Rust in the Lawn

My lawn has turned brown in spots and when we walk across it we get a orange powdery residue on our shoes. It even gets on the dogs paws. What is causing the problem and what can I do about it?

The orange residue on your shoes is from a fungal disease called rust. It is a common problem on newly seeded and drought stressed lawns. As new lawns mature or drought conditions subside the rust symptoms also tend to disappear. Fungicide treatments are usually not needed. Just be patient and reseed any dead areas in spring or fall.