7 Remedies To Rescue a Dying Lawn

Who doesn't want to look out over their yard and see a sea of green, lush grass? One of the most significant contributors to curb appeal is a well-manicured lawn. Unfortunately, many
homeowners have trouble keeping their yards healthy. Thankfully, there are at least seven simple maintenance tasks that can help you rescue a dying lawn or sustain a healthy one.

1. Use Compost Instead of Synthetic Fertilizer

When most homeowners see patches of brown or dying grass, their first instinct is to head over to a garden store and purchase a bag of synthetic fertilizer. Do not do this. While these
commercially produced fertilizers will aid in lawn growth, they also attract pests, which can do more harm in the long run. Instead of purchasing a synthetic fertilizer, lay down a layer of
compost.

2. Rake Your Grass

Thatch, a layer of interwoven dead roots, stems and leaves, is a typical residential yard problem. The steady build-up of layers deprives your lawn of nutrients while simultaneously providing habitat for harmful pests. To reduce the risk of thatch development, consider raking your yard after mowing.

3. Limit Watering

When most people think of green lawns, they picture dewdrops and sprinkler systems, the
association being that water creates lushness. While your yard needs water, over-watering might hurt the growth. Instead of soaking your yard once, consider watering sparingly two or three times, allowing the water to absorb.

5. Aerate for Lush Lawns

Soil compaction is another common problem with lawn care, which makes it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. To combat this problem, you can rent an aerator machine that will pull small tubes of soil out of the yard, providing a path for nutrients. Leave the tubes behind to help aid in the grass's feeding and rehabilitation.

6. Watch for Grubs

Grubs are the larvae of several beetle species, and they feed on the roots of your grass. While every lawn likely has a small population of worms, if you see brown patches, you may have an infestation. Unfortunately, there is no quick cure for grubs. However, if you apply milky spore every year, you can dwindle the existing and future population.

7. Perform a Soil Test

For the best lawn, you need a neutral pH level of 7. Test your yard to get an accurate reading,
and if the results come back as acidic, you can apply Epsom salt, which is a sulfate magnesium compound and a natural pest deterrent, for a healthier lawn.

You deserve to have a healthy, lush lawn. Consider the tips above to improve your yard. Also,
check out the Wise Ol' Owl for the benefits of curb appeal and home value.