Brown Grass - Ask Extension
In late 2021 I had my lawn sodded. The first 2 summers I had nice green grass (KBG). This season I’ve had a lot of browning and large spots where ...
Knowledgebase
Brown Grass #878080
Asked July 21, 2024, 7:16 AM EDT
In late 2021 I had my lawn sodded. The first 2 summers I had nice green grass (KBG). This season I’ve had a lot of browning and large spots where the grass is dying. I’ve noticed in the pictures areas the lawn is staying wet after watering. Any suggestions on what or why this is happening and what I need to do to correct it?
Genesee County Michigan
Expert Response
First I suggest you do a soil test! 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
It's difficult to tell from photos why the lawn stays wet after watering. Causes may include depressions where water collects, over-watering and/or compacted soil. How much water are you irrigating weekly? Soil that is too wet doesn't have enough oxygen available for turf roots and that can kill grass. You should only need about 1"/week, including rain, unless your soil is sandy. Irrigation should be done by 3PM to allow the grass to dry before evening reducing the possibility of disease conditions. More info here:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_much_water_does_your_lawn_irrigation_system_apply
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lawn-irrigation-tips
Smart Watering for Lawns-MSU
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1313/ - soil compaction
https://extension.umn.edu/soil-management-and-health/soil-compaction#iron-deficiency-chlorosis-%28idc%29-1147265 - good info on soil compaction
https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/lawn/lawn-care-the-easiest-steps-to-an-attractive-environmental-asset/advanced-care/soil-compaction/ - lots of info here!
The brown in your lawn might also be normal summer dormancy or the need for additional nitrogen. The soil test will recommend several possible fertilizer concentrations and a fertilization schedule based on your desire for a high, medium or low maintenance lawn. Feel free to email back to review the soil test results if you wish.
These articles have some info on care of a sod lawn:
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-28-W.pdf
https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2951_web.pdf - this is a southern state (warm season turfgrass), see care at the end of the article
More info on lawn care:
Home Lawns | MSU Extension
Smart Lawns Tip Sheets-MSU
Lawn Care Tip Sheet-MSU
Core Aeration of Lawns-MSU
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU
How to Choose & Apply Grub Control Products-MSU
It's difficult to tell from photos why the lawn stays wet after watering. Causes may include depressions where water collects, over-watering and/or compacted soil. How much water are you irrigating weekly? Soil that is too wet doesn't have enough oxygen available for turf roots and that can kill grass. You should only need about 1"/week, including rain, unless your soil is sandy. Irrigation should be done by 3PM to allow the grass to dry before evening reducing the possibility of disease conditions. More info here:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_much_water_does_your_lawn_irrigation_system_apply
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lawn-irrigation-tips
Smart Watering for Lawns-MSU
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1313/ - soil compaction
https://extension.umn.edu/soil-management-and-health/soil-compaction#iron-deficiency-chlorosis-%28idc%29-1147265 - good info on soil compaction
https://turf.cals.cornell.edu/lawn/lawn-care-the-easiest-steps-to-an-attractive-environmental-asset/advanced-care/soil-compaction/ - lots of info here!
The brown in your lawn might also be normal summer dormancy or the need for additional nitrogen. The soil test will recommend several possible fertilizer concentrations and a fertilization schedule based on your desire for a high, medium or low maintenance lawn. Feel free to email back to review the soil test results if you wish.
These articles have some info on care of a sod lawn:
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-28-W.pdf
https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2951_web.pdf - this is a southern state (warm season turfgrass), see care at the end of the article
More info on lawn care:
Home Lawns | MSU Extension
Smart Lawns Tip Sheets-MSU
Lawn Care Tip Sheet-MSU
Core Aeration of Lawns-MSU
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU
How to Choose & Apply Grub Control Products-MSU
