June in Atlanta accumulated close to 8 inches of rainfall, while July accumulated less than 3 inches. While you were enjoying these hot sunny days, you may have noticed your lawn was not. Many property managers and business owners may have noticed their grass going yellow. Yellow grass is often a result of heat stress, and without proper maintenance, it will only get worse. You want your commercial property to look it’s best at all times, and a yellow lawn just doesn’t cut it.
Causes of Yellow Grass
To begin with, your grass may have turned yellow because the life has been taken right out of it, due to the hot, arid weather. In other words, it’s dehydrated and experiencing heat stress. Heat stress can lead to weed and insect infestation, bare spots, and grass death.
If you notice yellow grass, you may also notice areas of brownish grass, which indicates brown patch. Brown patch is caused by Rhizoctonia, a fungus that occurs when the weather is hot and humid, much like this time of year. Brown patch usually appears in irregular circular patterns ranging from 6 inches to several feet.
Unfortunately, as property owners try to find solutions, they often exacerbate the situation. Overwatering eliminates oxygen. Fertilizer offers too much stimulation. Mowing too much hinders its healing process. In such cases, the grass could remain yellow for a longer period of time because there’s too much going on for it to regain its health.
What to Do for Yellow Grass Contact a Professional
To make your yellow grass situation better, it’s often best to call in a qualified professional. A landscape maintenance company can ensure the right maintenance schedule to help nurse your grass back to life. For example, they could adjust your watering schedule so the lawn receives that perfect amount of water each week. Some professionals suggest the lawn receives one inch per week. If watering occurs too late in the day, much of the water can evaporate before it has a chance to reach the grass’s roots. A professional will know to schedule watering for the early morning before the sun comes up. They could also maintain a regular mowing and trimming schedule to ensure the lawn isn’t being mowed too often or too infrequently.
Something else that hinders a lawn’s ability to recover is dull equipment. Grass needs a nice, clean-cut every time it gets mowed so it can retain water and grow strong roots. A professional landscaper will have the sharp blades and proper equipment that your lawn requires.