A lush green lawn does wonders for your curb appeal. If your lawn has been looking tired and yellow, then it’s time to make a change in your irrigation habits. Read below to learn out why it isn’t thriving, as well as some proven solutions that may bring it back to life, from nutrient changes to lawn irrigation.

Homeowner’s Guide to a Yellow Lawn

Why It Happens

A lawn that is consistently yellow may not receive enough water. Beyond that, nutrient imbalance is a common cause of yellow lawns, especially due to excessive fertilizing. Nitrogen, the first number listed in the fertilizer ratio, is a vital nutrient that enhances lush growth. Too much of it will burn the roots by making the soil too acidic, turning the lawn yellow. Too little of it will keep the lawn from turning a deep green.

If your yellowing occurs in patches, the cause may be different. A pet urinating on the lawn can create dead spots in the areas the pet frequents, since their urine has high nitrogen levels. It can also be the result of a fungal disease, such as fairy rings or snow mold. The patches may be the result of poor lawn irrigation if there’s a spot that the sprinklers are not reaching.

Solutions to Try

Troubleshoot your problem by determining what’s causing the discoloration, and taking the appropriate steps to fix it:

• Soil Test: Have a soil test done to determine if there’s a nutrient imbalance. If there’s too much nitrogen, water the patches every day for a week. Change your fertilizer to one with a lower nitrogen amount, and don’t allow your pet to relieve themselves on the lawn. If they do need to go there, water the area immediately to flush it out of the soil.
• Adjust Watering: If your lawn seems dry, then it likely needs more water. Watch your lawn irrigation do its job, so you can check whether it evenly covers the entire area. Set it to water more deeply and frequently, scheduling it for early in the morning, giving the water time to soak into the soil. This dries the blades out during the day so they won’t be susceptible to fungal growth.
• Fight Disease: If you suspect fungal growth, bring in a professional. They know the signs of disease and can tell you whether your lawn has one. Have them dethatch and aerate your lawn, which will make it less susceptible to fungus.

The professionals at Artistic Irrigation will ensure your lawn is getting the water it needs in Woodbury, CT, and the surrounding area. They have more than 25 years of experience with sprinkler system installation and repair. Learn more on their website, and call (203) 263-6622 to schedule a free on-site estimate.