Is Red Thread Taking Over Your Lawn? Here's How To Tell (and What to Do About It)

If you’re seeing strange pink or red strands in your grass and wondering what’s going on—don’t panic. Your lawn might be dealing with Red Thread, a common summer lawn fungus here in Minnesota.

It sounds strange, but Red Thread is exactly what it looks like: thin, reddish-pink threads sprouting from the tips of grass blades. It’s most active during warm, humid weather and tends to pop up in lawns that are underfed or low in nitrogen.

What Does Red Thread Look Like?

This fungus makes a dramatic entrance, usually as:

• Pink or red thread-like growths on the grass blades

• Circular patches ranging from just a few inches to two feet wide

• Tan or bleached-looking grass that appears dead but isn’t

Red Thread doesn’t damage the roots, so even though your lawn may look rough, it usually recovers once conditions improve.

Want to see examples? The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers helpful lawn disease images and guidance:

👉 University of Wisconsin-Madison Red Thread Lawn Disease Info

👉 Purdue Extension: Red Thread PDF

How to Confirm It’s Red Thread

Here’s a quick test: Bend down and look closely at the blades in the discolored patches. Do you see fine, red threads extending from the leaf tips? That’s your culprit.

Still not sure? Text (507) 934-5296 or email us a photo at info@springtouchlawn.com of the affected area. Our lawn experts are happy to take a look and help confirm the diagnosis.

So… What Now?

Here’s the good news: Red Thread often goes away on its own. But if your lawn sees it year after year, it’s time to take action.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help your lawn recover and grow stronger

• Aerate in the fall to improve airflow and reduce thatch buildup

• Avoid watering at night—grass that stays wet too long is fungus’s best friend

• Sign up for a fungus treatment with Spring Touch if Red Thread keeps returning

We use professional-grade fungicides when needed, but we also focus on building long-term lawn health—because prevention is always easier than treatment.

Need Help? We’re Just a Text or Call Away

If you think your lawn might be dealing with Red Thread (or any other lawn fungus), send us a photo at info@springtouchlawn.com or call (507)934-5296 and we’ll help you figure it out.

👉 Ready to protect your lawn? Contact Spring Touch today to sign up for a fungus treatment.