infection that turns the grass blades to a red-brown thread like color. Disease begins first in patches in areas of high moisture but then can easily spread and end up covering a large area. From a distance the just look like brown spots or dry patches but up close they often look red.

The cause of the fungus is too much water and high humidity. Lawns with compact soil and poor drainage are at greater risk. In Northern New England, specifically New Hampshire perennial ryegrass is most susceptible to this lawn disease and lawns that are mowed too short are also at greater risk.

The goods new is that red thread will likely go away on its own though it could take until the cooler weather of the fall arrives. Fertilizer (in particular nitrogen) will help feed the lawn and return the green. Seasonal lawn maintenance program such as the do-it-yourself Scotts 4-step system and programs offered by professional lawn care maintenance companies should contain the necessary fertilizer to help with the problem. There are anti-fungal treatments on the market if for lawns with server problems.

To help prevent red thread in the future over-seeding in the late summer with other strains of grass if the lawn is mostly perennial rye grass. Aerating will loosen dense compacted soil and continue on a fertilizing schedule. Of course properly watering intervals are important to not contribute to the cause.

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