Orange dust (Howe: design, drought, landscape)

[calien]

Anyone else have an orange like colored powder in their grass right now. I bring it in on my shoes everyday and my dog has it in his fur. Is this some kind of pollen or am I seeing things?

[elnina]

You might have a "rust" fungus infesting your grass. Do a web search for "puccinia" and you will find the answers you need. Infected leaves eventually end up yellowing, withering, and dying. It is more likely to develop on lawns with low soil fertility, drought stress, large shady areas, and closely cut grass.
Read more here:
http://lawncare.the-landscape-design...ases/rust.html

The most important way to avoid Rust infection on lawns is to keep the turfgrass growing vigorously, so that it will be mowed before spores can be produced. However, mowing heights must be adjusted according to grass needs. Fertilization, aeration, and supplying an adequate water supply are factors which will optimize turfgrass growth. Fungicides are not recommended for Rust diseases on lawns, except in very extreme cases.