If you’ve been keeping an eye on your fescue lawn, you may have noticed that it’s started to turn yellow in patches. This can be a cause for concern, as it may mean that your grass is starting to die. There are several things that could be causing this, so don’t panic just yet! In this blog post, we will discuss the most common reasons why fescue turns yellow and what you can do about it.
Why is My Fescue Turning Yellow?
There are several reasons why your fescue lawn might be turning yellow. Some of the most common causes are lack of water, weed infiltration, and improper fertilizer use. If you’re not sure what’s causing your lawn to turn yellow, it’s best to consult with a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
6 Reasons Your Fescue Could Turn Yellow
Before working on a solution, you need to figure out what’s causing the problem. Here are six reasons why your fescue could be turning yellow:
Lack of Water
If your lawn is not receiving enough water, it will start to turn yellow. This is because the grass is not able to get the moisture it needs from the soil. If you think lack of water might be the issue, start by watering your lawn more frequently. You should also check the irrigation system to make sure it’s working properly.
In addition to this, you can check how much water your lawn is receiving by doing a simple test. Stick a screwdriver or similar object into the ground. If it’s difficult to push in, that means the soil is too dry.
Weed Infiltration
Another common cause of yellow fescue is weed infiltration. Weeds can crowd out the grass, preventing it from getting the sunlight and nutrients it needs to thrive. If you think weeds might be the problem, take a look at your lawn and see if there are any areas where they’re particularly prevalent. You can then work on removing them with herbicide or manually pulling them up.
Improper Fertilizer Use
If you’re using too much fertilizer, it can cause your fescue to turn yellow. This is because the fertilizer can burn the grass, causing it to turn brown or yellow. It’s important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and only use as much as recommended.
You should also be aware of the type of fertilizer you’re using. Some fertilizers are high in nitrogen, which can cause problems for fescue lawns. If you’re not sure what kind of fertilizer to use, ask a professional for advice.
Insect Infestation
If your fescue is turning yellow, it could be due to an insect infestation. Certain insects, such as grubs, can damage the roots of the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. If you think insects might be the problem, check your lawn for signs of damage. You can also look for areas where the grass is thinning out or dying.
If you find evidence of an insect infestation, you’ll need to take steps to get rid of the insects. This may involve using a pesticide or contacting a professional.
Pest Infestation
Another possibility is that your fescue is turning yellow due to a pest infestation. Common pests that can damage fescue include moles, voles, and gophers. These animals can cause extensive damage to the roots of the grass, which can make it more difficult for the grass to absorb nutrients from the soil. If you think a pest might be the problem, look for signs of burrowing or tunneling in your lawn.
You can also try to trap or remove the pests yourself, but this can be difficult. If you’re not sure how to deal with the problem, it’s best to contact a professional. Moreover, be sure to know the trapping laws in your area as they vary from state to state, country to country, etc.
Disease
Finally, your fescue could be turning yellow due to disease. There are several diseases that can affect fescue, such as brown patches and dollar spots. These diseases can cause the grass to turn brown or yellow and make it more susceptible to damage. If you think disease might be the problem, take a look at your lawn and see if there are any areas that look different from the rest. You can also ask a professional for advice.
How do you fix yellow fescue?
Once you’ve determined the cause of the problem, you can start taking steps to treat it. Below, we cover four recovery methods that can help you get your fescue lawn back to its original state.
Water More Regularly
As we covered previously, a lack of water can cause your fescue to turn yellow. If this is the problem, you’ll need to water your lawn more frequently. Try to water the grass deeply and evenly, making sure that the roots of the grass are getting enough moisture.
Usually, watering once a week is sufficient, but you may need to water more often during periods of hot weather.
Apply Fertilizer
If your fescue is turning yellow due to improper fertilizer use, you’ll need to adjust your fertilization regimen. First, make sure that you’re using the right type of fertilizer for your lawn. As we mentioned earlier, some fertilizers are high in nitrogen, which can be harmful to fescue. If you’re not sure what kind of fertilizer to use, ask a professional for advice.
Once you’ve selected the right fertilizer, apply it according to the instructions on the label. Be sure not to apply too much, as this can burn the grass.
Mow Properly
Although many people would overlook it, mowing can actually have a big impact on the health of your fescue lawn. Mowing too short can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. On the other hand, mowing too high can make the grass more difficult to manage.
The best thing to do is to mow at the recommended height for your particular type of fescue. This information can usually be found on the label of the seed or on the website of the manufacturer.
In general, you should mow fescue to a height of two to three inches. Be sure to use a sharp blade when you mow, as this will help prevent damage to the grass.
Remove Debris
If there’s debris in your lawn, such as leaves, twigs, or branches, it can make the grass more difficult to grow. This is because the debris can block sunlight and prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass.
To solve this problem, simply remove the debris from your lawn on a regular basis. You can do this by raking up leaves in the fall or by picking up twigs and branches as you see them.
Is Yellow Fescue Preventable?
Unfortunately, there’s no sure-fire way to prevent your fescue from turning yellow. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of problems. First, make sure that you’re watering and fertilizing the grass properly. Second, mow at the recommended height and remove debris from the lawn on a regular basis. Finally, if you notice any pests or diseases in your lawn, take steps to deal with them right away.
Does Fescue Grow Back?
In most cases, yellow fescue will eventually grow back on its own. However, this process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. If you want your lawn to recover more quickly, you can take some of the steps we’ve listed above. For example, watering and fertilizing properly can help the grass to bounce back more quickly.
You should also keep in mind that fescue is a cool-season grass. This means that it grows best in temperatures between 60- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot or cold, the growth of the grass will slow down. Therefore, if your fescue is turning yellow in the middle of summer or winter, it’s likely because the temperature is outside of the ideal range.
Where to Buy Fescue
If you’re looking for fescue seed, you can find it at most garden centers and home improvement stores. You can also order it online from a variety of websites.
When shopping for fescue, be sure to select a variety that’s well-suited to your climate and soil type. You should also consider the amount of sun and shade in your lawn when choosing a fescue variety. For example, if your lawn gets a lot of direct sunlight, you’ll need to choose a heat-tolerant variety of fescue. On the other hand, if your lawn is mostly shaded, you’ll need to choose a shade-tolerant variety.
Final Thoughts
If you are a homeowner concerned about the health of your fescue lawn, you can feel reassured knowing that this article has covered some of the most common causes of yellowing grass. You should now have a better understanding of how to take care of your lawn and prevent problems in the future. Remember, if you’re ever unsure about something, it’s always best to seek the advice of a professional. With proper care, your fescue lawn will be green and healthy for years to come!
