If you have noticed dead patches in your lawn, you are not alone. It is a common problem that affects many Lakeland homeowners, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to determine the cause of dead patches — and how to fix them. That’s where we can help.
Below, this lawn maintenance company in Lakeland, Florida is going to discuss three of the most common reasons why your lawn may have dead patches, and we’ll also explain what you can do to correct it.
Common Reasons for Dead Patches on Your Lawn
Fungus
Fungal growth is a common issue in lawns that receive a lot of rain, especially in shaded areas. These fungal outbreaks will often leave behind circular patches of dead grass and may require specific treatments to get rid of them.
The most effective way to eliminate fungal growth in your lawn is to apply a fungicide that targets the type of fungus present. Fungicides containing the active ingredients thiophanate-methyl or chlorothalonil are effective against most types of fungus and can be used as a preventative measure or to treat existing outbreaks. When applying fungicide, your lawn maintenance company in Lakeland, Florida will recommend following the product instructions carefully to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
In addition to using fungicides, proper lawn care can help minimize the chances of a fungal outbreak. Proper watering and mowing practices are essential for keeping your grass healthy and preventing fungi from taking hold.
If you have already identified fungal growth in your lawn, following these tips should help keep it under control and prevent future outbreaks. Be sure to act as soon as you identify any dead patches in your lawn to ensure that the fungus does not spread further and cause more damage.
Grubs
A grub is a larval beetle that feeds on the roots of many types of grass in Florida. Their damage usually appears in small patches that eventually enlarge into large patches of dead grass.
The best way to tell if your lawn has grubs is to pull back a section of turf and look for small white C-shaped grubs in the soil. If you find more than five grubs per square foot, then your lawn likely has a grub infestation.
If you do have a grub infestation, the good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of them. Your lawn maintenance company in Lakeland, Florida may recommend using an insecticide specifically designed to target grubs. Be sure to read and follow all instructions on the product label when applying insecticides.
You can also introduce beneficial nematodes into the soil to help control grub populations. Nematodes are microscopic organisms that feed on the larvae of beetle grubs, but they won’t harm your lawn.
Thatch
Thatch is a layer of living and dead organic matter that accumulates at the base of grass blades. Over time, it can become so thick that it prevents sunlight, water, and air from reaching the soil, leading to dead patches in your lawn.
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent and treat thatch build-up. The first step is to aerate your lawn regularly. Aeration helps break up the thatch and allows nutrients, water, and oxygen to reach the soil.
The next step is to use a dethatching rake to physically remove the thatch. This will help reduce the amount of thatch in your lawn, allowing sunlight and water to reach the soil.
Finally, it is vital to maintain a healthy lawn by mowing regularly and fertilizing when needed. This will help keep the grass strong and healthy, reducing the amount of thatch that builds up over time. If you need help with these tasks, you can always contact your local lawn maintenance company in Lakeland, Florida for assistance.
Looking for the Best Lawn Maintenance Company in Lakeland, Florida?
When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn, treating dead patches is key. When you partner with the team at Creative Edge Landscape & Lawn Care LLC, you won’t have to worry about dead patches on your lawn. As the best lawn maintenance company in Lakeland, Florida, we provide a full suite of services to help keep your lawn lush and healthy.
Contact us today at (863) 880-1355 to learn how we can help.