How to Assess Your Lawn Repair Needs

An unhealthy lawn is a disappointing sight, and identifying the right steps for remedying it can be a challenge – unless you know what to look for. By asking yourself some simple questions about the state of your lawn you can quickly identify the problem and the required techniques for remedying the situation.

If your lawn takes a turn for the worse, ask yourself the following questions:

Is the soil in your yard dry?

Dry soil is one of the most dangerous problems for your lawn. Repairing this issue reduces the chance of weeds, insects and other types of pests from invading your lawn. If dry soil has become an issue for you, it is important that you correct the problem as quickly as possible before more damage can occur. Take these steps to fix a dry lawn:

  • Check your irrigation levels: If you aren’t providing your lawn with enough water it will dry up in no time. Make sure that the amount of manual watering plus the seasonal rainfall amounts equal the proper amount of water for lawns in your region. If irrigation levels don’t seem to be a problem, your soil’s water retention ability is to blame.
  • Add organic matter: Organic materials like compost, peat moss or manure are the most useful tool for remedying soil with water retention issues. A technique known as side dressing can be used to improve your lawn’s health, dig a trench that’s 6 to 12 inches deep around the border of your lawn. Make sure to use caution when digging this trench to avoid causing further damage to the roots of your grass. Once the trench has been dug, fill it with the organic materials. This will push nutrients into your soil to help improve water retention.

Are there brown spots in your lawn?

Brown spots could be the sign of many common problems. Most of the lawn issues that American homeowners face can lead to these spots, including dry soil, pests, and fungus or disease. Here are the best ways to put an end to these dull spots of your lawn:

  • Make sure you aren’t over-fertilizing: Since fungus is often to blame for these brown spots, over-fertilization could be the issue. Fungus thrives on nitrogen just like grass, and if too much nitrogen-based fertilizer is being added to your lawn you could be helping the spread of lawn fungus. Make sure that you’re only fertilizing when necessary, and that you’re using the right fertilizer blend for your region.
  • Know when to water: Watering your lawn at the wrong time of day could lead to a patchy looking lawn. Repairing this problem could be as easy as changing your irrigation schedule. Lawns should never be watered in the evenings, even if this is the time of day that is most convenient for you. Water your lawn as early as possible, this way it has a full day of sunlight to dry.

Are there any pest threats in your area?

There are all sorts of pests that can cause problems for a lawn, including weeds and insects. Sometimes new pests will find their way onto American soil, and they can spread in an extremely prolific fashion if not handled immediately.  Certain types of recently introduced beetles, moths, flies and even snails have caused major damage in recent years, and they could be to blame for all sorts of problems in your lawn. Here are the best steps for fighting these troublesome pests:

  • Check with the USDA: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tracks pests that are causing large amounts of damage throughout the country. There are many resources that this government agency makes available to help track to spread and dangers of these pests. Consult these resources to find out about pests that are causing problems in your area.
  • Hire a pest control expert: Removing pests from a lawn can be very tricky, especially since many of the most effective chemical treatments could have adverse effects on your lawn if used incorrectly. A pest control expert will be able to properly identify the type of pest that’s present in your lawn and the proper way to put an end to their damage.

TruGreen will gladly visit your property as often as needed between scheduled visits to make any necessary adjustments and to ensure your satisfaction.

Getting Started with TruGreen

  1. Call or fill out the form above to reach a lawn care specialist.
  2. Know the square footage of your yard, as well as any specific areas of concern.
  3. With the help of your specialist, create a customized lawn care plan that meets your lawn’s needs.
  4. Schedule your Healthy Lawn Analysis2 to start your service.