Why is the lawn turning yellow?
The yellowing of the lawn can be linked to different causes:
- The primary reason is undoubtedly related to climatic hazards. Indeed, in regions with a harsher climate, frost or frost can burn the lawn, but also, regardless of the region, too much sun exposure, excessive heat and drought. Your lawn then takes on the color of the scorch.
- This yellowing may be related to root asphyxia. For example, if moss has formed, the oxygenation of the soil being blocked, the roots of the blades of grass are gradually suffocated and the grass turns yellow, a sign of its withering.
- This same type of asphyxiation can also occur if trash has accumulated on the surfacesuch as grass clippings, leaves, etc.
- It can also be related to insects, parasites or fungi. The problem is that these are invisible to the naked eye.
- Your pets’ urine may also be involved.. In this case, you will see localized areas where the grass is yellowing, rather than total yellowing.
The different solutions to find a beautiful green lawn
Fight against the lack of water
If the yellowing of your lawn is related to excessive summer heat and lack of water, it is enough to water, but sometimes this is easier said than done, because it is not always possible. Indeed, in some municipalities, water restrictions are sometimes set up in the summer. It is your responsibility to ensure that this is not the case in yours.
Either way, always be sure to carry out a reasoned watering, because water is a resource that should be preserved. To do this :
- Install water collectors. They will fill up at the beginning of spring and will allow you to ensure a few waterings.
- Give preference to watering in the eveningwhen the lawn is in the shade.
- Install a drip irrigation system. This type of system makes it possible to moisten the roots while respecting the environment, as it consumes up to 70% less of this precious resource compared to other systems.
We have just mentioned drought, but conversely, if when you walk on your lawn you hear a wet noise, it is possible that its yellowing is due to a overwatering.
Prevent your lawn from suffocating
A yellow lawn is sometimes a suffocated lawn. The only remedy then is to make the soil breathe. To do this :
- It is recommended scarify your lawn once or twice a year using a scarifier. This operation offers an instant rejuvenation cure to your lawn, by ridding it of moss, dead grasses and vegetable thatch.
- After each mowing, take the trouble to pick up grass clippings. If you don’t have the time, inclination or courage to do so, it is better to opt for a mower with a collection box or that includes the mulching option. In the latter case, the grass is finely cut not only to be able to remain on the ground without suffocating anything, but also to offer a natural fertilizer to your lawn.
Add fertilizer
When your lawn turns yellow, it can also be linked to a lack of fertilizer. Deprived of nitrogen, any lawn turns yellow, because it needs it to be dense, green and robust. But how to bring it?
- We mentioned above, a mower that allows mulching will provide fertilizer to your lawn by finely cutting the grass.
- Otherwise you can make this contribution yourself twice a year, in early fall and spring. Be careful to respect the dosages, because too much nitrogen has the same effect on the lawn as drought.
Limit the presence of insects
If you notice that birds regularly come to your garden, it may be an indicator of the presence of insects. An overpopulation of insects can pose a danger to your lawn, as they can attack the roots of the grass in your lawn, which will cause it to turn yellow. In this case, the damage is mainly observed between the end of spring and the end of summer. The solutions :
- Count on their natural predators such as birds, hedgehogs, frogs, etc.
- You can also buy worms at garden centers. These are the Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes. They will attack crane fly larvae without risk to pets or you.
Getting rid of mushrooms
Some microscopic fungi can cause yellowing of your lawn. To eliminate them, the ideal is to prepare a mixture of water and baking soda and spray it on the lawn two to three times a week. Your lawn should quickly regain its beautiful green color.
Take good care of your mower
When mowing your lawn, several scenarios can cause it to turn yellow:
- If your mower blade needs sharpening, it does not do the job properly: it can tear the grass and cut it unevenly. Over time, this will lead to weakening and yellowing of your grass.
- Moreover, it is important toavoid mowing too close. Indeed, the closer your lawn is cut, the more it is likely to yellow.
Getting your pets used to going outside
Urine is high in ammonia, which burns the grass. If your pets are used to defecating on the lawn, then yellow spots are inevitable. You can only remedy this with new habits both on your side and on that of your faithful companion:
- Take your pet for a walk so that he gets into the habit of doing his business at this time. Not only will you preserve your garden, but you will be happy, because your dog will undoubtedly appreciate these walks outside.
- In your garden, reserve a space dedicated to this purpose.
- Another solution is to pour water where you just saw your dog urinate. This will allow you to dilute the ammonia present in the urine.