Are you experiencing yellow lawn problems? We know that yellow grass can be frustrating, but you may be surprised to hear that it is also very common. Yellow patches on lawns are usually caused by a handful of easily diagnosable conditions. In this post, we’ll outline what the common causes of yellow lawns are and what you can do to prevent them.

Why Does Grass Turn Yellow?

In Australia, particularly in drought-prone areas, a lack of rain and available water can quickly lead to a yellow lawn. However, if you know your lawn is receiving enough hydration and it is still turning yellow, these are the most common causes of yellowing grass.

• Dogs – Dog wee and lawns are not friends. The problem with dog urine is that it is high in nitrogen which quickly kills the grass where your dog has peed – hence the yellow spots. However, if you have a furry friend it can be difficult, and often not desirable, to keep them from peeing on the lawn. See below for possible solutions.
• Over-fertilization – Like dog wee, fertiliser contains nitrogen. In small quantities, nitrogen is good for lawns and encourages growth. However, if you over-fertilize, your lawn can turn yellow as a result of the roots burning and drying out.
• Nutrient Deficiency – While too much nitrogen can be damaging to your lawn and cause it to turn yellow, so too can a lack of nutrients. Nitrogen and iron are essential to the chlorophyll process and when they are missing, or not present in high enough quantities, the result is a yellow lawn.

How To Fix Yellow Grass

Whether it’s a dog or over-fertilisation causing your yellow lawn, try these easy fixes to keep your lawn looking healthy and green.

• Wash the grass down with a hose or bucket where your dog usually pees or where you have seen them weeing. This will dilute the nitrogen.
• Train your dog to wee in a specific spot.
• If you think you have over-fertilized, remove any visible signs of fertilizer with water and then it hose it down to dilute any nitrogen still present.
• Water your grass frequently.
• Buy a do it yourself soil test kit to check the nutrient levels. If your lawn is lacking in nutrients you can top up with fertiliser and plant food.

Reseeding your lawn may be necessary if none of the above fixes work. If you are experiencing lawn problems and are considering a complete makeover for your garden contact Insight Landscapes. We offer a whole range of landscape design services and are happy to provide a free site visit and quote.