Common Lawn Problems

Even the best lawn care devotees experience common problems with their lawn. For the most part, the fix is pretty simple. However, for unusual issues experts suggest that you dig up a soil sample and seek the advice of a nursery. The most common issues pertaining to lawns include:

• Grass not growing under a tree
• Grass won’t grow on a slope
• Overabundance of weeds
• Bare spot
• Circular patches of dead grass
• Large spots of brown grass in the late summer
• Water puddles

Many of these problems can be remedied with more water or fertilizer or a little herbicide. However, if the problem persists in some cases, then you may have to destroy your lawn in order to fix it.

If grass isn’t growing under trees, then it is advised that you plant fescues that thrive in shade. Fine fescues would suffice. However, if you’re located in the south, experts suggest you plant tall fescue.

Planting seeds will help eliminate problems concerning lack of grass growth. As far as lack of growth on a slope, experts advise more watering. If that doesn’t get grass to sprout, then you may have to lay sod or seek assistance from a professional who has knowledge of “hydroseed.” “Hydroseed” is plant seeds that are encapsulated in a special material so they don’t dry out.

Herbicide can do the trick for problems concerning an overabundance of weeds. Experts suggest that you apply herbicide in the spring and fall. It’s imperative that you perform the action during both seasons because each use of the herbicide will kill different species of weeds. If the problem still continues through one to two years, then it may be necessary to kill the lawn with an herbicide and then replant.

Fungicide can help with brown spots, bleached or gray spots, and orange pustules on blades; Fusarium causes 2-inch to 12-inch wide brown spots in thatch and grass during the early spring. The fungicide should be used in early fall. You should also minimize the shade, fertilize and improve the drainage in the area.