Lawn problems (very patchy and bare) - Ask Extension
Hello. My lawn is in a lot of distress and I'm looking for some advice. It has become extremely patchy the last couple of years, especially last year ...
Knowledgebase
Lawn problems (very patchy and bare) #865515
Asked April 22, 2024, 8:57 PM EDT
Hello. My lawn is in a lot of distress and I'm looking for some advice. It has become extremely patchy the last couple of years, especially last year and this. I think there are a couple of issues: 1) subscribing to biolawn for a few years has left it a mono-culture and grass hasn't replaced weeds, and 2) the drought and my lack of watering. I'm going to reduce my lawn footprint, but I'll still have a decent amount of grassy areas. Looking for advice on a) should I get the soil tested, and if so, what kind of test, and by whom, and b) I'm thinking of alternatives and wondering if a clover mix is a good idea. I live in St. Paul. Thanks in advance!
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
I see a couple issues here.
First it is possible that field mice destroyed the lawn this winter.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/vole-damage
A soil test might guide fertilizing. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/
Your lawn appears to have little organic material. Do not pick up your lawn clippings.
In mid july peel off the top 1 1/2 inches of turf and look for grubs.
You can manage this lawn yourself--cut the service.
Set your lawn mower height to 4.5 inches. The taller the grass the deeper the roots.
In Sept overseed with fescue/bluegrass mix 50/50.
Feel free to write back. This will be summer long.
I see a couple issues here.
First it is possible that field mice destroyed the lawn this winter.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/vole-damage
A soil test might guide fertilizing. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/
Your lawn appears to have little organic material. Do not pick up your lawn clippings.
In mid july peel off the top 1 1/2 inches of turf and look for grubs.
You can manage this lawn yourself--cut the service.
Set your lawn mower height to 4.5 inches. The taller the grass the deeper the roots.
In Sept overseed with fescue/bluegrass mix 50/50.
Feel free to write back. This will be summer long.
