My grass is turning orange?
Question:I just bought a new house with auto sprinklers. The grass in the front yard is turning orange at the tips in some spots. I don't know what kind it is (looks like some kind of bluegrass). I live in the CA coastal region 8 miles from the ocean. 45-75 temperature range right now.
Answers:
Hi Neighbor!
What you've described is "Rust".which is known to attack lawns that are low in nitrogen and water. Cool nights with heavy dew presents the ideal conditions for rust to develop. Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue are all affected.
Rust spreads via air, water, shoes and equipment. It weakens turfgrasses and make them more susceptible to other problems.
Here are several suggestions to help you eliminate your problem:
1) Water early in the day so the grass dries quickly. NEVER water during the evening hours...this invites diseases to develop on lawns.
2) IF you have any thatch..rent a de-thatching machine and remove it. Thatch reduces the amount of water getting to the roots...which then weakens the turf.
3) Provide good airflow through your yard. prune any limbs of trees that provide too much shade and prune any shrubs that restrict air movement over your lawn.
4) Most importanly. apply a fertilizer that has amounts of phosphorous and potassium that will help strengthen the roots and the blades of your lawn. Such as a 15-5-7 or 16-6-8 (apply either at a rate of 6 1/2 pounds per 1,000 square feet). Make sure you apply a good fall fertilizer in the fall.
Hope this helps solve your problem! GOOD LUCK!
(IF this works.I'll expect to be treated to a beer while standing on your rust-free lawn!)
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science
What time is the sprinkler system running? Too late in the morning or afternoon, the sun will burn the tips of the grass. Too late in the evening, the water can cause fungus to grow on the grass. Take a piece of turf to your local nursery and they can give you the best answer.
Without being able to inspect it myself I can't say I am absolutey certain. The nursery can also do a Ph test. One other thing to consider is overwatering. Ask your neighbors or local county extension office what type of grass you have (or the nursery can answer that) and they'll have suggestions on water needs. The biggest problem I see with lawns is people watering every other day for 30 minutes. My lawn gets a long deep watering for about 45 minutes once a week and I have the best looking lawn on the street.
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