Lawn in Distress? Uncover the Culprit Before Booking a Building Inspection in Sydney

A healthy lawn isn\’t just a source of pride for Sydney homeowners, it\’s a functional part of your property. Lush green grass provides natural drainage, cools the surrounding environment, and adds beauty to your outdoor space. But what happens when your once vibrant lawn starts showing signs of stress, turning brown and patchy?

Before you suspect a foundation issue and book a building inspection in Sydney, there are several common culprits that could be causing your lawn\’s demise. Let\’s delve into the most likely reasons behind a dying lawn and explore solutions to bring your green haven back to life.

Moisture Mismanagement: Underwatered or Overwatered?

• Underwatering: The most common culprit, particularly during Sydney\’s hot summers, is simply not enough water. If your lawn is brown and feels dry to the touch, underwatering is a strong possibility. Water restrictions can also play a role, so ensure you\’re watering during permitted times and for the recommended duration.
• Overwatering: While it might seem counterintuitive, overwatering can be just as detrimental. Excess water drowns the roots, preventing them from accessing oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to fungal diseases and patches of dead grass.

Signs to Watch For:

• Underwatering: The grass will appear brown and dry, with blades curling inwards. Footprints will likely remain visible after walking on the lawn.
• Overwatering: The lawn feels spongy and mushy underfoot. You might notice a build-up of water in low-lying areas, and the presence of fungal gnats.

Solutions:

• Watering: The ideal watering schedule depends on your specific grass type, soil condition, and season. A general rule for established lawns is deep watering (around 1 inch of water) once or twice a week during the hotter months. Adjust this based on rainfall and how quickly your soil dries out. Early morning is the best time to water, as this minimizes evaporation.
• Drainage: If you suspect overwatering due to poor drainage, consider core aeration. This process involves removing small plugs of soil, allowing for better water infiltration and air circulation for healthy root growth.

Mowing Mayhem: Are You Cutting Corners (Literally)?

• Mowing too Short: Keeping your grass too short weakens it, making it more susceptible to heat stress, disease, and pests.
• Mowing Unmaintained Blades: Dull mower blades tear at the grass blades instead of providing a clean cut. This ragged wound makes the lawn more prone to infection and disease.

Solutions:

• Mowing Height: The ideal mowing height depends on your grass type. Generally, for warm-season grasses common in Sydney, a height of 3-4 cm is recommended.
• Sharpen Your Blades: Sharpen your mower blades regularly, typically every 4-6 weeks during peak mowing season.

Not-So-Nutritious: Is Your Lawn Missing Essential Elements?

• Nutrient Deficiency: Lawns, like all living things, need nutrients to thrive. Over time, essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can become depleted in the soil.

Signs to Watch For:

• Nitrogen Deficiency: Overall yellowing of the grass, particularly the lower blades.
• Phosphorus Deficiency: Stunted growth and a purplish tinge to the leaves.
• Potassium Deficiency: Patchy brown spots and weak blades susceptible to disease.

Solutions:

• Soil Testing: A soil test is the best way to determine exactly what nutrients your lawn is lacking. Testing kits are available at garden centers, or you can contact a professional lawn care service.
• Fertilization: Once you have your soil test results, you can choose the appropriate fertilizer to replenish the missing nutrients. Opt for slow-release fertilizers that deliver nutrients gradually over time.

Enemy Invasion: Are Grubs and Grubs Getting Greedy?

• Pests and Diseases: Various pests and diseases can wreak havoc on your lawn. Grubs, the larvae of beetles like lawn armyworm and scarab beetle, feed on grass roots, causing patches of brown, spongy turf.

Signs to Watch For: Irregular brown patches, wilting grass, and the presence of grubs themselves when pulling back the turf.

Solutions:

• Pest Control: There are several options for controlling lawn grubs, including applying beneficial nematodes (microscopic worms that kill grubs) or using insecticidal treatments.
• Disease Management: Fungus and other lawn diseases often thrive in moist conditions. Maintaining proper watering practices can help prevent disease outbreaks.