Dead lawn patch near pine trees - Ask Extension
So I have a patch in my front lawn, same place every year, that dies off. I manage to get grass growing there in the spring but it dies off by mid sum...
Knowledgebase
Dead lawn patch near pine trees #562506
Asked May 18, 2019, 6:41 PM EDT
So I have a patch in my front lawn, same place every year, that dies off. I manage to get grass growing there in the spring but it dies off by mid summer and the process repeats every year. I have tested the soil and everything came back normal. I have also used the tuna can method to check my sprinkler water levels between healthy grass and this area and they were mostly the same (I made a 2 minute adjustment to timer). I can't figure it out, but I would like to.
The soil in this area is really dusty and dry and feels like ashes, does not feel like the clay-like damp soil in rest of my yard. I am not sure if this is an indicator of something. There are some pines nearby. I will attach pictures so you can see. Hopefully you've got some ideas to try.
The soil in this area is really dusty and dry and feels like ashes, does not feel like the clay-like damp soil in rest of my yard. I am not sure if this is an indicator of something. There are some pines nearby. I will attach pictures so you can see. Hopefully you've got some ideas to try.
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello, and thank you for contacting the Douglas County Master Gardener helpdesk.
Is the dry spot on the south side of the tree? Do you plant new grass every year that dies off, or is it established grass that dies? Pine trees have very shallow root systems which spread out to the drip line and beyond, and they compete with the grass for water. They will take the water they need and the grass can suffer, particularly on the south side where the sun is hottest. You may need to adjust the amount of water your grass is getting in this area. Have you dug down a bit to see if the roots are close to the surface? If so, it probably is a water issue. It doesn't look like there is a fungus or something else killing your grass. Perhaps you need to replace half an inch or so of the soil with new soil, or the soil may be compacted and unable to retain moisture. There are a number of things that could be going on, but I'd start with paying extra attention to the watering.
Is the dry spot on the south side of the tree? Do you plant new grass every year that dies off, or is it established grass that dies? Pine trees have very shallow root systems which spread out to the drip line and beyond, and they compete with the grass for water. They will take the water they need and the grass can suffer, particularly on the south side where the sun is hottest. You may need to adjust the amount of water your grass is getting in this area. Have you dug down a bit to see if the roots are close to the surface? If so, it probably is a water issue. It doesn't look like there is a fungus or something else killing your grass. Perhaps you need to replace half an inch or so of the soil with new soil, or the soil may be compacted and unable to retain moisture. There are a number of things that could be going on, but I'd start with paying extra attention to the watering.
Thanks for the reply. I suspect you're probably correct with the roots being the issue. The dead patch is on the west side of the trees so it gets the most sun. Grass does well in the wetter May/June months, and then dies off at summer. I have made sure the entire lawn gets the same amount of water, but I think it sounds like you're saying is that I need extra water there for the grass and the tree roots? Is that the case?
Do you think tree roots will compete no mater how much water I give them? Or is this a case of fighting over limited water and once I provide enough for both needs the grass should be fine?
Do you think tree roots will compete no mater how much water I give them? Or is this a case of fighting over limited water and once I provide enough for both needs the grass should be fine?
Hello Again,
You may be fighting a losing battle. Not only are you up against a water competition issue, but also an issue of light. The shade from the trees could impact the healthy growth of the grass. Have you considered widening the area around the tree and mulching in. It is always difficult to grow grass under and around mature trees. Of course, you can try extra watering and see how much of an impact that would have.
You may be fighting a losing battle. Not only are you up against a water competition issue, but also an issue of light. The shade from the trees could impact the healthy growth of the grass. Have you considered widening the area around the tree and mulching in. It is always difficult to grow grass under and around mature trees. Of course, you can try extra watering and see how much of an impact that would have.
