Lawn Problems
Identifying and Treating Common Lawn Problems
Does it seem like no matter what treatment you place on your grass, you still end up with unsightly lawn problems? There are so many things that can go wrong with one's lawn that it can be difficult to sort out what the real root of the problem is. Everything from weeds to animals can have a negative effect on a lawn which might otherwise be in perfect health. We are going to talk about a few of the most common lawn problems around and show you some remedies that can have you waving goodbye to lawn trouble and hello to garden parties in no time!
One of the most annoying and frustrating lawn problems to grace one's garden is the dandelion. While their cute little yellow heads may seem harmless at first, but one has to bear in mind that these are not flowers--they're weeds. When they mature, their stalks shoot up several inches in height (within a matter of a day or two) and the once-pretty head turns a whitish-gray. These now fuzzy-headed weeds are prime for spreading dandelion seeds all over your lawn. If this is a scenario that is familiar to you, then you probably already know that old-fashioned weeding will not get rid of a dandelion problem. This is because the taproots of this weed go very deep into the ground. So, how does one get rid of them? You can always use a broadleaf herbicide, which must be applied to the roots of the dandelions in the autumn. You should bear in mind that the WHO's cancer research department has put these herbicides on the list of "possible cancer-causing agents". If you aren't comfortable with herbicides, invest in a three-pronged weeding fork. This handy little tool is excellent for reaching deep taproots. --And yes, this is a time-consuming process when done by hand, but your lawn will definitely thank you for it!
Crabgrass is another common lawn issue that can seem like a plague to some gardens! We've all seen this "grass" at some point or another either in our own yard or someone else's. It's a leafy sort of grass that shoots up in gathered tufts. Crabgrass tends to develop more so in lawns which are mowed too short, but also in lawns that have not received adequate fertilizing. To prevent the crabgrass from shooting up in the spring, apply a corn gluten meal to the lawn. This can be found at most garden supply stores or co-ops. Not only will it prevent the crabgrass from growing, but it will act as a fertilizer to the "wanted" grass in your yard.
Although it is estimated that over fifty percent of American households have a pet dog, the statistics fail to mention how many of those households have lawn problems from unsightly dog urine spots! These spots are often brown in color where the dog's urine is concentrated to one area. Because of the high nitrogen content in the urine, the grass literally dies. Unfortunately, if the spots are occurring as a result of your own dog's need for relief, there is little you can do to prevent your dog from urinating in the yard. The good news is that these spots of pee-tainted grass will usually rejuvenate by themselves. If you in a real bind and need your garden looking spotless fast, consider taking a sample of your grass to a garden supply store. Match your grass with the closest match of turf and purchase enough to cover the spot(s) in your yard. When you get home, simply cut the dead grass away and replace it with a piece of turf grass cut to the exact fit. It may feel like cheating, but it sure beats spots of dead grass all over the lawn!