CHARLOTTE – Tis the season for those that want a better lawn to act. An unsightly lawn can be a symptom of a deeper problem. Here are five observations accompanied by some recommended cures:

1. Purchase the Right Grass Seed                                                                              Make sure you’ve planted a suitable grass seed that will thrive in our environment. Beyond that look out for invaders. A discolored patch on your lawn is an indication that a combination of inappropriate species has taken off. The easiest fix is probably a targeted application of herbicide.
2. Don’t Over Water and Don’t Over Fertilize                                                                Actually overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering and it’s often much worse for your grass. In particular overuse of irrigation systems on timers, whether it be rain or shine, can create an unhealthy environment. Hand watering, although not as convenient, may be a great alternative because it gives you precise control of when and how much your grass needs to be watered. Over-fertilizing is bad for your grass because it can scorch the plant leading to burnt lines and patches. The best prevention from over-fertilizing is to read the directions carefully to make sure you are making the proper application.
3. Lawn Scalping                                                                                                          If you mowed your grass so low you expose the stems you can cause serious damage to your turf, possibly killing it. A good guideline for lawns is never cut off more than one-third of a grass blade at a time.
4. Lawn Fungus                                                                                                            There are many kinds of fungus with many causes. Poor maintenance practices, such as mowing too low, overwatering, or over fertilizing can create conditions for fungal trouble. Better than the use of fungicides at home is to stay with proper maintenance practices and let the fungus run its course.
5. Bad Soil                                                                                                                      Maybe your soil is rocky, has bad pH, is overly compacted or has poor drainage. If the soil seems compacted, aerate it. If it’s rocky, work in some nutrient-rich topsoil. If you can’t pinpoint the problem you may need to consult with an expert from a lawn care company or your local county extension services.