During the hot, scorching summer months, your lawn can quickly sizzle, making the lush green turfgrass into crispy brown shades. You may also have noticed that they become patchy and straw-like during winter.
Many homeowners believe that brown turf means dead. But the good news is that your turfgrass may only be in the state of dormancy. So, can you save a dying lawn? Generally, yes, depending on particular circumstances, like what is causing the browning in the first place.
Drought is the main reason for dying grass. If your lawn is totally dead because of drought, you may need to start looking for growers in your area to replace your turf. The Turf Grass Group, a leading producer of high-quality turf varieties, has many growers scattered across the country.
What Are Dormant Grasses?
Grasses “shut down” and turn brown to conserve water and nutrients during the colder months. In summer, grasses go dormant because they’re stressed out by drought and intense heat. Turf can safely go dormant for three to four weeks without dying, though extreme drought will kill them over time.
Brown turf is unsightly, but they will green up once conditions improve. Aside from the weather, note that there are other reasons for lawn browning, such as excessive nitrogen, insects, cultural practices, lawn diseases, pet spots, fungus, and poor soil conditions. One of the ideal Bermudas that can tolerate drought is Tiftuf turf if you plan to replace your turf.
How to Revive Dying Lawn
It doesn’t need a lawn expert to salvage a dying lawn. Carrying out some simple tips and tricks can do the job. Otherwise, click here if you are a lawn enthusiast who wants to become a licensed and certified turf grower.
1. Apply Fungicide
While most lawns recover without chemicals, you may need to combat brown patches with fungicides. Depending on the fungicide, you may start noticing improvements in as early as 24 hours.
2. Eliminate Excessive Thatch
Thatching is when some decomposing plant materials create a layer of buildup across your soil’s surface. A Thatch thicker than a half-inch can negatively impact the movement of nutrients, air, and water. Also, excessive thatch prevents roots from developing correctly, causing disease and insect issues.
Get rid of any excess thatch using a power rake or vertical mower. Comb through the grass in a back and forth motion with enough pressure to reach the bottom layer of thatch and penetrate the soil slightly.
3. Water Your Lawn Properly
Make sure to water your lawn properly since excessive moisture can lead to brown patches. 10 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. are the ideal times so that the grass dries out fully before nightfall. If you let your grass remain wet all night, it may become more susceptible to pests and disease.
4. Aerate Your Lawn
Since timing is the key, aerate your lawn in late spring and early autumn using a solid and long-handled fork. Lawns can become compacted through various weather conditions that restrict the absorption of water, air, and nutrients at the root level.
Dig the fork down into the lawn and create small holes. Leave at least a set of holes every two feet or until the entire lawn is aerated. This will stimulate new growth, improve water drainage, and de-compact your lawn below surface level.
5. Mowing Can Grow Your Grass Thicker
When the cold winter is almost over, and your grass seedlings are established and dry, start mowing at least once in two weeks in spring. In summer, mow your lawn once a week to encourage full and thick regrowth.
6. Stay off Your Lawn During Drought
Avoid foot traffic and lawn equipment on your lawn, especially during drought. The weight of these activities can compact the soil, which makes it more difficult for the lawn to absorb moisture.
7. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn
Grass clippings can provide much-needed moisture. After mowing, leave these clippings but don’t let them get too thick or clump together in mats because they may suffocate the lawn.