Burnt grass can be an unsightly problem in your lawn, but with some care and attention, it can be revived. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to assess the damage, water, fertilize, overseed or lay new sod, raise the mowing height, and be patient in order to help your grass recover from burn damage.
Assess the Damage
Before you can start repairing your lawn, you need to assess the extent of the damage.
A. Determine how severely burnt the grass is
- Patches of dead grass: Some areas of the lawn may be affected by burn damage, with small patches of dead grass throughout.
- Mostly dead grass: A significant portion of the lawn is dead or dying due to burns, with little green grass remaining.
- Completely dead grass: The entire lawn is dead, with no visible signs of healthy grass.
B. Check if the roots are still intact or burnt through
- Intact roots: If the roots are still intact, there is a chance for the grass to recover.
- Burnt roots: If the roots are burnt through, the grass will need to be replaced with new sod or seeds.
C. See if any green grass remains that can be revived
- Green grass: If there is still some green grass remaining, it can be revived with proper care.
- No green grass: If no green grass remains, you may need to replace the damaged sections with sod or seeds.
Water the Lawn Deeply but Infrequently
Proper watering techniques are essential to reviving burnt grass.
A. Water for longer durations to moisten the top several inches of soil
- This will help the roots absorb more water and promote new growth.
B. Water less frequently, about 1-2 times per week to avoid fungal diseases
- Over-watering can lead to fungus growth, which can further damage your lawn.
C. Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation
- Watering early in the day ensures that the water has time to penetrate the soil before the sun evaporates it.
Fertilize the Lawn
Fertilizing your lawn will provide essential nutrients to encourage new growth.
A. Use a nitrogen-rich, fast-acting fertilizer to promote new growth
- Nitrogen is a key nutrient for grass growth and will help your lawn recover more quickly.
B. Follow the directions on the product packaging for application rates
- Applying too much fertilizer can harm your grass, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
C. Apply the fertilizer 3-4 weeks apart to give the grass nutrients over time
- This will ensure a consistent supply of nutrients for the grass as it recovers.
Overseed or Lay New Sod
For severely damaged lawns, you may need to overseed or lay new sod.
A. Overseed any bare patches in the lawn with a shade-tolerant grass seed mix
- This will help fill in any gaps and create a more uniform lawn.
B. Water the newly overseeded areas regularly to keep the seeds moist while germinating
- Keeping the seeds moist will encourage germination and new growth.
C. Lay fresh sod on severely burnt areas or large bare patches for quickest coverage
- Laying sod can provide an instant lawn, but it may be more expensive than seeding.
Raise the Mowing Height
Adjusting your mowing height can help your grass recover from burn damage.
A. Raise the mower by 1/2 inch to allow grass more foliage for photosynthesis
- This will give the grass more surface area to absorb sunlight and promote growth.
B. The extra leaf blade will provide more shade and help the grass recover
- The added shade will help retain moisture in the soil and protect the grass from further damage.
Be Patient and Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic
New grass growth is fragile, so it’s essential to minimize disturbance while the lawn recovers.
A. Avoid walking on the lawn for 1-2 months
- This will give the new grass time to establish itself without being crushed or damaged.
B. Stay off the lawn as much as possible so the new blades can grow in freely
- Allowing the grass to grow without interference will help it recover more quickly.
C. The lawn will turn green again with consistent moisture, sunlight, and care over time
- With proper care, your lawn can recover from burn damage and become lush and green once more.
Conclusion
Reviving burnt grass can be a challenge, but with the right approach and consistent care, it is possible to restore your lawn to its former glory. Assess the damage, water deeply but infrequently, fertilize, overseed or lay new sod, raise the mowing height, and be patient as your lawn recovers. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a healthy, green lawn once again.
