Spring Dead Spot Reduction

Bermuda grass is a popular choice for homes in NW Arkansas but is vulnerable to Spring Dead Spot. Dead grass patches are an eyesore on any lawn, especially in the spring season, and can affect the overall health of your turf. But with attentive lawn care solutions, you can maintain the beauty of your lawn year-round.

Ace of Blades provides spring dead spot reduction services to reduce unsightly spring dead spots. Our professional lawn care experts ensure lawns in NW Arkansas homes remain lush, green, and vibrant.

Lawn Dead Spot Reduction Services

Spring dead spot is a common fungal disease that primarily affects warm-season grasses, especially Bermuda grass. It is most noticeable in the spring when healthy grass turns green while unhealthy grass creates circular patches of dead grass. These patches can only expand annually with proper treatment, leading to a less appealing and weaker lawn by spring.

Ace of Blades provides spring dead spot reduction services. Our expert team is dedicated to restoring your lawn’s health and beauty. We understand the factors and causes that lead to spring dead spots and take the necessary steps to remedy these patches.

Your Spring Dead Spot Questions Answered

Learn more about spring dead spots and how our lawn dead spot reduction services can benefit your lawn’s overall beauty and health.

Q1: What causes dead spots on my lawn?

Improper lawn care practices, such as:
Excessive fertilizer
Cutting the grass too short
Thatch buildup
Soil compaction from heavy foot traffic

Q2: How can I determine the cause of dead spots on my lawn?

Determining the cause of dead spots on your lawn involves a systematic approach to identifying and addressing potential issues, including:

Conducting a visual inspection
Checking for soil moisture, and root health
Evaluating your lawn care practices
Considering environmental factors

If you can’t determine the cause of dead spots on your lawn, consider consulting a professional lawn care service such as Ace of Blades. They can thoroughly analyze and recommend appropriate treatments to restore your lawn’s health.

Q3: What common fungal diseases lead to dead spots on lawns in Northwest Arkansas?

Several common fungal diseases in Northwest Arkansas can lead to dead spots on lawns. The most common are Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, and Pythium Blight.

- Brown Patch: This disease is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, featuring circular brown patches with sizes ranging from a few inches to several feet.

Dollar Spot: Caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, this condition causes small, circular spots with bleached, white, or reddish-brown discoloration.

Pythium Blight: Caused by various species of Pythium fungi, these exhibit water-soaked spots that rapidly turn brown and die.

Q4: How can I prevent dead spots caused by fungal diseases?

Preventing dead spots caused by fungal diseases in your lawn involves maintaining proper lawn care practices and taking preventive measures during peak disease periods.

Regular mowing
Proper fertilization
Soil aeration
Preventative fungicide measures

Q5: How can I treat dead spots caused by pests?

Identify the specific pest and apply appropriate insecticides. If you’re unsure, contact our professional lawn dead spot reduction service, as improper use of insecticides can damage your lawn further.

Q6: Can poor irrigation practices lead to dead spots?

Yes, poor irrigation practices can lead to dead spots in your lawn. Overwatering can cause waterlogged soil and root rot, while underwatering can stress and kill grass. Uneven watering can result in some areas receiving too much water and others too little, creating dead patches.

Photos and captions courtesy of Dr. Aaron Patton, University of Arkansas.

A. Spring dead spot appears in circular patches and may be confused with grub damage.

B. The disease primarily affects the roots.

C. Diseased areas may not fill in with bermuda grass until July or August.

D. Weeds are often a problem within the diseased areas.

Q7: How does soil compaction contribute to dead spots, and how can it be remedied?

Soil compaction limits the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots, leading to poor root growth and dead spots. Compacted soil makes it difficult for roots to penetrate, reducing the grass’s ability to absorb essential resources.

Q8: What role does lawn fertilization play in preventing dead spots?

Proper lawn fertilization provides essential nutrients that strengthen grass, making it more resilient to diseases and pests. Balanced fertilization prevents nutrient deficiencies that can weaken the grass and contribute to dead spots while avoiding excessive nitrogen.

Q9: How can I repair existing dead spots on my lawn?

Our spring dead spot reduction solutions can effectively minimize visible dead spots. However, if you see dead spots, here’s a general removal process:

Remove dead grass and debris.
Loosen the soil.
Reseed or sod the affected areas.
Water regularly and apply a starter fertilizer to encourage new growth.

Q10: Can pets cause dead spots on my lawn?

Yes, pet urine, especially from dogs, can cause dead spots due to high nitrogen content. This can burn and kill your grass. If a dog urinates on your lawn, immediately dilute the spot with water.

Q11: How can I prevent chemical spills from causing dead spots?

To prevent chemical spills from causing dead spots, follow these steps:

Proper Storage: Store chemicals in secure, labeled containers away from your lawn.
Careful Application: Apply chemicals carefully, following instructions to avoid spills.
Immediate Cleanup: Clean any spills and dispose of them properly.
Protective Barriers: Use barriers or tarps to shield your lawn from accidental spills during application.
Regular Inspections: Check for leaks or potential issues in containers and equipment before use.

Q12: Are there specific grass types that are more resistant to dead spots in Northwest Arkansas?

Yes, there are some varieties of warm-season grasses that are more resistant to spring dead spots (SDS) than others:

Bermuda Grass: Heat-tolerant and resilient, though it can still be affected by SDS.
Zoysiagrass: Hardy and drought-resistant, with better overall resistance to SDS, pests, and diseases.

Q13: When is the best time to reseed or sod dead spots in Northwest Arkansas?

The best time to reseed or sod dead spots is during the early fall (late August to September) or early spring (March to April). These periods offer optimal conditions for seed germination and sod establishment.

Q14: Should I consult a professional for persistent dead spots?

If dead spots persist despite your efforts, consider consulting a lawn care professional service. Our team of lawn care experts can accurately diagnose underlying issues and recommend effective treatments.

Achieve Well-Maintained Lawns Year-Round

Ace of Blades offers expert knowledge and five-star customer service. As your local community’s trusted lawn care service provider, we strive to earn our clients’ satisfaction through honest and thorough solutions at competitive prices.