Common Problems with Grass

The common lawn can have many problems. These common problems with grass are made by homeowners everywhere and come with simple solutions like water, sun or fertilizer. Simple solutions such as pesticides, herbicides of fungal agents are available at a local greenhouse to deter any infestations or fungal and bacterial problems. It is important to be aware of the state of the lawn at all times. Knowledge and awareness are key in the health of the lawn.

Over watering

Over watering the lawn flushes away important nutrients, especially with fast draining soils like sands or clays. Enough water should only be applied to moisten to roots of the grass. The typical lawn should be watered only one to two inches per week at the most. Over watering suffocates the microbes that dwell in the soil.

It is important to remember that rainfall is included in the recommended amount of water for a lawn. To gain important nutrients with little or no effort simply leave the clippings from the grass on the lawn after mowing. These clippings are rich in nutrients and provide up to 25% of the nitrogen required for the grass to flourish.

Mushrooms and Fungi

Mushrooms and fungi often develop after a rain or because of decomposing matter in the soil under the lawn. Fungi develops in the form of mushrooms or a rust covered film covering the undersides of the blades of grass that rise when walked upon or mowed.

Mushrooms should be removed by hand – wearing appropriate gloves or raked from the area. It is important that mushrooms are not ingested as some varieties can be lethal towards children and pets.

Fungi often disappear as quick as it developed and most are harmless unless ingested. Fungicides are expensive and can be damaging to the ecosystem of the lawn and should be avoided at all costs.

Weeds

Weeds are a sign of tight and compacted soil. If a lawn has begun to develop weeds it is important to ensure that the lawn is receiving enough sunlight, as well as enough fertilizer and aeration.

Aeration is important to loosen the soil and allow oxygen and water to dwell into the deepest roots of the soil. Aerating is the key to alleviating weeds as many weeds stem from the soil being too compact. Regular aeration alleviates the compact nature of the soil.

As a last resort the soil should be checked for the appropriate pH level. An acidic pH level could increase the amount of weeds found in the lawn. Chemical solutions should also be considered. Herbicides applied in the spring and the fall could curb the growth of weeds throughout the year.

Dandelions are a common weed and can be removed with proper aerations and best removed by hand.  It is best to remove dandelions when the soil is moist and apply grass seed.

Dog Urine

Dog urine is high in nitrogen and when it reaches the grass it acts in the same way as over fertilization would. The result is burned, brittle and dry in appearance grass.

The best method to decrease the effect of dog urine is to flush the lawn with large amounts of water to dilute the nitrogen.

If the spots are unbearable than grass seed, or sod should be applied to the areas – after the patch has been removed from the soil. It is important to remove the soil because it is the root of the problem.

If possible, train the dog to use the washroom at one point in the yard – and one that is not visible and ruining the look of the lawn.

For additional information on lawn care or related topics please visit our lawn care article center.