2 areas grass is browning (and dying) - Ask Extension
see attached photos. Full sun, we water regularly. Grass on the other side of the driveway is perfect (it has irrigation, the bad side does not). S...
Knowledgebase
2 areas grass is browning (and dying) #799280
Asked July 03, 2022, 7:59 PM EDT
see attached photos. Full sun, we water regularly. Grass on the other side of the driveway is perfect (it has irrigation, the bad side does not). Seems to dry out every year. I mow to 3" and don't pick up clippings. No circle patch like some fungi. I have not tried to pull up a patch to check the roots. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my lawn. I can't stand this! Please help.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
We can't be sure what's causing the problem by viewing the photos. However, comments follow for what they are worth.
If grass in the dry, brown areas grows normally in spring or fall, it is probably dormant now, not dead.
If the brown areas receive the same amount of water as other irrigated areas something may be limiting its transfer to grass leaves. This might be caused by compact soil, salt residue, thatch, disease, insect damage, or anything else that inhibits root development and growth.
Following is an exhaustive account of things that affect turf health. Although the information was prepared for Colorado residents, much of it also applies to Minnesota and it may help you diagnose the problem.
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2021/06/Diagnosing-Lawn-Problems-CMG-June-2021.pdf
If you conclude that disease might be a factor, you can confirm or rule out that possibility by sending a turf sample to the University of Wisconsin Turfgrass Diagnostic Laboratory. (Currently the University of Minnesota does not offer this service.)
https://tdl.wisc.edu/
https://tdl.wisc.edu/homeowner-turfgrass-sample-submission-form-2/#
If grass in the dry, brown areas grows normally in spring or fall, it is probably dormant now, not dead.
If the brown areas receive the same amount of water as other irrigated areas something may be limiting its transfer to grass leaves. This might be caused by compact soil, salt residue, thatch, disease, insect damage, or anything else that inhibits root development and growth.
Following is an exhaustive account of things that affect turf health. Although the information was prepared for Colorado residents, much of it also applies to Minnesota and it may help you diagnose the problem.
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2021/06/Diagnosing-Lawn-Problems-CMG-June-2021.pdf
If you conclude that disease might be a factor, you can confirm or rule out that possibility by sending a turf sample to the University of Wisconsin Turfgrass Diagnostic Laboratory. (Currently the University of Minnesota does not offer this service.)
https://tdl.wisc.edu/
https://tdl.wisc.edu/homeowner-turfgrass-sample-submission-form-2/#
