The number one question in my top 10 list for most asked lawn question is “what’s wrong with my lawn?” After looking at pictures on someone’s phone and with some conversation we can usually determine the cause to the problem. I divide lawns issues into several categories: insects, fungal, environmental, maintenance, nutritional and the unknown category.
Insect and fungal problems are self-explanatory and most are relatively easy to treat once identified. Most environmental issues involve sunlight and water. Too much or too little of either will cause trouble and can lead to insect and/or fungal problems. With the water restriction (hopefully gone) and a sluggish economy, some folks just gave up on their lawns. The nutrition category can also be included in maintenance. Soil testing (did you know that Wells Brothers does soil testing?) is the key to proper nutrition. Testing should be done every four or five years. The last one is the unknown category and it’s a small one. Most of the time it involves the incorrect or accidental applications of an unknown product, mainly herbicides.
The key is to catch a problem early and act accordingly. Get to know the grass by walking the lawn often (scouting). Investigate issues at the first sign. I have always used the process of elimination. What are you sure it isn’t? Always look for the simple solution first and proceed from there. Click here to get help with most lawn situations. Click here to read about lawn and plant diseases.