The harsh conditions during winter in Wisconsin can attribute to dead grass in lawns. To prevent this it would help to know what grass needs in order to grow and survive. The following factors will allow you to assess, spot and stop your grass from dying.

What Does Dead Grass Look Like?

Any shade of color that isn’t green can suggest there is something wrong with your grass. Grass that is turning brown or pink in small and large patches and mold growth suggests that your grass is dying. Dead grass will likely grow in patches across your lawn. If you suspect your grass is dying, it’s important to narrow down the potential cause.

What Types of Climates are Susceptible to Dead Grass?

For homeowners, lack of water is usually the cause for poor grass quality. While sunshine and warm weather can help keep your plants stay alive, it’s important to provide them with enough water that will allow them to thrive. Cold and dry weather can negatively affect grass and soil quality. With spring around the corner, you can access your lawn’s health to get ready for warmer months.

What Causes Dead Grass?

There are a number of potential causes that can kill your grass:

• Too little water: Soil needs water to survive and thrive. Too little water affects the soil’s ability to absorb water. On the opposite end, too much water can flood your lawn, causing further issues with draining.
• Disease: Diseases such as Rhizoctonia Solani cause grass to turn brown while Microdochium Nivale
  causes grass to turn pink.
• Weeds: The saying “like pulling weeds” is as painful as it sounds. Likewise, an abundance of weeds in your lawn absorbs the essential nutrients that grass needs to be healthy.
• Using too much or too little fertilizer: If you don’t use enough fertilizer, you won’t preserve your lawn. Whereas if you use too much, you’ll affect the soil quality.

How Do I Fix Dead Grass and Prevent it in The Long Run?

You can revive dying grass by pinpointing the cause and acting fast.

• You should have professionals assess your lawn if you suspect Rhizoctonia Solani or Microdochium Nivale. However, you can prevent the occurrence of disease by mowing your lawn often and using the right fertilizer. There are a lot of fertilizers out on the market, so be sure to look for a product specified for your intended use.
• Pull weeds from your lawn as often as possible. It allows grass to grow properly and healthily when weeds do not take up an abundance of nutrients.
• Water your lawn if the climate is dry. A post from The Ground Guys suggests that you water your lawn in the morning.
• If you have pets, make sure you clean up after them. Dog urine and feces contain levels of nitrogen that are harmful to the soil.

You should act fast if you see grass starting to turn brown. Assessing the problem before it starts will take you time and money in the long run. Need a hand with maintaining your lawn? American Landscape proudly serves southeast Wisconsin with all of your landscaping needs.