JUNE 2022
The earliest signs of red thread are often brown patches in the grass, followed by thin, red or pink strands of fungus. These threads may be hard to notice at first, but as the infection progresses, they become difficult to miss.
Soil with low organic matter is also more prone to developing red thread. Grass that’s already weak, sick, or malnourished has more difficulty fighting off infections, leading to more severe cases.
Avoid shading too much of your lawn. Shade slows evaporation, which leads to wetter soil and high humidity at ground level.
Thatch that forms in lawns should be removed when it reaches half an inch thick. If left to get thicker, it can restrict airflow and drainage, making red thread more likely. Make sure to sanitize the equipment after using it, especially if you rented it.
Use a clippings bag or catcher so the infected grass doesn’t redistribute across the lawn. Don’t compost the clippings, as this would add red thread fungus into your compost as well. Throw the clippings away, or dispose of them far away from your lawn.
