During this summer of 90-degree days and limited rainfall, dieback is most often caused by stress due to improper watering of the lawn. Damage by a lawn fungus or insects most often occurs in the spring and is rarely seen during July and August. This year in particular we are seeing dieback due to stress caused by inefficient spray patterns or thatch build-up. Given the every third day, three-hour watering limitations, there is limited time to compensate for poor spray patterns. If watering is done at the recommended times of early in the morning or late at night the homeowner may be unaware of these inefficiencies. Take time to check you sprinkler system during daylight hours and make sure your spraying pattern is providing adequate coverage to the dieback area. Also check for thatch buildup. Watering every third day when there is a one-inch or greater thatch accumulation may lead to water being adsorbed by the thatch with limited penetration into the soil. Water applied to the thatch is rapidly lost to evaporation and root development cannot occur in the soil zone. Thatch is a build-up of living (roots) and dead mater caused by compaction of the soil. Use of a mulching mower does not cause thatch. Extensive core aeration (3-4 times a year) and thatch removal by hand raking will solve this problem. Avoid using power rakes, which can damage your lawn.

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