| Wondering how to make my grass an even dark green. Right now it has different patches (almost swirly) of different shades of green from light to dark. I have applied a fertilizer from Scott's about a month ago. Why is it like this and how can I fix? I live in Southern Louisiana and think I have a type of bermuda grass??? |
| Different grass cultivars can have different shades of green. From your description I think you have several types of grasses growing in your lawn, especially since you're finding swaths or swirls of color differences. About the only other cause might be the soil's condition. If it is compacted beneath the turf the water and fertilizer won't soak into the soil and that grass will be a lighter color than the rest. Excessive thatch build up can certainly stop moisture and fertilizer penetration, as well. Dig out a shovelful of grass and check the root system and the amount of thatch (dead stolons and roots just above the soil level). If there's more than an inch of thatch, or if the soil is hard and compacted, you can take steps to change that. For compaction problems, rent a core aerator. A core aerator will remove one inch by three inch plugs from the lawn. Leave the plugs on the lawn and they will dissolve in rain or water from the sprinklers. After aerating spread a thin layer of sand or compost over the area and water it in well. The sand or compost plus the soil from the plugs will work their way down into the holes left by the plugs. This will facilitate drainage and help your lawn green up. For thatch build up you can rent a power rake to remove the excess thatch, then overseed your lawn. Best wishes with your turfgrass! |
