Why Is My Grass Yellow?
Common Problems & Solutions
It’s every homeowner’s dream to have beautiful green grass on display outside of their home; however, this dream can be quickly shattered during the hot summer months in South Florida. Yellow grass outside your home can detract from the architectural beauty of your home; thus it’s important to understand what causes yellow grass and how you can fix it. If your once green lawn now has yellow patches throughout, read on. Returning your lawn to its previous green state is not out of reach.
Causes Of Yellow Gras
Many issues can cause lawn discolor; however, the top six reasons include dryness, over-fertilizing, under-fertilizing, dog urine, and pests and diseases.
- Dryness
One of the leading causes of yellow grass in South Florida is dryness due to extreme heat. While there isn’t much you can do to control the weather; you can control how much you are watering it.
Solution: To reduce the likelihood of your grass turning yellow you will need to encourage your grass to root deeply. To accomplish this, you will need to water your lawn thoroughly, but less frequently. Watering frequently, but with little water will never allow your roots to grow downwards, which will increase the probability of your grass drying out, especially during the hot summer months.
- Over-Fertilizing
Nitrogen is a top ingredient in most fertilizers and is responsible for enhancing green growth; however, too much nitrogen can cause a lawn to turn yellow. Grass has a specific Ph window that it thrives in, and too much nitrogen can burn roots and change the pH of your soil. This inhibits the roots from taking in other nutrients and water.
Solution: Stop fertilizing so frequently. If you give your lawn time, it will re-grow, and the new grass will be green.
- Under-Fertilizing
If you have never fertilized your yard, or do so very infrequently, you may experience grass spots which are caused by a nutrient deficiency in your soil. The two most common deficiencies are iron and nitrogen, and each has different warning signs. If your soil has a nitrogen deficiency, you may notice yellow patches all over your yard. If your soil has an iron deficiency, you may see yellow spots in random areas around your yard, but not all over.
Solution: Conduct a soil test to look for deficiencies, then find a fertilizer that addresses your specific issue. Consider taking a photo of your yard and show it to a landscaping professional. A trusted professional will be able to lead you to the solution that will best treat your lawn issue.
- Dog Urine
If you notice that patches of yellow grass have accumulated along the edge of your lawn by your sidewalks, dog urine could be the cause. Dog urine has high levels of nitrogen in it, which burns grass.
Solution: Train your dog to go to the bathroom in certain parts of your lawn. If you do not have a dog, speak with your neighbors about the situation to educate them on the issue.
- You Cut Your Grass Too Short
If you cut your grass too short, it will not receive enough moisture, and as a result turn yellow.
Solution: Allow your grass to grow longer, especially in the warm summer months. Next time you cut your grass, raise the cutting height of your lawnmower.
- Pests & Diseases
If you have ruled out all other potential causes for your yellow lawn, it could be that you have pests present. Examine your lawn by looking for holes in the grass, insects and insect eggs, fungus, and unusual growth spots.
Solution: A pest control professional will be able to identify what could be infesting your lawn. Contact us for a free same day inspection of your lawn.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret, yellow grass is quite an eyesore, and can be frustrating to fix if you do not know the source of the problem. To cure your lawn of yellow grass, it’s essential to know the root of the problem and implement a treatment plan specific to that problem. If you have attempted to treat your lawn but have been unsuccessful, consult with a professional. Remember, a green lawn isn’t out of the question. You just need to implement a robust restoration plan.
