Why is My Grass Turning Yellow?Updated 9 days ago

Yellowing grass is a common issue, and it can happen for several reasons. Here's a breakdown of the most likely causes and how to address them:

1. Lack of Nitrogen

• Signs: Grass blades turn light green or yellow, starting at the tips.
• Solution: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, like 20-0-10 Almighty, to restore green color and promote healthy growth.

2. Improper Watering

• Too Much Water: Overwatering can lead to root rot and deprive roots of oxygen.
• Too Little Water: Grass may dry out, especially in hot weather.  Blades of grass will be thin like a needle.
• Solution: Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, aiming for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.

3. Soil Compaction

• Signs: Yellowing grass in high-traffic areas or where the soil feels hard.
• Solution: Core aerate the lawn to improve air and water penetration to the roots.

4. Mowing Issues

• Signs: Grass turns yellow shortly after mowing.
• Causes: Dull mower blades or cutting the grass too short.
• Solution: Sharpen your mower blades and mow at the proper height for your grass type. For most lawns, avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the blade length at a time.

5. Iron Deficiency

• Signs: Grass has a pale yellow appearance but the veins stay green.
• Solution: Apply a lawn fertilizer with iron, such as one containing AMP-XC Fertilizer Technology, which enhances nutrient absorption.

6. Pests or Diseases

• Signs: Irregular yellow patches, thinning grass, or evidence of grubs or fungus.
• Solution:
  • For pests like grubs: Apply a grub control product. Acelepryn will protect the lawn all season.  
  • For fungal diseases: Use a lawn fungicide appropriate for the disease.

7. Dog Urine Spots

• Signs: Circular yellow spots, often with darker green edges.
• Solution: Flush the area with water immediately after your dog urinates to dilute the nitrogen concentration.

8. Seasonal Dormancy

• Signs: Yellowing during extreme heat (warm-season grass) or cold (cool-season grass).
• Solution: Dormancy is natural; maintain proper watering and avoid fertilizing during this period.

If you’re still unsure of the cause, consider performing a soil test to check nutrient levels and pH, as imbalances can also contribute to yellowing. Please send in a photo so that we can help identify the issue.  Proper care and timely interventions will usually restore your lawn’s health and color!