Brwoned Grass Pulling Out in Clumps - Ask Extension
Thanks for your time. I have a great front lawn. My back lawn, however, has large spots (6 x 10) that have turned brown and lost all roots. The ...
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Brwoned Grass Pulling Out in Clumps #428622
Asked September 25, 2017, 6:36 PM EDT
Thanks for your time. I have a great front lawn. My back lawn, however, has large spots (6 x 10) that have turned brown and lost all roots. The grass pulls up with no effort and shows no root system. I have checked for visible bugs and grubs. I found nothing but a few earthworms. I have watched the watering system and checked to be certain that the lawn has been watered correctly. I'm thinking "maybe fungus", but I don't know how to ID which one it might be. Any advice or thoughts. Thanks!
Terry Timm
1413 Silk Oak Dr, Fort Collins
Terry Timm
1413 Silk Oak Dr, Fort Collins
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Terry,
It doesn't look like a fungus and with the recent rain and cooler weather, the grass should be recovering some if it was drought stress.
I would suggest you mix up a solution of a gallon of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Pour it on the border of the brown and green areas (repeat a couple times). See if anything comes to the surface.
Did the area green up in the spring? Is this a spot that always shows signs of stress each year? Have you applied anything or done anything to remedy the problem?
It doesn't look like a fungus and with the recent rain and cooler weather, the grass should be recovering some if it was drought stress.
I would suggest you mix up a solution of a gallon of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Pour it on the border of the brown and green areas (repeat a couple times). See if anything comes to the surface.
Did the area green up in the spring? Is this a spot that always shows signs of stress each year? Have you applied anything or done anything to remedy the problem?
Hi, Dr.
Thanks for your response! I will try the warm water and dish soap a few times and let you know. In answer to your questions, this is not a usual spot for stress. It is shaded under a honey locust tree and gets sufficient water (unless, perhaps the tree needed it and somehow robbed the grass). The area was very green and full from spring until about two to three weeks ago...when it began to brown. Since the browning began I have maintained water and even added a bit more to that area. (It wasn't over-moist.) Ten days ago I applied Ironite liquid and a general autumn fertilizer per spreader instructions. We then went away for four days and came home to grass with no roots...it rakes up down to the ground. When I raked, I looked for excess bunny poop, but didn't see it. Thanks again! Terry Timm
Thanks for your response! I will try the warm water and dish soap a few times and let you know. In answer to your questions, this is not a usual spot for stress. It is shaded under a honey locust tree and gets sufficient water (unless, perhaps the tree needed it and somehow robbed the grass). The area was very green and full from spring until about two to three weeks ago...when it began to brown. Since the browning began I have maintained water and even added a bit more to that area. (It wasn't over-moist.) Ten days ago I applied Ironite liquid and a general autumn fertilizer per spreader instructions. We then went away for four days and came home to grass with no roots...it rakes up down to the ground. When I raked, I looked for excess bunny poop, but didn't see it. Thanks again! Terry Timm
That's really interesting, Terry. Let me know if you find anything with the soapy water test.
We can also come out for a quick visit to help determine a cause.
We can also come out for a quick visit to help determine a cause.
Hello, Dr.,
I applied the warm, soapy water 5 times and nothing has appeared that I can see. I also want to ask if it is OK to aerate this lawn. I'm on a schedule to aerate tomorrow PM. Thanks so much for your thoughts.
Terry Timm
I applied the warm, soapy water 5 times and nothing has appeared that I can see. I also want to ask if it is OK to aerate this lawn. I'm on a schedule to aerate tomorrow PM. Thanks so much for your thoughts.
Terry Timm
Hi Terry,
Yes, it's absolutely fine to aerate tomorrow--good timing, considering the moisture. What I would recommend is that you ask the person to go over those areas several times (make lots and lots and lots of plugs) and then put seed down. You don't need to remove or rake any of the turf--it will act as mulch to keep the seed moist.
Buy high-quality bluegrass seed or a bluegrass/perennial ryegrass mix (from a nursery, seed supplier or garden center). Don't buy seed from hardware stores or box stores. Seed about 5 pounds/1000 square feet. Apply it with either a fertilizer spreader or by hand, gently shaking seed on the soil surface. Rake gently to get the seed in the aeration holes.
Water and mow the area as normal. The seed should germinate in a couple weeks and try to mow it to harden it off for winter. If it's really dry this winter, water the area.
Yes, it's absolutely fine to aerate tomorrow--good timing, considering the moisture. What I would recommend is that you ask the person to go over those areas several times (make lots and lots and lots of plugs) and then put seed down. You don't need to remove or rake any of the turf--it will act as mulch to keep the seed moist.
Buy high-quality bluegrass seed or a bluegrass/perennial ryegrass mix (from a nursery, seed supplier or garden center). Don't buy seed from hardware stores or box stores. Seed about 5 pounds/1000 square feet. Apply it with either a fertilizer spreader or by hand, gently shaking seed on the soil surface. Rake gently to get the seed in the aeration holes.
Water and mow the area as normal. The seed should germinate in a couple weeks and try to mow it to harden it off for winter. If it's really dry this winter, water the area.
Thank you very much for your help. I planned on overseeding after the aeration anyway. If it doesn't come in next spring, I'll have someone out to look at it. You are very kind to share your knowledge!
Best wishes,
Terry Timm
Best wishes,
Terry Timm
