(Courtesy: Robert S. Donovan at flickr.com)
Even the best lawn care devotees experience common problems with their lawn. For the most part, the fix is pretty simple. However, for unusual
(Courtesy: Chris Conley at flickr.com)
issues experts suggest that you dig up a soil sample and seek the advice of a nursery or the local cooperative Extension Service representative.
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.
· Brown spots or weblike threads.
· Bleached or gray spots.
· Small orange pustules on grass.
· Circular patches of dead grass.
· Large spots of brown grass in the late summer.
· Mushroom infestation.
· 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.
Re-seeding will work well to repair bare spots. Experts suggest that you scratch the bare spot with a rake and sprinkle the area with lawn seed. Mark off the area with stakes and string and water there gently. Work to keep the area moist for a few weeks and water daily if necessary. If you discover that the area of concern experiences a lot of foot traffic, then it might be best to create a path or patio surface over the problem area.
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 or weblike threads, bleached or gray spots, and orange pustules on blades, Fusarium causes 2-inch to 12-inch wide brown spots or weblike threads 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.
Besides using herbicide on the bleached or gray spots, you will also need to fertilize.
Fungicide is necessary on the pustules only if the problem persists after you fertilize, water the area, mow the lawn frequently and remove clippings.
Use water-tolerant plants in areas where you have standing water. Shrubs and perennials that thrive in pooling water as well as times of drought would be ideal.
(Courtesy: Jonathan Green at flickr.com)
The mushroom issue could be the most difficult to remedy. According to lawn care experts, it may be next to impossible to eliminate them entirely. You could pull them out, but that is only a temporary fix. Other options include correcting any drainage problems that exist on the lawn, eliminate decaying
(Courtesy: Mary-Frances Main at flickr.com)
organic matter, cut out stumps and dig up buried lumber, rake grass clippings, aerate and dethatch the lawn, and replace old mulch with the fresh variety.
