With summer just around the corner and backyard BBQ season well and truly upon us, it’s the perfect time to get your lawn into shape. Even a well-cared for lawn can be susceptible to lawn disease and general ill-health. Unless you know what you’re looking for, these lawn issues can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Identifying the symptoms and treating the problem early is key to maintaining a thriving lawn all year round. It’s important to understand what issue may be affecting your lawn before you treat it, as treating some lawn diseases incorrectly may exacerbate the initial problem. Is your lawn looking a little worse for wear? Before you head to your local hardware store, take a good look at your lawn, take note of any specific symptoms, and read on as we outline a few of the most common lawn issues, and how to best address them.
Lawn issue #1 – your lawn has brown patches
Frequently occurring in late spring and summer, and one of the most common lawn issues, brown patch is triggered by the combination of high humidity and warm temperatures. Affected areas will present as patches of brown grass, often ringed by a darker brown or purplish outline. Brown patch can be improved by ensuring your lawn is not over fertilised. Always water in the morning so the turf has a chance to dry out before nightfall as over saturated soil is an ideal environment for the fungus to grow.
Lawn Issue #2 – seeing ‘Dollar Spot’ on your grass
Similar to brown patch, dollar spot is a fungal lawn disease that causes discolouration of your grass. Dollar spots can be identified by small patches of pale brown grass between 2 and 7 centimetres in diameter that appear in clusters. Turf in areas with poor drainage or with a PH level of less than 7 may be prone to Dollar Spot. Watering your lawn well, but infrequently, will ensure that water is reaching the roots of the grass while also allowing the soil to drain. If you have a dog, brown patches that appear similar to Dollar Spot may actually be from your dog doing it’s business on your lawn! Read our blog about how your dog can damage your lawn to find out more.
Lawn issue #3 – your lawn is suffering from nutrient deficiency
If your turf is generally patchy, it may simply need a more balanced diet. Turf cannot thrive unless it is receiving the necessary nutrients from the soil. Investing in a quality fertiliser and applying it regularly can do wonders for the overall health of your lawn. Just be sure to always follow the manufacturer instructions and do your research when selecting a fertiliser.
Lawn issue #4 – your soil is compacted and turning your lawn brown
Soil that is not well-oxygenated will also impact negatively on the health of your turf. Much like nutrient deficiency, compacted soil can cause your turf to turn brown and patchy. Luckily, there is an easy fix to this lawn issue. Compacted soil can be improved by aerating the turf with a pitch-fork or aeration machine. Best results are achieved in conjunction with fertilising as puncturing the soil aids in the absorption of the nutrients from the fertiliser, leading to a greener, healthier lawn.
If you think your lawn could use some TLC but you’re not sure where to start, call us or make an online enquiry with our team of turf specialists today. With over 13 years’ experience in the landscaping and turf industries, Turfman is here to help with all things lawn-related!