Rust Fungus Treatment for St. Augustine Grass in South Florida

Rust fungus is a very common lawn disease in South Florida caused by the Puccinia spp. fungal pathogen that attacks just about all warm-season sod grasses including St. Augustine and zoysia. Rust fungus, like its name implies, can make your St. Augustine and other sod grasses look like they have rust spots on them that will continue to spread until most of the blade is discolored. Rust fungus may be an eyesore, but fortunately it is not a pathogen that will actually kill the affected sod grass. This disease is triggered by cooler weather when your sod’s growth has slowed and is wet, but thankfully in most cases it will disappear on its own once the warm weather returns.

Rust Fungus Should be Treated Because it Can Weaken Your Lawn Which Makes it Susceptible to Other Diseases and Pests

Rust fungus is more of concern in places where the sod grass is under stress from lack of proper nutrients and/or sunlight. Rust fungus does weaken your lawn which makes it more susceptible to pests and other diseases.

Best Practices For Rust Fungus Prevention

• Make Sure to Use a Proper Slow-Release Fertilizer
• Irrigate in Morning Hours to Allow Shady Areas Time to Dry
• Use Preventive Fungicide on Recurring Problem Areas of Lawn

Will Rust Fungus Go Away Without Treatment?

Possibly. In many cases rust fungus will disappear on its own once warm weather returns.

Do Fungicides Work on Rust Fungus?

Yes, rust fungus can be managed with the use of the proper fungicide. If the disease is a recurring problem it is best to apply the fungicide as a prevention and not a cure, so apply before symptoms are detected.

Why not leave your lawn fungal disease problems to a professional? Our highly trained pest control and fertilization technicians have been keeping the lawns of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Jupiter and other Palm Beach County, Florida cities lush, green and fungus free for over twenty five years.