Red Thread

What it looks like

Tan to pink irregular patches in the lawn, most obvious in early morning dew. Look closely and you'll see little pink-red gelatinous threads sticking out from the tips of the grass blades like tiny antlers.

Often mistaken for: Pink patch (cottony rather than thread-like growth)

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up during cool, wet stretches in spring and fall here in the Triangle, especially on lawns that aren't getting enough fertility.

Where you’ll see it

Most common on ryegrass, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass lawns, particularly overseeded fescue/rye areas.

What you can do

• Make sure your lawn is getting adequate fertility - this is the biggest factor
• Avoid letting fertility get too low, especially on ryegrass or fine fescue
• Water in the morning rather than evening so grass isn't wet overnight
• Aerate to reduce thatch buildup
• Be patient - it often clears up on its own once fertility is corrected