Why Is My Fescue Grass Turning Yellow?

Why Is My Fescue Grass Turning Yellow

As a homeowner, the last thing you ever wanted to think or talk about is why your fescue grass is turning yellow and starting to die.

Diagnosis of Fescue grass

The best way to determine why your fescue grass is turning yellow is to have a professional diagnose the areas of distress. Your first step should be to contact a local lawn care professional. Give them all the details of your grass, your mowing and watering habits, and any stressful conditions the grass has had over the last season. Investing a bit of time and money in a professional analysis of your lawn will let you know the exact cause for the yellowing of your fescue grass.

Fungal Diseases

One of the most common causes of yellowing fescue grass is a fungal disease. Fungi can cause yellowing patches on your grass in a variety of ways. Different types of fungus spread in moist conditions and cause various types of yellowing grass. The most common fungal diseases are leaf spot, pythium fungal blight, zoysia patch, and red thread. Each of these different diseases will have their own visual identifiers that can help you find the right diagnosis for your grass.

Soil Acidity & Nutrient Deficiency

The pH levels in the soil are another potential cause for yellowing fescue grass. When the pH of the soil is too low or too high, the grass cannot absorb essential nutrients it needs to stay green and healthy. If the pH imbalance in the soil is not corrected, the grass can become chlorotic and weak. Soil testing can give you the information you need to adjust the pH of the soil to ensure the grass will receive the malnutrition it needs.

Insect Infestation

Another possibility for yellowing fescue grass is an insect infestation. Insects like aphids, grubs, and caterpillars can wreak havoc on grass blades. Typically, if the infestation is bad enough, the blades of grass will turn yellow and start to die. You should regularly inspect your lawn for signs of insect activity, including holes in the turf or yellowing blades.

Environmental Conditions

The conditions of the environment can also cause yellowing of the grass. If the grass is receiving too much shade or too little sunlight, it can cause the grass to become yellow. Chlorosis is the term used to describe this type of yellowing. It is caused when the grass is not receiving enough iron and nitrogen in the soil. You can help the problem by adding fertilizer that contains iron and nitrogen.

Mowing & Overwatering

In some cases, the yellowing of the fescue grass can be caused simply by over-mowing or over-watering. Typically, the grass should be mowed at a height of 2 to 4 inches. If it is cut too short, it will make it more prone to disease, diseases, and damage, which can lead to yellowing. Also, overwatering of the grass can lead to shallow roots and disease, which can also cause yellowing of the grass.

Fertilizer Reactions

When fertilizers are improperly applied, it can have a dramatic effect on the color of your fescue grass. The main cause of yellowing from the use of fertilizers is a nitrogen deficiency. In order to fix this problem, you will need to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to your lawn. It is important to make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you are applying the right amount of fertilizer.

Avoiding Future Yellowing

Once you have identified the cause of the yellowing of your fescue grass, you will need to take steps to ensure it does not happen again. This means having regular soil tests done, mowing at the right height, and carefully controlling the amount of water your lawn receives. If you have identified a fungus or insect infestation, then it is important to take the proper steps to eliminate them and help your grass maintain its lush, vibrant green hue.

Conclusion

There are many possible reasons why your fescue grass is turning yellow. Before you can fix the problem, however, you need to diagnose it correctly. Once you have identified the cause of the yellowing, you can then start to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. With proper care and maintenance, you can help ensure that your lawn is healthy and vibrant for many years to come.

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