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why is my grass turning brown

Why Is Your Grass Turning Brown Despite Watering?

Written by Santa Rita Landscaping on . Posted in Blog, Grass.

A common concern we at Santa Rita Landscaping hear from local property owners is that they regularly face lawn problems, even with watering. If you find yourself asking, “Why is my grass turning brown?” while you watch sprinklers spraying the surface, you’re in the right place. Learn why healthy grass turns brown in this informative guide. 

Water Isn’t Soaking the Soil

Is your grass turning brown despite irrigation? It’s possible that you’re not watering it properly. To maintain a hydrated, healthy lawn, implement longer watering sessions once or twice a week. 

Lush, green lawns stem from the soil receiving ample water rather than a light mist hitting blades of grass. Plan irrigation sessions accordingly, especially during droughts or extremely hot, sunny periods. 

The Soil’s pH Balance Is Off

One of the most common reasons for lawn discoloration is the soil’s acidity. Grass thrives when the soil it grows in has a pH between six and seven. Several factors can affect the soil’s pH and affect your vegetation, including:

  • Excessive rainfall
  • Breakdown of organic matter
  • Fertilizer use

Stop wondering, “Why is my grass turning brown?” and contact a lawn care expert for answers. They can test your soil to confirm a pH imbalance and recommend solutions. 

Be patient when it comes to balancing your grass’s pH level. With the right treatment, the ugly brown color will slowly fade to reveal a vibrant green hue. 

Pests Feast on Roots and Kill Patches of Grass

Critters known as white grubs can burrow themselves in soil and begin eating grass roots. As they munch on the roots, the blades will soon turn brown in affected areas of the lawn. 

No amount of water or fertilizer can reverse the discoloration caused by white grubs. However, you can deploy pesticides to eliminate the infestation and plant new seeds to promote future growth. 

Improper Mowing Techniques Stress the Grass Blades

One of the most overlooked causes of brown grass, with regular watering, is a harmful mowing technique. Consistent watering may help the blades grow tall, but if you aren’t careful about how you cut them, you could end up stressing the vegetation. As a natural stress response, some patches might turn brown as a result. 

Sharp mower blades make precise cuts, creating a well-manicured lawn. Make sure your grass doesn’t grow too high before cutting it. Adjust the blades so you’re only cutting a third of the grass’s length each time. 

Have a qualified landscaper tackle this project for peace of mind. Experts know how to properly mow lawns without stressing the grass. Professionals will keep your property’s exterior lush, green, and beautiful. 

Preserve Your Property’s Landscaping With Help From Our Experts

After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “Why is my grass turning brown despite watering?” Santa Rita Landscaping can help revive the lawn on your commercial property with high-quality grass fertilizer, watering tips, and other landscaping solutions. Reach out to our team today at 520-623-0421 (Tucson location) or 602-686-0292 (Phoenix location) to learn more.

how to clean artificial grass

How to Clean Artificial Grass & a Seasonal Maintenance Plan

Written by Santa Rita Landscaping on . Posted in Artificial Turf, Grass.

Fake turf means no long, hot days in the sun mowing the lawn. It offers a mostly bug-free zone for children to play with their pets. But it also requires maintenance to stay clean and safe. As a trusted installer of artificial turf in Tucson, AZ, Santa Rita Landscaping shows you how to clean artificial grass and create a maintenance schedule below. 

How to Clean Artificial Grass

Before you clean artificial grass, read through our cleansing guide below:

  1. Pick up large debris. Toss sticks, leaves, and leftover pet waste in a receptacle or a nearby area where they can decay. 
  2. Rinse with plain water. The water will soften and lift any particularly sticky messes you can’t pick up. 
  3. Apply a reputable turf cleaning product. Choose a chemical-free, enzymatic cleaner that aggressively acts on organic stains without exposing your kiddos and pets to harsh chemicals.
  4. Allow the formula to soak into the turf. Most turf cleaners specify the time they should sit before you agitate them. 
  5. If instructed, lather with a special turf brush. Purchase a broom designed for turf surfaces to scrub the product into the fake grass. If your product doesn’t require agitation, skip to the next step.
  6. Rinse the product off the turf. Fire up the watering hose and rinse the cleaner and remaining debris downhill and away from your freshly cleaned turf. 
  7. Apply a gentle disinfectant for lingering stains or odors. The final step of our guide on how to clean artificial grass is optional. If the initial cleanser doesn’t eliminate all odors and stains, you can apply a leave-on disinfectant. 

Whew, that was pretty easy! So, how often should you clean your turf? What else can you do?

