my grass keeps dying in the same spot, even with plenty of water. neighbor says it may be deseased. any ideas?

Question

I live in so cal. hot weather...the grass is getting scotts turfbuilder once a month

Answer 1

More than likely you have grubs. Too be sure dig around the troubled spot. If you see a large ugly white worm with brown head about the size of a large thumb then bingo...Grubs.

Try using a grub control that contains "Merit".

If your area has alot of moisture, heat and humidity then it might be a fungus. Try a fungus control granular for lawns.
Be sure to use a clean spreader and not your hands.

And like some others say here....it could be someones or your pet urniating in the same spot.

Answer 2

Too much water? Or not good drainage.

Yes that patch of grass may be dead. Spread some new seed. As fall comes the grass will green up nicely.

Don't know what's in Scotts Turfbuilder, but I'm sure its hi in Nitrogen. Could be too much. Most lawns only need feeding 2 or 3 times a year.

Check the ph in that spot. Check for grubs. They love the heat and munch roots.

Or just plant a nice shrub where the grass is not happy.

Answer 3

You have, through no fault of your own, gotten into a sticky situation. My first thought was that your neighbor was a neat freak, who wants all the front yards cut the same way at the same time. But since he's not doing a consistently good job there is some other motivation. Cutting grass too short is a common error made by people who think lawn grass should be cut like a putting green. Southern grasses, especially, should have a 2.5" cutting depth. Asking for your wifi password, and stepping stones, and using your water without permission do make a case for their thinking you are obligated to them. His statement about the gas can would seem to imply that he thinks you are incapable of putting up things after using them. You need to literally set boundaries. Ideally, creating a barrier (flower border, hedge, or fence) at the edge your property may be necessary. If your neighborhood has curbside mailboxes, it is easier to delineate your front yard as private, but front yards without fences don't have the same inviolability. Make sure placement of any boundary does not violate city or neighborhood rules. See if you can find anything on the internet explaining your state's laws on trespass. In some states, posting No Trespassing signs is sufficient to protect from encroachment, and you should do this. If he attempts to mow your yard again, you must tell him to stop, and you must call the police to report trespassing. It is important to get any refusal to abide by your wishes on record by involving the police. Good luck.

Answer 4

Grass over a septic tank will brown due to shallow roots. What is buried directly under the spot?

Answer 5

It might be grubs...I had them once and had to replace an entire section of grass. You'll know if its grubs if you can "wipe away" the layer of grass since they eat the roots.

Answer 6

#1: the soil may be acidic ,,dig out the soil in & around the
spot and put new garden soil... plant new grass..#2 plenty of stones or sand under the spot ;;use same solution above,,,happy gardening,,..

Answer 7

Could be grubs under the grass killing the roots..

Answer 8

Too much Scotts.. it has fertilizer in it and you are burning it up.

Answer 9

Have you got a dog or cat? It could be from them peeing on it.

Answer 10

chinch bugs? or maybe fungal infection...