Summer Guide: How to Revive a Dying Lawn

revive a dying lawn

Causes of Dying Grass

Believe it or not, many factors contribute to killing your yard, from overwatering to droughts, and more. Learn some of the most common causes of your dying grass and how to revive a lawn. There are a number of reasons your grass may be dying, here are just a few conditions that your lawn may be suffering from:

  1. Drought

    Drought is one of the most common cause for your grass to die. Unfortunately, most people forget or choose not to water their lawn during the summer, which can cause your grass’s roots to lose much water needed to survive. Although, grass can tolerate up to three weeks of a decline of water, after that it can start turning brown. Especially with the summer heat factored in, the less hydrated your lawn in, the faster it can die. If this is the case, you may need to begin searching for irrigation services.

  2. Thatch

    Thatch is a large layer of decomposed plant, roots, and stems that are decomposed and clump together under your lawn’s roots. The reason we’re explaining this is that if your lawn starts turning brown when summer comes around, you may have a large thatch problem. Although it is usually caused by grass clippings, you may need to consult a professional to help treat this condition.

  3. Mowing

    Mowing isn’t a problem itself, but mowing your lawn too much or too short can cause a serious issue. When mowing your grass too short, your lawn can get too much sunlight, causing it to turn brown and dry up. Generally, you are going to want to keep it at 2.5 inches at the minimum, but 3 inches is the healthiest size to keep it. Remember, stay on schedule with moving and make sure you don’t over mow or under mow your lawn, which can lead to either an unhealthy yard to deal with.

  4. Watering

    The best rule of thumb to follow when watering your lawn is only to do it if it needs it. Watering your grass too little can cause it to brown and wither, whereas overwatering it can end up drowning your lawn. Try only watering your grass once a week, but be sure to cover every inch of your lawn.

  5. Insects

    If you start noticing your grass is brown and your grass leaves have holes in them, you may have an insect infestation. The best way to handle this is to hire a professional to assess your situation and use lawn spraying treatments. However, keeping your lawn well kept will prevent insects who prefer watered, over grassy areas from inhabiting it.

  6. Salt

    Salt damage is another common reason your lawn may be turning brown and dying. However, soaking your lawn can help you get rid of excess salt that is destroying your lawn. But, if that doesn’t work, reseeding your lawn is another good option for you to try.

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How To Bring Your Lawn Back to Life

The first step to revive a dying lawn is to survey how badly damaged it is. However, keep in mind that just because your lawn is brown or turning brown, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s dead. Be sure to inspect your yard and look out for any green patches. That part of your lawn will be salvaged, and you can learn why it’s healthier than the grass around it.

The next step is to purchase a slit seeder to reseed your lawn. This process too will help grind up your lawn and plant new seeds for healthier grass to grow. However, be sure to go over your lawn twice, seeding your lawn at 45 degree paths the second time around.

However, if more than half of your lawn looks salvageable, you can most likely revive a dying lawn without a slit seeder. All you need is a good rake to help remove the dead grass and shift the ground beneath it. Once you are done, reseed your lawn evenly using a lawn roller. However, make sure you maintain your lawn’s moist soil using fertilizer.

The Best Time For Lawn Rejuvenation

Ideally, you should work to revive a dying lawn in the late summer or early fall. It is during this period when soil temperatures are at their highest, which causes them to germinate more quickly. This plan will also prevent weeds from overtaking your lawn as the grass will crowd them out before the weeds have the chance to do so. However, if you miss your opportunity to rebuild your lawn in the late summer, this does not mean you must wait a whole year before you can do it. You can revive a dying lawn at any time, though it is best to wait.

Executive Landscaping Can Assist in Restoring a Dying Yard

If you notice your lawn is not looking as green as it once was, there is no need to panic. Once you determine what is causing your grass to die, you can begin treating it and bringing it back to life. Some cases, however, require more work than others. If you need the help of highly experienced professional to revive a dying lawn, contact us at Executive Landscaping for more information about our residential landscaping services.