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So, be particularly careful if you do have an irrigation system, as it might be overkill.
This is usually more of problem than your lawn getting too dry. Typical signs include discoloration of the grass or even the presence of mushrooms.
Do you have large patches of grass covered by shade? Your grass is probably not getting enough sunlight.
The only way to solve this problem is by raising the canopy of your trees. Alternatively you'll have to remove some of them. If the shade is created by a building, then there is nothing you can do, unfortunately.
Signs of high humidity caused by shade include the formation of moss.
Skunks can also damage your lawn by digging into it.
The same goes for raccoons. Digging for food will inevitably destroy your lawn. All these creatures can only be contained by taking drastic measures, sadly.
Animals such as moles can be a big problem. They will destroy your lawn when they create tunnels underneath it. Unfortunately the only solution is to trap them and get rid of them.
You shouldn't worry about voles though. They only cause cosmetic damage to the grass, and it will recover and regrow on its own.
Dogs pee on the grass, and dog urine is rich in nitrogen and ammonia, which is deadly for the grass in high concentrations.
Applying gypsum on the spots might help. Make sure you then flush it with fresh water.
Do you have patchy grass, with different colors and lengths? The types of seeds you planted might have something to do with it.
Not all grass seed species work well together, so get advice from a local lawn specialist.
You can have an idea of how compact your soil is by sticking a screwdriver into it and seeing how much resistance you find. Aerifying your lawn at least once a year might help.
Compaction can occur with use, which can result in puddles and discoloration because the roots don't penetrate the soil as they should to get the water they need.
Some species, such as creeping charlie (ground-ivy), can be more invasive and take over your lawn and damage it.
And so are dandelions and clovers, depending where you live and how you maintain your lawn.
Weeds are also a common problem. Crabgrass, for instance, is one of the most popular culprits.
The best way to prevent weeds is to keep your lawn well treated, and, of course, applying a weed killer when necessary.
On the other hand, diseases such as necrotic ring spot can cause a lot more damage.
Diseases such as dollar spot and ascochyta cause patches and dark spots on leaves. However, these are usually just cosmetic and won't really damage your lawn to a great extent.
Change in weather can sometimes help, but if not, you'll have to apply a fungicide. Make sure you know what disease you're treating specifically, as not all fungicides are the same.
These diseases, also known as lawn rust, are usually caused by fungal spores. Rusts create patches and sometimes leave a powdery residue.
These circles of mushrooms, usually around a patch of grass, can appear in your lawn. You should treat the patch as you would any other, and plant fresh grass seeds.
This might be a result of either (or both) the type of seed you planted and your soil's pH.
You need an average of an inch (2.54 cm) of water per week. And you should also take into account rainfall.
Many of us take great pride in our lawns. If you're lucky enough to have one on your property, surely you want it to look strong, healthy, and beautiful. But keeping your grass green and lush is no easy task. From diseases to water and soil problems, keeping your turf in good condition can be quite challenging indeed. But fear not—we're here to help you identify and fix common lawn problems.
Click through the following gallery and learn how to treat the most common lawn problems out there.
Testing your soil pH once a year is also a good idea. You can then adjust the levels of phosphorus and potassium as needed.
How to fix common lawn problems
Treat grass like a pro
LIFESTYLE Gardening
Many of us take great pride in our lawns. If you're lucky enough to have one on your property, surely you want it to look strong, healthy, and beautiful. But keeping your grass green and lush is no easy task. From diseases to water and soil problems, keeping your turf in good condition can be quite challenging indeed. But fear not—we're here to help you identify and fix common lawn problems.
Click through the following gallery and learn how to treat the most common lawn problems out there.