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Overwatering -

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.

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Overwatering -

You need an average of an inch (2.54 cm) of water per week. And you should also take into account rainfall.

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Overwatering -

So, be particularly careful if you do have an irrigation system, as it might be overkill.

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Too much shade -

Do you have large patches of grass covered by shade? Your grass is probably not getting enough sunlight.

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Too much shade -

Signs of high humidity caused by shade include the formation of moss.

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Too much shade -

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.

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Critters -

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.

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Critters -

Skunks can also damage your lawn by digging into it.

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Critters -

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.

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Critters -

You shouldn't worry about voles though. They only cause cosmetic damage to the grass, and it will recover and regrow on its own.

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Dog damage -

Dogs pee on the grass, and dog urine is rich in nitrogen and ammonia, which is deadly for the grass in high concentrations.

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Dog damage -

Applying gypsum on the spots might help. Make sure you then flush it with fresh water.

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Patchy grass -

Do you have patchy grass, with different colors and lengths? The types of seeds you planted might have something to do with it.

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Patchy grass -

Not all grass seed species work well together, so get advice from a local lawn specialist.

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Thinning grass -

This might be a result of either (or both) the type of seed you planted and your soil's pH.

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Compacted soil -

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.

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Compacted soil -

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.

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Weeds -

Weeds are also a common problem. Crabgrass, for instance, is one of the most popular culprits.

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Weeds -

And so are dandelions and clovers, depending where you live and how you maintain your lawn.

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Weeds -

Some species, such as creeping charlie (ground-ivy), can be more invasive and take over your lawn and damage it.

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Weeds -

The best way to prevent weeds is to keep your lawn well treated, and, of course, applying a weed killer when necessary.

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Turf diseases -

These diseases, also known as lawn rust, are usually caused by fungal spores. Rusts create patches and sometimes leave a powdery residue.

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Turf diseases -

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.

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Turf diseases -

On the other hand, diseases such as necrotic ring spot can cause a lot more damage.

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Turf diseases -

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.

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Test your soil's pH -

Testing your soil pH once a year is also a good idea. You can then adjust the levels of phosphorus and potassium as needed.

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Fairy rings -

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.

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See also - Secrets every gardener needs to know

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