| I have this strange stuff in my lawn. It grows it circles and keeps getting bigger. If looking at it from a distance it is light green in color and infiltrates the lawn so it almost looks fern-like. In trying to remove it with a rake it is just a mass weaving throughout the area with kind of stiff stems. After raking there is very little grass left in the area. Do you have any idea what it might be? |
| If your lawn is shaded, has poor drainage, compacted and acidic soil, or is under fed, you may be dealing with a native liverwort or moss. These are light green in color and ferny-looking, and they spread by creeping over the soil surface. If the pesty growth is more yellow than green and looks stringy, it's probably dodder, a parasitic plant that takes its nourishment from other plants. Without actually seeing the problem, it's difficult to positively identify. You can take a sample to your local Extension office for diagnosis and recommendations for control. (OSU Extension Service, 182 SW Academy, Suite 202, Dallas, OR 97338. Phone (503) 623-8395. Lawn that's well maintained has fewer problems, so put your grass on a regular feeding, mowing and watering schedule to help restore its health. Feed in April, June, September and December using a fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio of N-P-K. Supply one-inch of water per week during the growing season, and mow regularly, removing about 1/3 of the top growth with each mowing. Following the above recommendations should result in a lush, green, healthy lawn. One that you can really enjoy! |
