You value the appearance of your yard, and you rely upon your grass to improve the curb appeal of your home. If you’ve invested in a sod lawn, you also want to keep it in the best condition possible, but problems are impossible to avoid forever. The good news is that most sod problems have easy solutions.
Problem: Brown and Yellow Spots
The first step to fixing this problem is identifying the cause. Brown spots are often a sign that your sod needs more water, but it also might be pet urine, especially if your dog visits the same spot each day. Either way, increase the watering time for the brown spots on your lawn to help the sod heal. Yellow spots, on the other hand, might indicate a nitrogen deficiency. Try leaving grass clippings on your grass after you mow, and remember to fertilize. It also might help to decrease watering, since yellow grass sometimes signals overwatering. If you’re not sure, call your sod company and ask for support.
Problem: Dead Patches of Grass
Luckily, it’s quick and simple to replace dead sod. Lay a piece of sod over the dead spot and slice through both layers of sod with a sharp spade. Dig out the dead sod, plug in the new sod, and water it every day for two weeks until it blends into your new lawn. The placement will look seamless and you’ll forget that patch ever had a problem.
Problem: Dull and Lifeless
Perhaps your sod doesn’t show any dramatic signs of trouble, but it just doesn’t look green and vibrant anymore. This means you probably just need to reevaluate your maintenance habits. Be sure to fertilize three or four times per year, set your mower at 2 ½ inches or more, and water thoroughly but infrequently to generate longer roots. These simple steps will keep your sod healthy and ward off disease and stress.
