Things You Should Know About Yellow Spot On Grass

There are a few reasons why your grass might start to turn yellow, but one of the most common is a nutrient deficiency. A soil test can reveal if your lawn is lacking nitrogen and iron. Other causes of discolored grass include disease, insect infestations and overfertilizing your grass. Some of these issues can be prevented by following proper cultural practices such as mowing and watering.

Causes

Yellow spot on grass can be caused by a variety of things, including soil deficiencies, pest infestations, fungal diseases, and even excessively hot weather. But the good news is that it is often easy to identify and fix these problems. First, you should try to determine what is causing the problem. The best way to do this is to conduct a lawn analysis and get a diagnosis from a Nutrite Expert. This will help you get the right diagnosis, so that you can correct the issue quickly and efficiently.

The most common cause of yellow spot on grass is a nutrient deficiency. A soil test will reveal the nutritional levels of your soil and provide you with information on applying fertilizer or other amendments to replenish the nutrients your lawn is lacking.

You should apply a high-quality fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to your lawn at the recommended rate. Using the wrong type of fertilizer will not only make your lawn look bad, but it can also lead to disease, fungal disease and insect infestation, so you should always follow the instructions on the bag or tube of fertilizer you are using. Alternatively, you can use composted manure, soil amendments or opt to plant crops that are high in nitrogen to feed your grass. This is a great way to improve the quality of your lawn and give it a healthy glow.

Another reason your lawn might be turning yellow is because you are overwatering it. Watering too much can cause root rot and stress your lawn by suffocating its roots. You should water your lawn only when it needs it and in the proper amounts. Overwatering can also be caused by a leaky septic tank, which can be a huge issue for your grass because it can drown the roots of the grass. To avoid this, check to see if you have a properly functioning septic tank.

If you do not have a properly working septic tank, you may want to contact your local utility provider to have the tank repaired or replaced. This will not only keep the water from draining out, but will also stop waste from leaking and killing your grass.

Treatment

When your grass turns yellow it can be a frustrating sight, especially when you've spent time and effort maintaining it. But there are a few reasons why your lawn could be turning yellow, and it's important to identify these so you can take the necessary steps to remedy the situation. One of the most common causes is excess fertilization. This is a serious concern as it increases the nitrogen levels in your soil which can kill your grass roots. It also makes it hard for your grass to absorb other nutrients.

Another cause is extreme heat and dry weather. Grass doesn't get enough water during these hot and dry conditions, so it turns yellow. This can happen in just a few days. It's important to check your irrigation system and make sure you're not getting too much or too little water. Lawns that receive excessive water from rain and snow melt can be susceptible to the fungus Rhizoctonia cerealis, which can cause the grass to turn yellow. Regular dethatching and aerating improves the soil's drainage, which prevents this disease from developing.

You can treat the fungus by applying a fungicide to the affected area of your grass. The fungicide will kill the fungus and prevent further development of the yellow spot. Alternatively, you can reseed your yard. This is a quick and effective solution. However, if the problem is extensive or your lawn is suffering from soil problems, you may want to tear up the affected area, address those problems and reseed your grass.

Then reseed your lawn as soon as possible to prevent moss and weeds from growing in the new areas. Fertilise two to three times a year to supply your grass with the necessary nutrients it needs. If your lawn is experiencing nutrient deficiencies, a slow release fertiliser will provide the necessary food for your grass. This will help it to recover quickly from the yellow spots.

Prevention

The best way to prevent your grass from turning yellow is to have it fertilized regularly with an organic fertilizer. This helps it fend off diseases and pests, as well as keep the soil healthy. Another important thing to do is to keep your lawn weed-free. This will help it resist fungal diseases and parasitic insects, which can also cause yellow spots on your grass.

When weeds become large enough to compete with your grass, you may need to aerate the soil in order to remove them. This will help with drainage and improve the flow of water to the roots of your grass. Overwatering your lawn is another cause for yellow spots. Too much water causes your grass to wilt and stress out, leading it to turn yellow. To remedy this, make sure to water your lawn in the mornings when the weather is cooler and that you deep water it about once a week.

Lawns can also get yellow patches because of compacted soil. This is a result of overwatering, excessive foot traffic and a thick thatch layer that blocks soil from absorbing nutrients. Dethatching can correct this by removing the thatch layer to allow the soil to breathe and hold water. Some types of fungal disease can also cause yellow patches to form on your grass, particularly if you have a cool-season grass such as fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. The fungus feeds on plant nutrients and kills the plant cells.

There are also insect species that can be the culprit, especially grubs. These tiny worms, the larval stage of certain beetles, can invisibly munch away at the roots of your grass, causing it to become discolored and wilted. One type of fungus, yellow patch disease, is a common cause of discolored grass and can be treated with a fungicide. However, this type of disease often clears up on its own as the weather warms up in spring and summer.

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to your yellow spot problem, you might need to reseed the area or aerate it to promote better soil circulation. This will help prevent the growth of thatch and ensure that the grass has more room to breathe.

Recommendations

Yellow grass is not for the faint of heart but there are several steps you can take to minimize the effect and reclaim your turf. A well maintained mower is a must, along with raking up excess clippings that can be a home for pests and disease. Watering deeply, but infrequently is also key to keeping your yard green and healthy. A quality lawn fertilizer is the best way to go. The right mix of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen in the correct proportions can make a big difference to your grass, and keep it looking its best. Finally, you can also check out your local gardening store for the latest trends and innovations in weed control and fertilizer formulations. With a bit of planning and a little TLC, your grass will thank you for it in the years to come.

Good luck and may you have a happy, healthy and green yard.