Keeping the lawn lush and green has always been the dream for many homeowners. Unfortunately, it sometimes does not go according to plan, especially if bald spots are showing and the grass seems to be thinning and losing its beautiful color.
To help you understand what is causing this and how to fix it, here are common reasons you have patchy grass and what you can do about it. By understanding these issues and implementing solutions, you can restore your lawn’s health and have a beautiful yard again!
#1 Poor Soil Quality
Although grass seems to grow quickly, maintaining it needs suitable soil. Poor soil quality lacking nutrients, such as compost or fertilizer, can cause patchy grass. To determine if this is the problem, test your soil and add nutrients to improve its quality.
Additionally, using too much fertilizer in hopes of saving a dying lawn can do more harm than good. Too much nitrogen will cause thick growth on top but won’t encourage robust root systems, leading to weak grass. If using fertilizer, stick to the recommended amount and never over-apply it.
#2 Not Enough Water
Without enough moisture, your lawn will not be able to survive and will eventually die. Water your grass at least two inches per week during periods of low rainfall or drought conditions. Ensure that you are applying enough water to keep the soil moist and not soggy.
Take care not to over-water your grass, though, since too much of it suffocates the roots and causes the lawn to die. You can also opt to ask for help from Heroes Lawn Care and install sprinklers or an irrigation system to ensure your yard gets plenty of hydration.
#3 Too Much Shade
If your lawn is located in an area that constantly receives more shade than sunlight, it will likely struggle to survive. The lack of the sun can also cause moss and weeds to grow on the grass instead.
To counteract this, you’ll want to trim back any overhanging branches or shrubs that may be blocking the sun from reaching your lawn and consider installing lighting fixtures so that it can get some artificial light as well. You may also need to replace some grass with shade-tolerant varieties such as fescue or bluegrass.
#4 Pests and Disease
Pests such as chinch bugs, grubs, or sod webworms eat your grass away, causing patchy grass in your lawn. You may also notice signs of disease, like discoloration, brown spots, and wilting. To identify these pests, look for damage in small circular sections on your lawn.
If you do find any signs of infestation, treat the area with an insecticide or contact an experienced pest control service to get rid of them easily. To prevent diseases from spreading, make sure to mow regularly and aerate your lawn when necessary, and if one occurs, try using a fungicide as soon as possible.
#5 Improper Mowing
Mowing too often or not at all will lead to dead areas on your lawn. To get the most out of your lawn care, ensure you aim to trim no more than once a week and remove clippings from the yard so they don’t smother healthy grass underneath. Additionally, make sure you’re using sharp blades on your mower to get a clean cut and avoid stressing the grass.
#6 Soil Compaction
Heavy foot traffic, as well as vehicles like lawnmowers and cars that drive on the property, cause soil compaction and stress to the grass. This prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots.
To reduce soil compaction, use a core aerator to make small holes in the lawn surface. This will loosen up any compacted soil and allow oxygen and water to reach the roots of your grass. You can also opt for an eco-friendly solution, such as using organic materials like compost or mulch as a top dressing to help restore and protect your lawn.
By understanding these common issues that cause patchy grass and implementing solutions, you’ll be able to bring life back into your yard and have a beautiful property again! You can always contact your local lawn experts for help with lawn maintenance and repair tasks.