When to Schedule Seasonal Maintenance

The best methods for maintaining a picture-perfect turf area involve consistency. Find out what you can do for a pristine, long-lived turf below:

  • Installation day: Don’t install your turf unless you have proper drainage ports. Otherwise, rainwater will puddle in the area, hosting fungi and bacteria. A reputable installer, like Santa Rita Landscaping, ensures the area can quickly drain. 
  • Daily: Pick up animal waste at the end of each day. This minimizes the time it has to stick to the turf, attract bugs, and breed bacteria. 
  • Weekly: Use a leaf blower to guide organic debris away from the turf. Direct it to grassy areas for a clean slate. You can also rinse the artificial grass with your hose for added cleanliness.
  • Monthly: Apply the deep-clean guide above to thoroughly cleanse your turfed outdoor space. This keeps your area fresh, clean, and debris-free. 
  • Annually: Hire professional pressure washers to scour the turf. Choose a company that specifies their turf-related services since artificial grass needs particular cleaning services.

Let Santa Rita Landscaping Install Your Artificial Turf

You’ve learned all about how to clean artificial grass from Santa Rita Landscaping. Now, trust us to design and install child and pet-friendly landscaping designs to protect all family members. Call 520-623-0421 for services in Tucson, Arizona. 

What Type of Grass Do I Have?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Grass.

Grass plays an essential role in making your home’s exterior finish pop and stand out. There are several types of grasses available, all of which are intended to be used in certain climates and other environmental conditions. To ensure you lay the correct grass down in your yard, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do and the desired look you want. Texture and color are two of the essential variables you will need to consider when buying new grass.

One interesting thing you may not know is that most home lawns contain a multitude of grass types. With the advent of turf installations, you don’t even have to install real grass on your lawn to create a stunning aesthetic.

Below, we’re going to provide you with a detailed guide on choosing the right grass for your yard so you can make the right purchase decision the first time.

Types of grasses & figuring out what kind you have 

As stated previously, grass comes in various textures, colors, types, and more. However, climate separates grass into two distinct categories, which are cool-season grasses & warm-season grasses. Take a look below to see the primary differences between these two types of grasses, so you create a beautiful landscape.

Difference Between Cool-Season Grass & Warm Season Grass

  • Cool Season Grasses- cool-season grasses are capable of adapting to rapidly changing temperatures in their environment, making them suitable for nearly any climate.
  • Warm Season Grasses- warm-season grasses are best for being used on yards located in southern portions of the united states. Warm climates promote the healthy growth of grass in several areas, which can help enhance the overall appearance of your lawn with ease.

The type of grass that you have will determine how you should maintain it. A great example of this would be using a southern lawn fertilizer on a northern lawn; this could ruin your lawn’s quality and growability, leading to an unhealthy appearance all-around.

Here are some of the most popular types of grasses categorized by season & location:

Warm-Season Grass 

  1. Centipedegrass- is a reasonably slim light green grass in color, and it grows at a very slow rate.
  2. Bermudagrass- a very durable grass that is fine-textured with tiny hairs located on its leaves
  3. Zoysiagrass- is a water-resistant grass that is thick and feels very stiff on the hand. This grass grows best in the southern regions; however, it is also very suitable for areas labeled as “transition zones.”
  4. St. Augustinegrass- a bluish-green colored grass that is coarse and heat-resistant while also being able to grow in very shady areas

Cool-Season Grass 

  1. Perennial ryegrass- a thin, relatively low-maintenance grass with shiny leaves
  2. Bentgrass- a fine-textured, bright green grass that is relatively high-maintenance and commonly found on golf courses
  3. Tall fescue- a coarse, dark green in color grass with unique line patterns on the upper side of its leaves and has pointy leaf tips.
  4. Kentucky bluegrass- very dark green colored grass that has leaves which are boat-shaped at the end and can also be grown in transition zones

All of these different grass types provide tailored benefits as it relates to enhancing the appearance and overall health of your lawn. You must choose the right kind of grass for your yard by looking at its various features. This includes things like temperature resistance; it’s growth length, and more.

How Important is your type of grass? 

The type of grass you choose to install on your lawn is very important because selecting the wrong type can lead to a seriously terrible looking property exterior. If you’re unsure about the best kind of grass to install on your yard, contact a professional contractor who will assist you in the process.

People Also Ask 

What is the best grass for your yard?

Choosing the right type of grass for your lawn will depend on your area’s dominant climate. Bluegrass and fescue are great grass types for cold environments, while St. Augustine grass is suitable for warmer climates.

What is the best grass to grow?

