something is going on with our lawn - Ask Extension
Even though we have applied fertilizer and watered as we have done in past years, there are large areas of our grass dying off.
Knowledgebase
something is going on with our lawn #792868
Asked May 26, 2022, 5:53 PM EDT
Even though we have applied fertilizer and watered as we have done in past years, there are large areas of our grass dying off.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Mary Joyce,
I suspect that this stems from irrigation coverage or drought stress. When we see bare soil, it's generally a sign that this has been an on-going problem. I would suggest that you do a quick sprinkler audit by putting out cups and collecting the water in these areas (put cups in the good spots and the spots that are brown). Then while the system is running, carefully examine the heads and look for heads that are crooked, not popping up fully, or blocked by plants. Adjust these heads.
It's important to collect the water because it always looks like it's going everywhere when you run the system, but it's impossible to tell by the naked eye.
Near the tree, the turf and the tree are sharing the water and the tree may have a more extensive root system than the lawn does, so it will take up the water before the lawn - resulting in drought stress.
With some sprinkler adjustments, your lawn should recover. If it's not progressing enough, then you could choose to reseed certain spots.
I suspect that this stems from irrigation coverage or drought stress. When we see bare soil, it's generally a sign that this has been an on-going problem. I would suggest that you do a quick sprinkler audit by putting out cups and collecting the water in these areas (put cups in the good spots and the spots that are brown). Then while the system is running, carefully examine the heads and look for heads that are crooked, not popping up fully, or blocked by plants. Adjust these heads.
It's important to collect the water because it always looks like it's going everywhere when you run the system, but it's impossible to tell by the naked eye.
Near the tree, the turf and the tree are sharing the water and the tree may have a more extensive root system than the lawn does, so it will take up the water before the lawn - resulting in drought stress.
With some sprinkler adjustments, your lawn should recover. If it's not progressing enough, then you could choose to reseed certain spots.
