Zoysia is one of the most popular lawn grasses in the world. It’s relatively easy to maintain and has a high tolerance for drought. Unfortunately, it also has an unfortunate tendency to rust. Rust can be mistaken for a brown patch or discoloration on your zoysia; it often starts at one end of the blade and gradually makes its way across until all blades of grass are infected. Rust can be caused by lack of sunlight, improper lawn mowing, and the fungus that causes it.
Fortunately, though it is not easy to identify, some signs help clue you in on whether or not your zoysia has rust.
Symptoms
The best way to identify rust on your zoysia is through its symptoms. Before you can even see the rust, you will likely notice some yellow discoloration of the blades of grass as well as some browning and curling up at the ends of leaves and blades. If you see this symptom, contact your zoysia lawn care service as soon as possible; this may be the only chance you have to save your lawn.
Spots or Patches
Once you see the yellowish discoloration, you will likely start to see brown spots on your grass. These spots are an infection that rust causes in your grass, and they can spread quickly if they are not tended to. If left untreated, these spots will soon grow into patches of dry and dead grass all across your lawn. If you notice these symptoms, call your lawn care company immediately.
Curling Grass
If you notice that the blades of grass have started to curl up at the tips, you should also contact your zoysia lawn care service immediately. The reason for this is that this is a sign of browning, which is a symptom that indicates rust. Rust does not affect all parts of your lawn at once; it usually starts at one part of your lawn and eventually reaches other parts as well.
Sandy Floor
If you notice that the roots of your zoysia are starting to turn sand-colored along with the blades, this is another sign that there is rust on your lawn. In addition to changing the color of grass and yellow discoloration, rust also causes browning or curl at the ends of blades. This is one of the most prominent symptoms of rust on your grass; if you see it, contact your lawn care company immediately or you may have to do some serious repairs to your lawn.
Over-Watering
Over-watering can also cause rust on your zoysia. The reason for this is that the fungi that cause rust need a moist environment to grow. If you over-water your lawn, the fungus is likely to spread quickly throughout your whole yard. To prevent over-watering, try to water only once every two or three days and not before 10:00 am.
Fungus
Just like slime spores, rust fungus is a kind of fungus that can be found in the soil. When you dig in your soil you may find whitish, moldy-looking clumps of fungal material. This fungus is the cause of your lawn’s rust and if you spot it, it needs to be removed soon as possible.