If you’ve been noticing your lawn turning yellow, don’t worry – it’s not just you. Lawns change color from the early spring to summer months for a variety of reasons.
From mowing too often or too short to not watering enough, there are plenty of ways the grass can turn yellow and dry out.
Why Is My Lawn Yellow – 8 Reasons
Does your lawn seem to be turning yellow? You’re not alone. Here are 7 reasons why your lawn may be turning yellow and how you can fix them:
1. You have too much shade
If your lawn has a lot of trees or shrubs, the grass won’t get enough sunlight to grow properly. This is especially true for shady areas on the north and west side of your house.
A simple solution is to remove some of the trees, bushes, or other vegetation that are blocking sunlight from reaching your lawn. You can also consider planting taller plants in these areas to help block out the sun. If it’s not possible to change the landscaping around your home, you may want to consider replacing some of your grass with a ground cover instead.
2. You have too much water
It may sound strange, but having too much water can actually be bad for your lawn! Over-watering causes excess moisture in the soil which can lead to fungus and other diseases. It also makes it harder for grass roots to absorb nutrients from the soil which leads them to turn yellow or brown over time.
The best way to avoid this problem is by watering only when it’s needed (usually once every 2-3 days). Also make sure you don’t water more than once per day and never leave sprinklers on overnight! Another option is installing an automatic irrigation system which allows you to control how often and how long each zone gets watered based on its specific needs.
3. You have too little water
The opposite problem of having too much water is having too little. This can be caused by a faulty irrigation system or simply forgetting to turn on the sprinklers for a few days in a row. It’s important to make sure your lawn gets enough water since it needs moisture to stay green and healthy.
To fix this problem, make sure you are watering properly and at the right times. If you have a sprinkler system, check that the pipes aren’t clogged or broken and that it’s getting enough power from your home’s electrical system.
4. You haven’t fertilized in a while
Your lawn needs nutrients to grow properly, just like any other plant! One of the most important nutrients is nitrogen which helps grass produce chlorophyll (the pigment that gives plants their green color). Without enough nitrogen, your grass will turn yellow or brown over time due to lack of chlorophyll production. Fertilizer also helps maintain the health of your soil which means less disease and fungus which can cause yellowing patches on your lawn as well!
You should fertilize your lawn once every 3-4 weeks during the growing season (usually April-September depending on where you live). If you don’t know how often or when to fertilize, contact your local garden center for help with this step!
5. Too much shade + not enough fertilizer = dead grass!
If you have a lot of shade and don’t fertilize your lawn, it will probably turn yellow since it won’t be able to produce enough chlorophyll. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider removing some of the trees or shrubs that are blocking sunlight from reaching your lawn. This can help give your grass a boost while making your yard look better in the process!
6. You haven’t mowed regularly
Mowing is an essential part of lawn care since it helps keep grass short and prevents weeds from growing. It also encourages deeper roots which makes grass more drought-resistant and less likely to turn yellow due to lack of water. Mow every 3-4 weeks during the growing season (usually April-September depending on where you live) so that you don’t end up with a dead patch in your lawn!
7. You have too much traffic on your lawn
It might sound strange, but walking or playing on your lawn can actually cause it to turn yellow over time! Constant foot traffic breaks down grass roots which makes them less effective at absorbing nutrients from the soil. This leads to yellowing patches, especially if there isn’t enough fertilizer being applied as well! To avoid this problem, try to keep people off of your lawn as much as possible when they aren’t wearing shoes or using a golf cart (which doesn’t damage the turf). If this isn’t possible then consider replacing some areas with ground covers instead so that they don’t get worn down too quickly!
8. Too much mowing
Too much mowing can damage the blades of grass, causing them to turn brown and die.
Mowing too often can cause the roots to dry up because the grass is constantly being trimmed.
The grass may also have a hard time growing back because it’s being trimmed before it has a chance to fully recover from the last trimming.
If you want your lawn to be green and healthy, make sure you are not over-mowing it by following these tips:
- Keep your lawn mower blade sharp. Dull blades can tear and shred grass, which leads to brown patches in the lawn.
- Only remove 1/3 of the height of the grass. If you cut more than this, the roots will dry out and it will be harder for them to grow back.
- Wait until at least a week after a rainstorm before cutting your grass to allow it to recover from the moisture loss.
- Mow when the grass is dry so that you don’t spread disease from one area of your lawn to another.
How Do You Fix Yellow Grass?
Aerate your lawn
This will help the soil breathe and allow nutrients to penetrate deeper into the grass.
Slow release fertilizer
Feed your lawn with a slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizer like compost or manure. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, which will help promote green growth.
Water less frequently but more deeply
Watering too often can wash away nutrients from the topsoil and not allow them to reach the roots of the grass below. Water only when it’s necessary and water deeply, so that water reaches at least 6 inches below the surface of the soil (ideally 8 inches). This will encourage deep root growth and help those roots find nutrients they need to thrive.
Fertilize your lawn regularly
Once a year is fine for most lawns, but if you have a problem with yellow grass, fertilize every six to eight weeks.
Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn
Too much fertilizer can cause yellow grass by encouraging the growth of weeds and other plants in your lawn that are not good for it.
Avoid chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers can burn the roots of your grass and actually damage it in the long run, leading to yellow grass.
Water early in the morning or at night
This will reduce evaporation and allow water to reach deeper into the soil where it’s needed most by your lawn.
FAQs
What is yellow grass a sign of?
Yellow grass is a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Yellow grass can also be a sign of over-fertilization, especially if it’s accompanied by leaf burn.
It can also be a result of overwatering and/or poor drainage. Yellow grass can even be caused by too much shade or heat on your lawn.
How do I get my grass green again?
If your grass is yellow because of nitrogen deficiency, you can apply a fertilizer that has more nitrogen in it. If it’s over-fertilized, you can remove some of the fertilizer and water less often.
For yellow grass caused by too much shade or heat, try moving your lawn to a sunnier area or watering less often.
Can yellow grass turn green again?
If the yellow grass is caused by a nitrogen deficiency, it should turn green again once the nitrogen levels have been corrected. If it’s over-fertilized, you may need to wait until the grass grows out.
How do you fix yellow grass with fertilizer?
First, you need to determine if the grass is yellow because of a nitrogen deficiency. If it is, then you will need to apply a fertilizer that has more nitrogen in it. Otherwise, you may be over-fertilizing your lawn. You can also use a soil test kit to test the pH levels of your soil and add lime or sulfur as needed.