It is disappointing and disheartening to realize that your lawn is turning brown looking far from the usual healthy green color. Lawns play a significant part in helping to make your yard look more attractive and letting it turn brown can be outright frustrating. Below are the possible causes of grass dying and how to solve this challenge.
Reasons For Dying Grass
There are various reasons that can cause the dying of grass. The following are the possible causes of dying grass.
- Drought
Drought is one of the most common reasons for dying grass. This is a great challenge and a major cause of drying grass. Many people do not water their lawns during drought seasons and this is a mistake, as it causes the grass to turn brown in color, thereby diminishing its healthy green look. Grass certainly goes inactive after living two to three weeks without adequate water and most lawns can endure drought for four to six weeks. However, they will turn brown. Similarly, prolonged periods of hot and dry weather may kill the grass.
- Improper Mowing
Inappropriate mowing of grass is another reason for dying grass. This may stress the grass and cause it to become dry and brown. The general rule is that the mowing height should not be more than one-third of the height of the grass whenever you are mowing. However, a length of 2 ½ inches is appropriate whereas 3 inches is better during the summer heat. Mowing on a regular basis is recommended.
- Improper Watering
It is important to learn the art of watering the lawn properly. Irrigate your lawn well at least once a week or when the grass appears a little wilted while providing approximately an inch of water every time.
- Salt Damage
Salt damage could be one of the key reasons your grass is turning brown, especially if the lawn is near a street or sidewalk. The remedy here is basically soaking the brown lawn to help reduce the saline concentration. If the damage is extensive, then you will have to replant the lawn.
- Fungus
Periodic brown spots in the lawn could also be associated with fungal infection. If the infection is left for a long time before treatment, it causes the grass to turn brown. Normally, excessively rainy and humid weather may boost fungal outbreaks. Lack of adequate sunlight and bad air circulation could also promote fungal infections in the lawn.
How To Treat Dying Grass
Drying lawn can be a great disappointment and no one would desire this situation to happen in his or her compound. Reviving completely dead lawns due to drought may be difficult, but it is possible to revive dormant lawns within four to six weeks of regular watering. Ensure good watering, appropriate mowing, and proper management of fungal diseases that may attack your lawn. In addition, insects and other pests should also be controlled.
Dead lawns can be discouraging and it is therefore important to be equipped with information on the possible causes of dying lawns and how to manage the problem. Always be on the lookout to handle the problem before it causes more damage.