Spring Dead Spot Reduction

• Improper lawn care practices, such as:
• Excessive fertilizer
• Cutting the grass too short
• Thatch buildup
• Soil compaction from heavy foot traffic

Determining the cause of dead spots on your lawn involves a systematic approach to identifying and addressing potential issues, including:

• Conducting a visual inspection
• Checking for soil moisture, and root health
• Evaluating your lawn care practices
• Considering environmental factors

If you can’t determine the cause of dead spots on your lawn, consider consulting a professional lawn care service such as Ace of Blades. They can thoroughly analyze and recommend appropriate treatments to restore your lawn’s health.

Several common fungal diseases in Northwest Arkansas can lead to dead spots on lawns. The most common are Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, and Pythium Blight.

• Brown Patch : This disease is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, featuring circular brown patches with sizes ranging from a few inches to several feet. 
• Dollar Spot: Caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, this condition causes small, circular spots with bleached, white, or reddish-brown discoloration. 
• Pythium Blight: Caused by various species of Pythium fungi, these exhibit water-soaked spots that rapidly turn brown and die. 

Preventing dead spots caused by fungal diseases in your lawn involves maintaining proper lawn care practices and taking preventive measures during peak disease periods. 

• Regular mowing
• Proper fertilization
• Soil aeration
• Preventative fungicide measures

Identify the specific pest and apply appropriate insecticides. If you’re unsure, contact our professional lawn dead spot reduction service, as improper use of insecticides can damage your lawn further. 

Yes, poor irrigation practices can lead to dead spots in your lawn. Overwatering can cause waterlogged soil and root rot, while underwatering can stress and kill grass. Uneven watering can result in some areas receiving too much water and others too little, creating dead patches.

Soil compaction limits the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots, leading to poor root growth and dead spots. Compacted soil makes it difficult for roots to penetrate, reducing the grass’s ability to absorb essential resources.

Proper lawn fertilization provides essential nutrients that strengthen grass, making it more resilient to diseases and pests. Balanced fertilization prevents nutrient deficiencies that can weaken the grass and contribute to dead spots while avoiding excessive nitrogen.

Our spring dead spot reduction solutions can effectively minimize visible dead spots. However, if you see dead spots, here’s a general removal process:

1. Remove dead grass and debris.
2. Loosen the soil.
3. Reseed or sod the affected areas. 
4. Water regularly and apply a starter fertilizer to encourage new growth.

Yes, pet urine, especially from dogs, can cause dead spots due to high nitrogen content. This can burn and kill your grass. If a dog urinates on your lawn, immediately dilute the spot with water.

To prevent chemical spills from causing dead spots, follow these steps:

• Proper Storage: Store chemicals in secure, labeled containers away from your lawn.
• Careful Application: Apply chemicals carefully, following instructions to avoid spills.
• Immediate Cleanup: Clean any spills and dispose of them properly.
• Protective Barriers: Use barriers or tarps to shield your lawn from accidental spills during application.
• Regular Inspections: Check for leaks or potential issues in containers and equipment before use.

Yes, there are some varieties of warm-season grasses that are more resistant to spring dead spots (SDS) than others:

• Bermuda Grass: Heat-tolerant and resilient, though it can still be affected by SDS.
• Zoysiagrass: Hardy and drought-resistant, with better overall resistance to SDS, pests, and diseases.

The best time to reseed or sod dead spots is during the early fall (late August to September) or early spring (March to April). These periods offer optimal conditions for seed germination and sod establishment. 

If dead spots persist despite your efforts, consider consulting a lawn care professional service. Our team of lawn care experts can accurately diagnose underlying issues and recommend effective treatments.