I’m a gardener – common pest could be causing your lawn to turn yellow or brown
IS your lawn becoming discoloured with yellow and brownish patches? A sneaky pest could be the reason why.
A gardener has revealed the tiny creature which could be the reason behind your lush lawn turning into a discoloured mess – and how to remedy it.
Gardener Chris McIllroy from The Grass People said a small creature called a leatherjacket is the reason behind many lawns being discoloured.
The larvae-like creatures feed on the roots of grass, causing them to appear brown and yellow rather than the green we aspire to.
You can spot the leatherjackets by searching for a worm like creature with ridges and no head or legs.
Chris explained: “They thrive in poorly drained lawns and hatch from eggs laid by daddy-long-legs (crane flies).
“You may spot you have a leatherjacket problem if yellow patches in your lawn appear as they feed on the roots and stems of blades causing your lawn to discolour and turn yellow or brown.”
But don’t fret – there’s an easy solution to the pesky critters found lurking in your lawn and garden.
By aerating your lawn regularly, you can improve the drainage of your soil and ensure the leatherjackets can’t thrive.
If aeration doesn’t work, you can look into using nematodes, which are bacterial worms that kill the leatherjackets.
If you can’t seem to find a solution for your browning grass, you may be cutting it too short, according to a lawn care expert.
Simon Barker, co-founder and editor at GrowYourYard.com, told The U.S. Sun that mistakes with your mower are “easily avoidable with a bit of research and planning.”
“Cutting your grass too short can weaken the roots, making your lawn more susceptible to pests and diseases,” he explained.
“It’s important to mow your lawn at the proper height, which varies depending on the type of grass you have.
Simon also provided tips on picking the correct fertilizer and overwatering your garden.
He said: “Many people believe that the more water their lawn receives, the better.
“However, overwatering can lead to waterlogged soil, which can drown the roots of your grass.
“Additionally, overwatering can create ideal conditions for fungal growth, which can lead to those ugly brown patches on your lawn.”
Another mistake is using the wrong fertilizer for your grass type, which can “lead to stunted growth or even damage to your lawn.”
“It’s important to choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for the type of grass you have, and please follow the instructions carefully,” Barker added.