Lawn Problems - Ask Extension
I have some patchy spots in my lawn where grass won't grow. I treat in the spring with grub killer and then use Scott's 4-step fertilizer program. ...
Knowledgebase
Lawn Problems #869598
Asked May 22, 2024, 11:30 AM EDT
I have some patchy spots in my lawn where grass won't grow. I treat in the spring with grub killer and then use Scott's 4-step fertilizer program. I have underground sprinkling. I used lawn safe ant killer on these spots to get rid of ants but grass still won't grow. Rest of lawn is green and healthy looking.
Don't know if this is under/over-watering, lawn disease?
Please advise.
Thank you.
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
Unfortunately the photo is not clear enough to provide any more info than you have spots of dead grass that will have to be reseeded. I'd consider clearing the whole area and reseeding a single patch in August.
First I suggest doing a soil test (now). You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
The best time to seed a lawn is in late August (after correcting for any issues identified in the soil test) as summer temperatures abate and fall rains bring needed moisture for seed to germinate and become established before winter. More info here:
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU
Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN
Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU
Turfgrass Seed Rates-PSU
Your question sounds like you treat for grubs every spring. You should only treat for grubs if you find them in your soil in quantities high enough to need treatment. Turf can tolerate some grub feeding without damage. Too much grub treatment (annually) is not good for a heathy lawn and it pollutes!
Good grub control info here:
How to Choose & Apply Grub Control Products-MSU - how to check for grubs, what to use and when.
First I suggest doing a soil test (now). You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
The best time to seed a lawn is in late August (after correcting for any issues identified in the soil test) as summer temperatures abate and fall rains bring needed moisture for seed to germinate and become established before winter. More info here:
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU
Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN
Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU
Turfgrass Seed Rates-PSU
Your question sounds like you treat for grubs every spring. You should only treat for grubs if you find them in your soil in quantities high enough to need treatment. Turf can tolerate some grub feeding without damage. Too much grub treatment (annually) is not good for a heathy lawn and it pollutes!
Good grub control info here:
How to Choose & Apply Grub Control Products-MSU - how to check for grubs, what to use and when.
