[capecodder]

Hey folks, I have a serious problem with my lawn. Starting late last year, I started to notice these brown spots in my lawn. For the past month, my lawn has been covered with snow. Since the snow has melted this is what my lawn looks like.

Last March roughly a year ago, I completely removed the old turf, layed down
Loam, and re seeded everything. I had great-looking grass until this began. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Aaron

 

[joecaption]

It's up side down so now the rain can not get to it.
http://www.scotts.com/smg/templates/index.jsp?pageUrl=helpCenter

 

[djlandkpl]

It's likely from the snow. I have some spots like yours in my lawn. Those areas were reseeded in the fall.

If the brown spots turn white, it could be snow mold and is a result of fertilizing too late in the season.

Just be patient. Wait for the grass to start growing this spring then rake it out. Patience is the key.

 

[capecodder]

I did reseed again in the fall, first week of October and laid down starter fertilizer. I was about to mention, that when I went out there today I actually saw mold under some of the dead grass. I'm assuming that I will need to reseed again is that correct?

Aaron

 

[joecaption]

May need to dethatch it in the spring to get rid of the dead grass.

 

[djlandkpl]

I did reseed again in the fall, first week of October and laid down starter fertilizer. I was about to mention, that when I went out there today I actually saw mold under some of the dead grass. I'm assuming that I will need to reseed again is that correct?

Aaron

You might have to reseed some spots. A few years back I had snow mold really bad. It took almost all season but it filled in by itself. Wait until you've cut the lawn at least once then rake it out. Water it, fertilize it and then wait. If it doesn't fully recover, reseed in the fall.

 

[capecodder]

Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening again? Does the ground need to possibly aerated?

 

[djlandkpl]

Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening again? Does the ground need to possibly aerated?

I wouldn't aerate at this point. You'll do more damage than good. Snow mold is a result of too much nitrogen when it gets cold. Starter fertilizer is mostly nitrogen.

Just watch the amount of fertilizer you put down in Oct/Nov. Our winters have gotten so screwy its hard to know when we will get snow and when the ground will freeze.

 

[capecodder]

Here's the thing. I'm going to be digging up the ground to install a new irrigation system. In the following weeks I was thinking of dethatching, the. Installing my system then reseeding the damaged areas and those caused by the irrigation digging. Sound like the right way to do it?

Thanks for the help!

 

[djlandkpl]

Your plan should be OK. Just wait until the grass starts growing or you'll pull up good grass along with dead.

If you use a ditch witch to pull the pipe the damage should be minimal. Definitely reseed the areas affected by your irrigation system.

(I stopped doing any seeding in the spring due to the amount of water needed to keep it alive during the summer.)

 

[capecodder]

Should I apply starter fertilizer as normal?

 

[djlandkpl]

Yes, apply fertilizer. The only time your run the risk of mold is fall.