Lawn Care

Recognizing and Treating Red Thread in Lawns in Columbiaville

Noah Dolce, Lawn Care Specialist | Jul 09, 2025

Tags: Lawn Disease, Lawn Fertilization

Supporting image for blog post: Recognizing and Treating Red Thread in Lawns in Columbiaville

Red thread lawn disease on grass plants. | Mary Ann Hansen, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Bugwood.org

In Columbiaville, Michigan, red thread is a common lawn disease that many homeowners encounter, especially as we start to enter the summer months. The disease, caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis, is often identified by round patches of red or pink looking grass that appear scattered across the lawn. The red / pink strands are actually the mycelium of the red thread fungus. The affected areas may also show signs of thinning, leaving your lawn looking unhealthy and patchy.

Red thread thrives in damp, humid conditions, which makes Columbiaville’s early summer and fall seasons the ideal time for this fungus to spread. Recognizing the disease early is crucial to minimizing its impact. Look for small patches of discolored grass, typically pinkish or reddish in appearance, which can grow in size over time.

To treat red thread in Columbiaville, improving your lawn’s nutrition is vital. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy grass growth and help it resist the disease. Avoid over-watering, as excessive moisture creates the perfect conditions for fungal growth. Aerating the lawn to improve soil drainage can also help reduce the spread of red thread.

If the infection persists, fungicides may be required to control the disease. Occasionally one fungicide treatment is enough to get rid of red thread, but it’s best to assume that you will need two or more treatments to make sure it’s under control. Local lawn experts in Columbiaville can offer recommendations on the best products and techniques for treating red thread, helping restore your lawn’s vitality and appearance.

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