Turf Problems

 

  

Is your grass brown?

Cool season grasses, like fescues, bluegrass and ryegrass, have a particular growth pattern and weather preference. These varieties like the spring and fall seasons the best. They can show signs of stress in extremely hot weather, or even moderate heat when enough moisture is not provided.  For urban areas with water restrictions, it’s difficult or impossible to reach the level of moisture that your turf needs during the hottest months of the summer. 

 

Water – If a restriction on watering your lawn isn’t an issue, test the soil for moisture. You may turn sprinklers on for a few minutes each day and expect that to be sufficient. But, the only way you can know for sure is to take a shovel and dig up a patch of grass. You can replace it in the same hole with no trouble, so don’t hesitate to do that in several places. 
The soil should be adequately moist 4-6 inches below ground (and deeper) for mature grass, or it will show signs of stress (like turning brown). For newly planted grass, it must also remain moist in the top few inches. The moisture must be present where the roots currently exist.

If the areas that are dry are not getting proper water coverage from the sprinkler system, then maintenance or a redesign is called for. Supplement with a hose-end sprinkler in the meantime.

Many people wonder why grass stays brown, when they are very conscientious about everything, even watering. They don't suspect water could be the problem, but in the majority of cases, inadequate water or poorly distributed water is the culprit!

 

What if the grass remains brown after sufficient watering?

Disease - disease could be affecting new growth as it appears, so the green never has a chance to become obvious. Disease problems usually start out in spots or smaller areas, then spread. Depending on the type of disease, and other conditions like temperature, moisture, and the level of nitrogen present, the spreading can occur incredibly fast, or it may be quite slow and limited.

Insects - Insect problems can take over an entire lawn. Usually they start smaller, but grow to a major infestation before you really notice or become concerned with it. To inspect your grass, run your hand over the lawn to check for insect activity – you may have to take a close look. You can also dig up a shovelful of soil and then break it up over a piece of paper to inspect for any bugs or worms that might be causing the problem.
 

Is your grass dead?
Check to see if your grass is dead by looking deep into the base of the plant. Pull away the dead blades of grass, one at a time and look for green at the very center, near the ground. Green is good, white is not bad, brown is dead. There may still be hope for your brown grass – give it some time to rejuvenate.  Water profusely and keep checking every couple of days for signs of new growth coming up from the center of the plant. Keep watering and you should see life within two weeks.

Do not fertilize at this time. Grass that is stressed will not do well with an artificial growth spurt. Fertilization will create additional stress on your grass.

Other reasons for brown grass…
Pet Damage - If you have a dog that urinates on your lawn, the urine contains mineral salts which have a burning effect. Will those spots eventually turn green again?  Not without help (and perhaps not at all).  By the time you notice brown, the damage has probably been done. Try treating the area with extra water for about two weeks.  For the future, if you see the brown starting, water it heavily.  You can also flush the urination spot immediately to avoid the problem completely.

Soil Compaction – Soil can become compacted over time.  It is worse with heavy clay soils and areas that get heavy activity. Lawns with compacted soil resist moisture and, as a result, can become thirstier than healthy, normal lawns. Because their roots cannot grow and push out to search for water and nutrients, they also have trouble getting enough oxygen.  The best solution for this problem is core aeration.

Weak, Sparse Grass – Thin, weak lawn are prone to problems. The density of the grass contributes to its own health.  Grass can be so thin that the soil is exposed to the sun, which will cause it to resist moisture. Organisms that build fertility in the soil and make nutrients available to the plant are killed off or migrate away when the soil temperature remains too high. In addition, weeds are prone to germinate in exposed areas, competing with the grass for survival. For a solution, apply an organic top dressing to protect the soil and hold in moisture.