Nobody wants a lawn that is brown and withered. Dying grass can be a problem- but what is the reason? There are some very common, and very preventable, causes of dying grass. Here are a few:
Water
Water is the life force behind your lawn, but also can be a culprit in killing the grass. Too much water drowns, suffocates, and rots the roots; too little water can dry it out in a heartbeat, rendering it brown and dead. Strive to give your lawn around an inch of water each week total, watering the grass a couple times per week. If the grass is newly planted, water daily- morning and night- until established.
Soil
The soil can also make or break your grass. Consider a soil test to determine what the composition is and how you can best modify or nourish the spot. A soil test will also help identify the best kinds of grass to plant, as well as what to feed it so that your lawn is lush, green, and healthy. Inadequate soil is another common cause of dying grass.
Mowing
If you cut your grass too often or too short, you may also kill the grass. Over-mowing can expose the roots of your lawn, which leaves it vulnerable to disease. A good rule of thumb is to cut no more than a third of the grass height at the time of mowing.
Aeration
If you want healthy, green grass, you need to consider aeration. When the soil becomes compacted or too dense, it can suffocate and kill the lawn. It is recommended that you aerate your lawn at least once a year, for it to thrive and be healthy. It is not an expensive process; talk to your landscape professional to find out more.
Disease
A lawn that is diseased will also die without prompt care and intervention. Fungi are common problems, and an experienced landscaper will be able to spot the signs. Disease most often strikes lawns that have drainage, soil, or other issues- which makes maintenance and attention a must.
A brown lawn does not necessarily mean that the grass is dead. Some grasses will turn brown during winter, drought, or when hibernating. A good way to tell is by tugging gently- but firmly- on a couple blades of grass: do they pull from the earth easily or do they resist? If they pull out easily, the lawn may be dead. Talk to a lawn care professional in the area to ensure a lush lawn next season.
Enjoy a green lawn and prevent premature dying with the services of Carolina Services Grounds Division, a division of Carolina Services Inc., in Charleston, SC.
