Red Thread is especially prevalent during the spring and autumn months on slow-growing, nitrogen-deficient turf. It may cause severe damage to bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass and bentgrass species in humid and cool temperate regions of the world.

Diagnosis: Circular or irregularly shaped, small to large patches of infected grass become water-soaked and die rapidly. The tan color of dead leaves may be the first symptom observed. Dead leaves are generally interspersed with healthy leaves, which gives an overall diffuse, scorched or ragged appearance to the patch. The patches may be widely scattered or close together and may join together to form large areas of infected turf.

Inspection of individual plants reveals that only the foliage is infected, and death usually proceeds from the leaf tip downward. When the air is saturated with moisture, the pathogen produces colorful mycelium structures that are of diagnostic value. Pink to pale red or orange fungal growths, called “red threads”, may extend up to 10 mm beyond the end of the leaf tip. Pink cottony flocks of mycelium up to 10 mm in diameter may also be produced. When the red threads or flocks are present, following humid weather, the patches of blighted grass take on a reddish cast that is easily detected.

Control: It is essential to maintain adequate and balanced soil fertility. Applications of nitrogen fertilizer are particularly helpful in reducing disease severity, but excessive rates of fertilizer must also be avoided. The soil pH should be in the range of 6.5 to 7.0 for turf grass. Water as needed to prevent drought stress in the turf. Water should be applied deeply but as infrequently as possible and early in the day. Avoid frequent sprinkling in the late afternoon as this results in longer periods of leaf wetness.

Selectively prune trees and shrubs, or arrange the landscape design to increase light penetration and air movement over turf. Collecting turfgrass clippings during periods when grass is growing slowly may reduce the number of fungal threads that are incorporated back into the turf. 
Note: Red Thread information provided courtesy of OSU Department of Horticulture.

Spring and fall are ideal times to renovate a lawn, although success can be achieved in the summer. Renovation involves the removal of thatch, grass and weeds, while thinning the lawn to permit the introduction of improved varieties like those found in Pro Time Lawn Seed mixes.

The result is a beautiful, uniform new lawn without roto-tilling.

Use a hard-tine rake or if needed rent a dethatcher (power rake) to remove dead vegetation and to expose the soil. Remove excess.

Rent a core-aerator to pull plugs from the soil. This is an important step because it enables soil enrichment. Rake off cores after aerating.

*Pro Tip: Add lime at a rate of 50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft to achieve a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Most lawns benefit from an annual application of lime, available at our Portland store.

If the soil has a high clay content and/or holds water during the rainy season, backfill aeration holes with Profile Turface MVP soil modifier [click here to find a retailer near you] at the rate of 1 bag per 200-300 square feet and/or a good soil compost blend from a trusted local supplier. 

Rake the area until smooth with a leaf rake.

Seed and Fertilizer Application

Spread the PT lawn seed you have selected for your site at the recommended rate with a broadcast spreader. Earthway spreaders are available in our shop and online.

Completely cover the seedbed with an approximately 1/8″ layer of PT's Grass Straw Mulch, applied by hand or with an expanded mesh mulch spreader. Grass mulch is a sustainable alternative to peat moss and helps to protect the planting, holds in warmth and moisture, while also allowing beneficial UV rays to penetrate to the seedlings. We sell mulch bales in our Portland shop and rent the spreaders, specifically designed for this product.

One pass with the spreader will deliver the proper amount of mulch and will provide the perfect microclimate for seed germination.

Water to keep seed moist at all times during the germination period--at least 3 weeks or until the seedlings are an inch or so tall. Then less frequent, but deeper watering for establishment. Apply an organic fertilizer after mowing the new planting for the first time. Please refer to more detailed PT Planting Instructions on this site.

When the whole lawn doesn’t need renovating and problems are somewhat localized, spot repairs can be effective. Seed-to-soil contact is the key in spot repairing your lawn.

Remove any offensive weeds using the method of your choice. Fill in the void spots with Pro Time Lawn Seed to be sure that weeds don’t return to fill in. You CAN choose what grows in your lawn!

In areas where moss in the lawn is predominant, control the moss first with a product that contains ferous ammonium sulfate (iron). Then, remove the dead moss by raking or dethatching. Moss will return if the lawn is thin, so overseeding with Pro Time Lawn seed is essential for complete recovery. (If moss persists from year to year, consider supplementing soil with Profile Soil Conditioner, a porous ceramic that allows water, air and nutrients to be held at the root level.)

Broadcast a starter fertilizer and overseed with Pro Time Lawn Seed at the rate noted on the package. Cover the seed with Grass Straw Mulch, spreading a 1/8" layer with a mulch roller or by hand for smaller areas. Keep the area moist, but without puddles, until the new lawn is established. Once roots of new plants have established, keep the new grasses growing thickly by fertilizing with a slow-release, organic fertilizer.

Spring and fall are great times to install your new lawn.  Natural rainfall combined with 50+ degree soil temperatures are the perfect conditions for sowing seed.  The following are general guidelines, though not every step may be applicable to your situation. 

Soil Preparation

Rent a sod cutter and remove the existing lawn.

If underlying soil is compacted, then core aerate or roto-till the area, loosening the soil 1-2 inches deep. Unless grading is necessary, a shallow till is sufficient and helps keep dormant weed seeds from the surface where they might sprout.

If the soil has a high clay content and/or holds water during the rainy season, till in Profile Turface MVP soil modifier [click here to find a retailer near you] at the rate of 1 bag per 100-200 square feet and/or a good soil compost blend from a trusted local supplier.

Optional: Spread a weed-free topsoil or compost/soil blend 1 inch thick over the area to help improve soil fertility.

*Pro Tip: Add lime at a rate of 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet to achieve a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Most lawns benefit from an annual application of lime, available in our Portland store.

Surface Preparation

With a landscaping rake, remove large clods and irregularities in the grade.

Settle and compact the area with a water roller to firmly compress the soil. The finished seedbed should be firm, not fluffy. You should be able to walk on your seedbed without sinking more than a quarter inch into the soil. Rent a rake and water roller from us!

Seed and Fertilizer Application

Spread the PT lawn seed you have selected for your site at the recommended rate with a broadcast spreader. Earthway ergonomic handheld spreaders are available in our shop and online. For large areas, a walk behind broadcast spreader will make the job go faster. 

Apply PT Starter fertilizer at a rate of 10 lbs per 1,000 square feet. Starter fertilizers supply an immediate source of nutrients needed for a vigorously growing new lawn.

Completely cover the seedbed with an approximately 1/8″ layer of PT's Grass Straw Mulch, applied by hand or with an expanded mesh mulch spreader. Grass mulch is a sustainable alternative to peat moss and helps to protect the planting, holds in warmth and moisture while also allowing beneficial UV rays to penetrate to the seedlings. We sell mulch bales in our Portland shop and rent the spreaders, specifically designed for this product.

Water to keep seed moist at all times during the germination period--at least 3 weeks or until the seedlings are an inch or so tall. Please refer to more detailed PT Planting Instructions on this site.