Red Thread

Red thread is here in Morgantown, as it is almost every year. During my 40 plus years, I have learned to manage its damage, and for the most part accept it, just like my 20-plus-year hair style.

Take a moment to look at the video "Why Am I Getting Splotches in My Yard?", and then study the photo to see what we are talking about. (Thank you. Now we are thinking about the same thing.)

The most common symptom, which you see here, is the turf losing its color, particularly after it has been cut. When you get close to it, you see the little pink threads that are the fruit, you might say, of the fungus. It knits the grass in 4-by-4-inch round splotches.  

In Morgantown, it generally appears when we have had a cool rainy cycle followed by super grass growth, temperatures in the 80s, and humidity spikes. Why, I believe that’s what we call spring here?

Honestly, until 28 years ago, I treated red thread with fungicides, and you can probably hire that from one of the other very capable lawn care companies. Now, however, I only treat to cure, and red thread is not curable when you look at the side effects from the poisons. I found another way.

Because it’s here every year, I prepare for it. Because you are astute, you have noted I treat often late in the year, three times in the fall—even up to January—and then once in the spring. I am building roots, which is why my lawns look good today, even those that haven’t been sprayed yet this year due to wet weather.  

I also supplement with organics and food for the organics existing in your lawn. I stress a mowing height of 3.5 inches for, in short, potential root depth, tillering, shading, and resistance to things such as red thread. Mulching is imperative too. Please do not bag your lawn as it needs this resource.   

If you see red thread in your yard, regardless, trust Lao Tzu: “This too will pass.” Then prepare for the exciting next step to lawn care. With temperatures heating up, your lawn will soon turn brown, and red thread will just be a memory.