Explain why the grass often appears dead along the paper carrier's path, even in early spring. Why does the gr

Question

Explain why the grass often appears dead along the paper carrier's path, even in early spring. Why does the grass next to the path appear much healthier?

Answer 1

It could be because of animals (such as dogs) continually urinating in that spot. It could because of grubs in the lawn that is killing the plants. Or it could because of the grass is getting trampled over by the paper carrier walking over it; or anyone for that matter. You will have to do some investigating to find out the cause.

You can dig up some of the dirt to see if there are and grubs in the soil. If it because of people walking in that area; either ask them not to walk in that area or set up a walkway for people to pass over (gravel/ rocks/ bricks and so on). As for if it's dogs doing that you will just have watch and see which ones are doing it. You will have to either put up fence to keep them out, or ask their owners if they could stop letting their dog/s do that. You will need to keep the area watered to help dilute the urine as it does contains high levels of nitrogen and too much of it can kill plants.

Answer 2

The compaction of the ground by the foot traffic is getting rid of all the air space in the soil. Can be fixed by aeration (just fork it over with a garden fork) and top dress with sandy soil this works its way into the holes created by the fork. this will allow air and water penetration and the grass with quickly grow in. If the paper carrier continues on the same path it will continue to happen. You probably can only solve the problem permantly with a concrete path.

Answer 3

The ground has become very compacted from constant traffic over the same area. Water and nutrients can't get to the roots here and the roots can't grow and expand.

Eventually all that will result in a barren dirt path but the sides will continue to be healthy.

If the path is changed, this area will try to fill itself in but would be slow and show signs of stress. Roughing it up and adding some compost will help it recover very quickly without re-seeding.

Answer 4

So Simple young one.

It is a disease called Postman's Patch.
It is caused by soil being compacted at least 300 days a year by the postman.
Nothing will cure the problem.

Now brink a beer and think of something useful.

Answer 5

Because it's walked on every day, in the same place. I have it with the mailman. His trail is seen coming from my neighbor's house, and then going across my yard to the next house. In the winter, I shovel a path for him! :)

~Cindy! :)