Transform your lawn from problem-prone to picture-perfect with these solutions to common issues.

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1. Crabgrass

• Cause: Thrives in underfertilized, low-mowed lawns.
• Solution:
• Apply corn gluten meal (natural pre-emergent) in early spring.
• Use chemical options like dithiopyr or prodiamine cautiously; they may be carcinogenic.
• Mow grass high and fertilize regularly to crowd out crabgrass.

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2. Dandelions

• Cause: Thrive in thin, nutrient-poor lawns.
• Solution:
• Use a specialized tool to remove the entire taproot.
• Apply herbicides with 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba in the fall (only if necessary).
• Fertilize and thicken your lawn to prevent regrowth.

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3. Other Weeds (Dallisgrass, Nimblewill, etc.)

• Cause: Often grow in areas with poor conditions (too dry, wet, or shady).
• Solution:
• Spot-treat with glyphosate or glufosinate-ammonium during active growth.
• Improve lawn health with proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

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4. Fungus

• Cause: Overwatering, improper mowing, or fertilizing at the wrong time.
• Solution:
• Avoid fungicides, which only treat symptoms.
• Fix the underlying issues like excess moisture or poor drainage.
• Replant dead areas with appropriate grass varieties.

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5. Moss

• Cause: Shade, compacted soil, acidic or wet conditions.
• Solution:
• Trim trees and shrubs to allow sunlight.
• Aerate compacted soil and improve drainage.
• Test and adjust soil pH with limestone or sulfur.
• Use shade-tolerant grasses like creeping red fescue.

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6. Too Much Shade

• Cause: Lack of sunlight due to trees or structures.
• Solution:
• Prune trees every 3–5 years to allow more light.
• Replace grass under trees with shade-tolerant ground covers like sweet woodruff.

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7. Compacted Soil

• Cause: Foot traffic or heavy use over time.
• Solution:
• Aerate the soil with a piston-driven aerator.
• Avoid walking on wet lawns to slow compaction.

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8. Grubs

• Cause: Beetle larvae feeding on lawn roots.
• Solution:
• Check for grubs by lifting the sod near brown patches.
• Treat with Heterorhabditis nematodes or apply insecticides like imidacloprid in summer.
• Reseed damaged areas after treatment.

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9. Dog Urine

• Cause: Nitrogen in urine burns grass, leaving brown spots.
• Solution:
• Replace dead spots with sod plugs or reseed.
• Water the area immediately after the dog urinates to dilute nitrogen.

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10. Moles

• Cause: Tunnels created by moles searching for food.
• Solution:
• Use harpoon-type traps for the best results.
• Apply bromethalin-based bait or hire a wildlife-control professional.

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Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Lawn

Mow High and Regularly

• Mow to a height of 2.5–3.5 inches, depending on grass type.
• Sharpen mower blades for clean cuts.

Mulch When You Mow

• Leave clippings on the lawn to return nutrients.

Water Early and Deeply

• Water early morning, about 1 inch per week.
• Water deeply and wait until footprints remain visible on the grass before watering again.

Fertilize Properly

• Apply 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. yearly.
• Use slow-release fertilizer, 3 times per year if mulching or 5 times if not.

Test Your Soil

• Test soil every few years to adjust pH (ideal range: 6.5–7).
• Use limestone to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.

Don’t Let Leaves Pile Up

• Mulch or remove leaves frequently to avoid disease.

Hire Local Lawn Services (If Needed)

• Choose local providers for higher satisfaction and better service quality.

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Enjoy Your Perfect Lawn!

With proper care and timely fixes, your lawn can be the envy of the neighborhood—without the headaches!

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