Feb 12, 2021 | Lawn Care
With warmer weather around the corner, many homeowners are preparing their lawns for spring. While the ultimate goal is lush, green grass, the last thing any homeowner wants is a yellow lawn. So what is causing those offensive spots and how can you fix them? Here we take a look at the 4 top reasons for a yellow lawn and how to fix it.
Physical Damage
Physical damage to your grass can come in many forms. Cutting your grass unevenly, too short, or with dull blades on your mower can result in it turning yellow as the grass is weakened and destroyed. If you have items sitting on your lawn (such as children’s play equipment or lawn furniture), you will often see yellow spots pop up around them as a result of soil compaction. In this case, oxygen and water are unable to reach the roots of the blades in order to circulate.
When mowing your grass, make sure the mower is working properly and the blades are sharpened. Set the blades at the proper height for the type of grass you have. Aeration can help resolve the issue of soil compaction and allows your grass to get the oxygen, water and other nutrients it needs to thrive.
Amount of Water
Too much or too little water can wreak havoc on your lawn, resulting in those unsightly yellow patches you’re trying to avoid. Overwatering leads to poor root development and a limited supply of oxygen. It can also lead to fungus and pest infestations. Underwatering can dry out the blades, making them brittle and undernourished, which can also cause them to turn yellow.
Double check your sprinkler system to make sure they aren’t overwatering certain areas of your lawn and that they are reaching all of the areas of your lawn. Keep an eye on the weather to make sure your lawn is getting just the right amount of water (e.g. turning off sprinklers during rainstorms). Identify what type of grass you have and make sure your watering schedule is appropriate.
Lack of Nutrients
Fertilization provides the nutrients your lawn needs to grow and thrive. Yellow patches can appear when your lawn lacks the proper amounts of these nutrients. On the other hand, overfertilizing can burn the turf, also causing the grass to turn yellow. It is important to find the proper balance of nutrients necessary for the type of grass you have.
Choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your turf type. Make sure to read the directions carefully and apply evenly across your yard. A nutritional supplement may also need to be added in addition to the fertilizer to help replenish your lawn.
Diseases and Pests
Many lawn diseases manifest as yellow or even brown patches. Some of the most common diseases include lawn fungus and dollar spot. Most lawn diseases are fungal and are caused by excessive moisture. These diseases slow the growth of your lawn and can cause the blades to spot and wilt. This excessive moisture is also a major attractant for pests which can also damage your grass and cause it to turn colors.
The first step is to get rid of the excess moisture in your yard. A fungicide may need to be applied depending on the severity of the disease. Lawn diseases should be treated as soon as you start to see symptoms. Try to avoid overwatering the areas and follow good mowing habits, as well. The damaged areas can sometimes be repaired by raking away the thatch and reseeding in the fall.
A yellow lawn can get out of hand quickly. If you have yellow spots on your lawn, contact the professionals who can give you a free lawn analysis, as well as ensure any lawn pest control needs are also met.
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Aug 27, 2012 | Lawn Care
We have seen a severe armyworm infestation this summer. The extremely dry, hot weather is a welcome mat for armyworms to our region. Armyworms are a type of larval worm that feed on grass blades, but rarely kills the turf, even if left untreated. However, their damage can make lawns look unsightly, like they are dying. The damage they cause will make your yard look like it has been scalped or damaged in large areas. It is usually fairly easy to tell if you have armyworms. The turf can be pulled back easily and you can see them in the soil…they look like little caterpillars.
If you find that you have been infested with armyworms, call a professional lawn care service such as Northwest.
With any lawn care treatment, watering is also an important factor. Watering in each zone for about 25-30 minutes a day, until the lawn recovers, helps the products reach the root system. Avoid watering on days that we have a sufficient amount of rain.
Every lawn is different, so we will continue to monitor your lawn’s progress to determine the course of
action that is right for your lawn. For more information on Northwest Lawn Care visit us at www.callnorthwest.com
Aug 22, 2012 | Lawn Care
We are currently on Round 6 of our Lawn Care treatments. During this round, we are focusing heavily on controlling weeds.
For the best results:
- The treatment should be watered in within 48 hours.
- Turf should receive at least 2 inches of water per week.
- The lawn should not be mowed 2 days before or after the treatment.
What’s coming up?
It’s almost time for aerating and overseeding for fescue lawns. Fescue lawns thrive in the cooler months and should be aerated and overseeding each year.
What’s the key to a healthy lawn?
Watering is essential for a healthy lawn. We can not stress the importance of watering to improve the color and condition of your lawn. We suggest watering at least 45 minutes in each zone once a week.
For more information on improving the healthy and look of your lawn visit Northwest.
Apr 16, 2012 | Pest Control
What are the tiny red bugs crawling around my windows?
This is a common question that we get in early spring and late fall. Clover mites are found in warm, sunny places which is why you usually see them around your windows and crawling on your curtains. Clover mites are smaller than the tip of a pencil which allows them to fit into the smallest cracks and crevices around a structure. They are oval shaped with 8 legs. Their 2 front legs are longer than the rest and protrude forward which can be confused with antennae.
Clover mites can be alarming to homeowners because they gather in large numbers but there is no need for alarm. Clover mites do not bite or carry diseases, however they can cause skin irritation to some with sensitive skin. (These are not to be confused with chiggers which look similar but get into the skin and itch.) They do not damage furniture or pursue your food. Clover mite eggs lay dormant in the summer months and hatch in temperatures of 85 F or below. They are attracted to warm, sunny places which leads them to the windows in your home. Clover mites are often identified by the red stain they leave once they have been squashed. The red substance is the pigment in their color, not their blood. Grass and clovers are their main source of food.
There are simple ways to get rid of clover mites in your home. The best way is to vacuum them up. As with any vacuumed pest, make sure that you dispose of the bag immediately in an outdoor trash can. Disposing of the bag is always recommended but is especially an issue when it comes to clover mites because they are so small and can escape from the bag into your home. Another way to get rid of clover mites is to place sticky traps around your windows. As always, prevention is your best option. Clover mites feed on fertilized lawns, so if you are seeing an infestation cut back on the fertilizer. Remove grass that has direct contact to your structure. Instead, use soil, gravel, or mulch because clover mites have difficulty moving on bare, loose terrains. Make sure all window screens are tight fitting. Seal any cracks around the outside of the structure and use weather stripping on entrance areas.
If you are having a consistent problem with clover mites or other pests, it’s best to call Northwest Exterminating. We will ensure that your issue is identified and a customized plan is created for treatment of clover mites.
Are these small red bugs showing up in your home?
