Krob Landscape Blog

7 Ways to Bring Your Dead Grass Back to Life

On August 20, 2020 in Landscaping by User

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Nothing ruins your home’s hard-earned curb appeal like a patch (or more) of brown, lifeless grass. Whether it’s due to disease, drought, or just plain ol’ heat, a dead lawn can be the bane of homeowners (and HOAs) everywhere.

The good news is, dead grass doesn’t have to be permanent! With a little effort and some handy tips, you can revive your dead grass and return it to its lush springtime glory. Read on to discover 7 easy ways to bring your dead grass back to life!

Note: Before you set out to revive your lawn, be sure it’s actually dying. Some grasses go dormant during the hot summer months to conserve resources, especially cool-season varieties. To determine if your grass is dead or dormant, inspect the crowns at the base of the blades. If the crowns are alive, the grass is probably dormant. You can also try the tug test - tug gently on a patch of brown grass. If the grass resists your pull, it’s dormant; if it comes out easily with no resistance, it’s dead.

Water It

Like all living things, grass depends on water to survive. Many lackluster lawns will perk back up after a consistent drink from the hose or sprinkler, especially in areas that are prone to drought or have intense summer temperatures.

Be sure not to overdo it - drowning your lawn can be just as bad as dehydrating it!

Weed It

Weeds aren’t just an eyesore. They compete with your grass for nutrients and water, literally sucking the life right out of your lawn. Pull weeds by hand or use an herbicide to rid your grass of troublesome weeds and restore it to its former glory.

Aerate It

Grass needs plenty of air and nutrients to thrive. If your soil becomes compacted, your grass can struggle to push both to its roots, resulting in a slow (but obvious) death. Aerating involves driving holes into your lawn so air, nutrients, and water can reach the roots. This can be done manually or with a powered aerator from your local home and garden store.

Dethatch It

Dethatching your lawn removes the thick buildup of organic material that can accumulate on lawns that are highly fertilized. These thick blankets of thatch can prevent water from reaching the soil and roots underneath, killing your grass.

Dethatching can be done with a powered dethatching machine or a simple garden rake. Be sure to dethatch vigorously - you only want to see soil and grass blades when you’re finished.

Fertilize It

Adding nutrient-rich fertilizer to your lawn is an easy way to give your grass a needed boost. Before choosing a fertilizer, test the soil to determine its levels of phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium; a healthy lawn needs optimal levels of all three to grow properly.

Depending on the composition of your lawn, you may need a fertilizer that contains one or all three of these crucial ingredients. Compost, grass clippings, and chemical fertilizers are the most common (and most effective) choices to revive a dead or dying lawn.

Seed It

Replace patchy spots by spreading grass seeds over the area with a thin layer of soil. Before spreading your seeds, remove any dead or matted turf and loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil. This will prep the area and help the seeds take root quickly and properly.

Call the Pros

If all else fails, it may be time to call a professional. The experts at Krob Landscaping can diagnose and treat your dead grass to return your lawn to a lush, green oasis. If you need help with a dead or dying lawn, contact us today!