My Grass is dying in this 98 degree Texas Heat. How can I get it back?

Question

I live in North Texas and we have 98 degree weater practically every day with very little rain. I have lived in my home for about 2 years and for the first year have Trugreen service my lawn, but I can not afford this anymore. I am not really sure why it is turning brown. I do know that it is not a bugs issue or a lawn disease, I know what that looks like. The area is just too large. I do water with a sprinkler. All my neighbors yards are beautiful so I just do not know what to do. My lawn is bermuda grass. Should I re-seed the dead areas, buy squares of sod? Use a certain fertilizer, or just water the heck out of it every singe day? Please help, I would like to hear as many suggestions as possible. If I left any details out just ask, I will answer them ASAP.

Answer 1

go to scotts fertilizer website...they have a forum for grass care.  too much water can make fungus and weak roots... bermuda is hard to kill.  don;t mow it as short  when there is no rain.. bermuda likes hot weather.,... i live in tx and raise the mower when there is no rain....you shouldnt have to resead...plug it and the bermuda will spread....

Answer 2

I was in the exact same position. We moved into a house this past Feb. and the Bermuda grass was dormant at the time....come spring we figured since the lawn seem neglected we signed up with Trugreen. After 2 months we didn't notice any difference (although they tell you to wait a year for any improvement), so we waited until they aerrated the lawn and then cancelled the service. Since having the lawn aerrated, we had watered once a week and in early June applied Scotts "summer" fertilizer. I'm in central TX, so I understand the hot, dry days....but after we fertilized the lawn and gave it a good water 2x a week for the first 2 weeks, now we do it 1x a week and have a nice lawn....I run the sprinkler for an hour in each area. We're still trying to tackle some weeds, but the overall look is healthy.

In all honesty, I would cancel the Trugreen. They convince you you'll end up spending the same amount if not more if you do it yourself, but I don't find that to be the case. Once you apply fertilizer and water (even in the hot summer), after 2 weeks you'll see your lawn looking green and notice where you'll need to reseed.....if you do reseed, prepare the spot to be seeded and make sure you place soil over the seeds or even hay, to protect it from the hot sun. Make sure you water those spots 2x a day to keep the seeds moist until they get established. This is what I've done and have gotten good results....hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 3

Yes,it needs to be soaked and should be done early am everyday and then when it starts getting life back,water every other day.If there is still grass there,no matter the color,you do not need to re seed.Fertilizing now would be no good.

Answer 4

Water is the most likely culprit. Bermuda is a warm season grass, and the correct time to seed or fertilize it is when it is actively growing. Bermuda seed is slow to sprout, and will require ample moisture. Compost top dressed on the ground will help. Bermuda also spreads. You can take plugs from your healthy areas and plant it where you need it, but again the H2O is key.

Answer 5

water/fertilizer are important.  But it may be too that you are mowing it too short.  If you can get it growing (after the initial "scalping" in spring), then as it grows, keep setting your mower height up.  We have a gorgeous bermuda lawn. . .but have had more than enough rain this season. I disagree that it needs to be watered everyday. Water thoroughly 2 or 3 times a week (encourage a deeper root system).  Good luck - don't give up!

Answer 6

WOW that is HOTT ! Watering more would help but the reaon your grass is turning brown is because :

1) it does not have enought minerals try adding plant food to the soil this will help regain the olour

2) try and put some shade up as the grass is probably just being subjected to too much heat

Hope this helped xox

Answer 7

Cancel the Tru-Green.

What your lawn needs is a thorough soaking ... Each section needs 20 minutes of sprinkler time twice a week.

If you don't have a built-in sprinkler system, that's a lot of lawn tending.  Decide what you are willing to take care of - I suggest a small area in the back for kids otplay on- and let the rest die. then plant a garden or something useful.

Answer 8

You need to water at least every other day and fertilize too.We water everyday here in oklahoma. Our weather is  pretty much the same.

Answer 9

Have you thought about green concrete. Seems in your climate lawns are more trouble than they're worth.