Rust

What it looks like

Small yellow flecks turn into raised bumps that break open into powdery orange spores — walk or mow through it and you'll see 'clouds of orange dust.' By fall those spots often darken to black.

Often mistaken for: Dusty orange coating could be mistaken for pollen or dirt until you notice the powdery pustules on the grass blades.

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up in the cooler months here in the Triangle, mainly March through June and again September through November.

Where you’ll see it

Affects home lawns with perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or zoysiagrass.

What you can do

• Mow regularly — don't let grass get too long or too stressed
• Water deeply but infrequently, and avoid watering at sunrise or sunset
• Get a soil test and fertilize based on the results
• Improve air circulation and sunlight where you can
• Consider more resistant grass varieties over time
• Address any underlying drought, shade, or mowing stress — rust often clears up once the lawn's health improves