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CAPED crusaders, the “grounds guys” have revealed their solution for unsightly “lawn rust.”

Their best tips could help combat this ugly infection and restore your lawn to its former glory.

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It couldn’t come too soon for proud gardeners who despair of lawns affected by this horrible infestation.

Our experts are quick to reassure that this infection is easily treatable.

But lawn rust can weaken your lawn and leave it vulnerable to other diseases. Time is of the essence.

WHAT IS LAWN RUST?

If the grass in your garden is rusty-colored, it is suffering from lawn rust.

You might even notice it after walking across your lawn and your shoes are coated in a rusty-colored powder.

This means the lawn is infected with a type of fungus that weakens the grass making it more difficult for grass to photosynthesize.

“Weakened grass can also be more vulnerable to other lawn diseases, insect infestations, and other forms of stress,” said our experts.

Certain conditions can make it easier for lawn rust to spread. Like most fungi, grass rust thrives in areas that are warm, wet, and shaded.

Several factors create ripe conditions for the occurrence of this grass infection:

• High temperatures and humidity
• Moisture in the form of heavy rain or morning dew
• Lawn rust does best in soil with low nitrogen content
• Certain types of grass are more susceptible to grass rust than others

Treating lawn rust can be garden-friendly with no need to use toxic chemicals.

Addressing the root causes of this infection can help remove it from your lawns, said our garden pros.

• Reduce watering: Switch to watering deeply but infrequently instead of more frequent, shallow watering
• Water in the morning: This will give your lawn time to dry during the day
• Fertilize your lawn: Adding nitrogen to your lawn will help make your soil less hospitable to grass rust
• Aerate your lawn: encourage a flow of oxygen and nutrients and also support better soil drainage
• Prune: Cutting back shrubs, plants, and trees can eliminate shade and provide more sunlight to your grass

A strong, healthy lawn can usually resist a lawn rust infection so better lawn care throughout the year will help avoid this unsightly disease.

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