Here are some of the best grass types to grow in your yard: fine fescue, Bermudagrass, centipede grass, bluegrass, and Zoysia grass. Always buy grass suited for the particular climate you live in, as choosing the wrong type of grass can lead to disastrous results.

How can I make my grass thicker and greener?

There are several ways you can improve the health of your grass; the most effective techniques include: irrigating your lawn, mowing your lawn, adding fertilizer to it, and over seeding. These are all-natural methods that you can use to enhance the look and health of your grass.

Conclusion 

You know all of the critical information you need to know about selecting the right type of grass for your lawn. Use the tips we’ve given you in this article to ensure your yard is always in pristine condition.

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Grass?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Fertilizer, Grass.

Maintaining your lawn and grass is imperative to maintaining a superior exterior property aesthetic as a property owner. There are several techniques, methods, and products you can use to treat your grass to ensure that it grows and maintains a healthy appearance throughout various seasons. One of the most effective ways to ensure that your lawn is always looking it’s best is by treating it with fertilizer on a routine basis.

One very important thing to remember is that there are several types of grass available. Grass grows best during what is known as it’s growing season; however, the growing season for grass varies depending on the type you have. Before choosing which fertilizer is best for your lawn, you’ll need to identify what kind it is to ensure you’re selecting the right product.

If you’re a homeowner who is trying to maintain a healthy lawn, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’re going to find a detailed breakdown of all the critical facts you need to know about choosing the right fertilizer for your grass.

How to choose the best fertilizer for your grass 

As we mentioned previously, there are several different types of grass available. Some of the most common are fine fescue, bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and centipede grass. All of these various types of grass require specific fertilizers, so it’s important to distinguish between them.

One of the major variables to consider when selecting the right fertilizer for your grass is whether you want to use organic or synthetic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is made from living organisms, while synthetic fertilizer is made from a combination of minerals, waste, and gasses.

Once you’ve gotten all of those elements situated, you can proceed to choose which fertilizer is right for you. Below, we’re going to give you the top 5 fertilizer options that you can use to improve your grass hassle-free quality.

Top 5 Best Fertilizers For Grass 

  • Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food- Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food is an excellent fertilizer option because it contains absolutely no phosphorous, and it’s also very affordable. This product is also great because it can feed up to 7,000 square feet of lawn with just one bag.
  • Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced Natural Liquid Fertilizer- Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced Natural Liquid Fertilizer is great because it has a 16-4-8 NPK ratio, and it works perfectly during the early spring through early summer. This fertilizer is compatible with all types of grass, and it even works during dry conditions.
  • Milogranite Garden Care Organic Fertilizer- Milogranite Garden Care Organic Fertilizer has a 6-4-0 NPK ratio that uses a slow-release formula for ongoing fertilization. It’s an organic fertilizer option that can be used in combination with spray fertilizer for maximum results
  • Raw Organic Humic Fulvic Soil Conditioner- Raw Organic Humic Fulvic Soil Conditioner is a water-soluble fertilizer that uses a spray formula for delivery. It’s also environmentally friendly and can be used to help your grass absorb other fertilizers more easily.
  • LawnStar NPK Fertilizer- LawnStar NPK Fertilizer is an excellent option because it’s compatible with all grass types, and it works almost instantaneously. This fertilizer also comes with phosphate, which helps improve the root health of your lawn.

All of these various fertilizers are powerful and will allow you to enhance your grass’s look and health almost instantly. Visit your local home improvement store to find out what fertilizers they offer so that you can see a difference in your lawn.

Important of choosing the right fertilizer for your grass 

Failing to choose the appropriate fertilizer for your grass can result in more severe side effects besides grass that is not growing. In particular, synthetic fertilizer has been known to “burn” grass, which you want to avoid at all costs. If all of this information is too much for you, you should probably consider contacting a reliable lawn care company that will be able to assist you.

People Also Ask 

Why is it important to fertilize your lawn?

Fertilizing your lawn is vital because your grass needs food in order to grow and remain in a healthy state. You have to remember grass is a living organism, so it needs water and protein, fertilizer is essentially water & food for your lawn.

When is the best time to fertilize your lawn?

Generally speaking, the best time to fertilize your lawn is during the growing season. However, one thing to keep in mind is that growing seasons vary depending on the type of grass you have.

What is the difference between spray and granular fertilizer?

Granular fertilizer comes in the form of small pellets, whereas liquid fertilizer comes in the form of either a concentrate or spray.

Conclusion

By now, you know everything that there is to know about choosing the right fertilizer for your lawn. Before you go out and buy any fertilizer, ask yourself all of the important questions related to the type of grass you have and the best fertilizer type that will work with it. By doing so, you will be able to find an effective fertilizer for your lawn without a hassle.