lundi 23 juin 2014

What do to about my 13 year old lawn ? Compacted soil ? Fungus ? Old age ?

13 years ago 50-50 Rye/blue sod was installed. For these 13 years I had 1500 sq.ft. of the nicest lawn in the neighborhood until a year ago right after a professional aerator man punctured the lawn. I thought it would do good, but the lawn went downhill ever since.



It develop patches of yellow, mostly circular, and no consultant was certain of the diagnosis. I had a Rep from the sod company look at the areas, and he suspected fungus. I used Monterey Fungi Fighter with good improvement . Had to use it again (8 ozs./5 one gallon of water) twice.



Now there is a new problem. Irregular areas in which the grass is shorter, yellowish tips, and it doesn't grow like the surrounding areas. The yellowing shorter areas can be circular, or look look several state outlines (that is, States in the USA). A few areas have died, so I torn them out and replaced it with good soil. Of the remaining "bad" areas, it seems the soil is compacted and hard to penetrate. So I used a rod and made many punctures in the hard areas, and watered them well tonight.



Went to an irrigation store, and they did NOT have "wetting agent", those compounds which make water "wetter". In the past year in the the San Francisco Bay Area, I cannot find anyone who specializes in grass diseases and care of lawns.



There has never been any insect problems. These compacted areas just seem dry. My plan is to put out cups to make sure all areas are being watered, adjust the automatic sprinklers, and continue puncturing the hard areas.



Give the severe drought here in California, and the age of this lawn, it's tempting to rip is out and replace the area with artificial turf.



I took some pictures if it helps, but don't know how to upload them here.



Any thoughts ?



Thank you.




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