Newly seeded has yellow areas

[cross1933]

I recently seeded my yard, Labor Day Weekend, with a Great lakes Premium mix from lesoco. I have areas where the grass is yellow/green. What could be the cause for color variations, is there a remedy?

[topsites]

Do you have a female dog?
They tend to do this to the turf wherever they go, the spots are tell tale thou, it eventually wears off.

[cross1933]

Do you have a female dog?
They tend to do this to the turf wherever they go, the spots are tell tale thou, it eventually wears off.

Yes, but the areas are larger(20'X20' for example) than what I would expect to see from a dog urine. I don not think the dog has been in the backyard area that was replanted. Is there another possibility?

[cross1933]

The major areas are in a circular patter around my sprinklers. I purchased some pulsating sprinklers, with spikes on the bottom, and attached them to some black plastic tomato spikes that I pounded in the ground. The sprinkles sit about 3' above the ground level.

[Rtom45]

This time of year, a lawn fungus commonly called rust is very prevalent in new lawns. Walk thru the yellow areas when the grass is dry, then check your shoes. If there is a yellow/orange dust on them, you have rust. If this is not the case, maybe you are overwatering.

[Runner]

It definitely sounds like rust. Don't be surprised if you have some next year, either...as this is quite common in first year planted turf grasses.

[cross1933]

The winner is "Rust". How can I treat this on a newly seeded, 1 month old, lawn?

[Runner]

You don't bother with it. It will grow out. You DO want to re-feed your new grass, though.

[cross1933]

You don't bother with it. It will grow out. You DO want to re-feed your new grass, though.

I did some reseed and applied some starter fertilizer yesterday.

[TexRob]

I'm confused, this sounds like a Nitrogen deficiency, no? All I've read says that about 6 weeks after seeding you need to put down a Nitrogen rich fertilizer because it will turn yellow if you don't. You guys know more than me I'm sure, but just adding what I've read.

[cross1933]

From Lesco website,

Disease Management

1) Irrigate and fertilize turfgrass as needed to avoid water- and nutrient-stress that impedes grass growth.

2) Do not irrigate in late afternoon and early evening.

3) Mow at recommended height for species. Lawns should be at least 2 in. (5 cm) in height.

4) Increase mowing frequency to remove infected tissue before mature spores are released from developing rust pustules (usually 10-14 days after infection occurs).

5) Design or modify landscaping to improve light penetration and air circulation.

6) Reduce compaction with core aeration.

7) Genetically-resistant cultivars of certain turf species are available and should be used in blends and mixtures of seed. Consult specialist for local recommendations.

8) Fungicides can provide effective control. Consult specialists for current recommendations.

[cross1933]

The Lesco dealer gave me two choices,
1. chemical for fungus
2. Fertilizer with high nitrogen content

I opted for the fertilizer then mow and bag.

[Rtom45]

cross:
good choice

[cross1933]

Last night I mowed and bagged the yard, after this I put down the fertilizer that I purchased from Lesco. We had a heavy rain last night!

[cross1933]

The Lesco dealer recommended Bayleton to help with the control of the rust, any opinions on this?

[Rtom45]

Its a good way for Lesco to make some extra money. Unless its really bad, you shouldn't have to do anything except maybe add extra fertilizer next year.

[cross1933]

Its a good way for Lesco to make some extra money. Unless its really bad, you shouldn't have to do anything except maybe add extra fertilizer next year.

It has slowed the growth in about 1/3 of the yard, there is a area that runs across the center of the yard. The main reason for wanting to get rid of this is I have a daughter with allergies, I also have a Labrador Retriever who enjoys playing catch.

[cross1933]

With the heavy rains and fertilizer this week I am considering not using the chemicals, lawn is starting to look better. It is supposed to be pretty nice here this weekend, I will wait until Sunday to decide on the chemicals.

[cross1933]

The grass is looking much better. I did not have to water for we have had several days of rain over the last three weeks.
Steps:
Mow and bag yard
Week 1, over seeded and starter fertilizer
Week 2, more fertilizer (18/0/4), total nitrogen of 36 from the two fertilizers.

I mowed and bagged the yard this weekend again and the rust on the mower was hardly visible.

I will be returning the chemicals I purchased to stop the rust.