You don’t have to be a professional landscape designer to know that yellow grass isn’t healthy. Whether it’s Fescue, Bermuda, Rye or other common varieties, healthy grass should maintain an even green color.

If it’s yellow, it’s usually a sign of an underlying problem, such as the following.

#1) Too Much Fertilizer

Fertilizer is a beneficial tool that can help supplement your grass with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

However, this one instance in which the saying “less is more” holds true. Over-fertilizing your lawn may backfire, causing it to turn yellow.

#2) Dog Urine

Another common reason why grass turns yellow is dog urine.

Statistics show that nearly one-third of all homes in the United States own a dog. Some homeowners own two or more dogs. Whether it’s a large Mastiff or small Chihuahua, dog urine stresses grass much in the same way as over-fertilizing it.

Both dog urine and fertilizer contain nitrogen, and too much nitrogen can turn grass yellow.

#3) Lack of Water

Not surprisingly, lack of water can turn otherwise healthy grass yellow. All varieties of common grass need water to survive.

Normally, rain provides an adequate amount of water for lawns. If there’s a drought in your area, however, it may prove insufficient, in which case you should use a sprinkler or garden hose to water your lawn.

#4) Cut Too Short

A shorter lawn isn’t always better, especially if your lawn has a tendency to turn yellow.

Cutting grass too short stresses it, which can subsequently cause it to turn yellow and die. So, how tall should you cut your grass? It really depends on the species, time of year, and amount of sunlight it receives in a typical day.

However, a good rule of thumb is to mow your grass no higher than 3 to 4 inches during the summer. This is a safe height that works well for most common grass varieties.

#5) Disease

Of course, there are certain diseases that can turn grass yellow. Fungal diseases are especially common in grass, often causes patches of discoloration.

They usually occur during cool, damp weather. And if left untreated, the disease can quickly spread throughout your entire lawn.

By identifying the cause of your yellow lawn, you can take the necessary steps to correct the problem.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or

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