Homeoners who have difficulty growing a luscious, thick carpet of grass can spend thousands of dollars trying to uncover the reason for the dismal condition of their lawn. Many begin by trying various types of fertilizers and landscaping techniques like thatching and mulching. When these techniques don't work, many consult a professional landscaper to help uncover the cause.
Reasons for Poor Growth
There are several reasons for poor growth when it comes to caring for a lawn. A few include:
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Poor grass installation – Poor sod grass installation can keep the roots from taking hold.
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Poor quality grass seed – The use of poor quality grass seed can result in much of the seed failing leaving bare patches or spots where growth is extremely thin.
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Inadequate sunlight – Areas with an abundance of shade deprives grass from the sunlight it needs to thrive.
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Inadequate hydration – In areas where drought conditions prevent watering, grass can turn brown and become brittle. Are you in a drought prone area? Download our guide to water saving tips.
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Poor soil quality – Different areas have different types of soil, some of which can include large amounts of clay or sand.
In most cases, poor quality seed and soil are the two main culprits. Certain types of soil, such as clay and sand, require a grass seed that is extremely hardy and weather resistant. If poor quality grass seed is planted in these areas, the seeds can fail for a multitude of reasons. Clay or sandy soil does not contain the necessary nutrients to support lush grass growth. As the soil loses water, it can become extremely hard and compact, damaging the sensitive root beds.
Areas that are prone to extreme weather conditions can also affect lawn growth. In areas where drought conditions are prevalent, sod grass installation can fail due to the lack of adequate hydration. Once a natural grass lawn has been installed, the lawn needs to be watered on a daily basis to ensure proper root growth. Fertilizers are also needed once the grass begins to grow to ensure it continues to thrive.
Possible Solutions
There are several possible solutions for poor lawn growth. You can opt to use harsh fertilizers and expensive grass seed or you can look for other, more permanent options. One of the most common is artificial grass installation. Artificial turf grass installation can solve a variety of problems, in addition to saving both time and money in the long run. The size of the lawn and the overall environmental conditions will have a direct impact on what solutions are the most feasible in each situation.
Conditions that have extreme weather conditions, such as long periods of drought, make it difficult to correct the problem with regular methods. Planting the highest quality seed in poor, overly dry soil, will still result in seed failure. If adequate water is available to keep the soil and seed properly hydrated, the homeowner will have much better results. If watering restrictions are in place that limits the amount of water that can be used, it is best to look for another solution.
Artificial grass installation is an ideal option when all factors are considered. While the initial cost can seem a bit extreme, you must remember that the lawn will remain in place for up to fifteen or more years. Dividing the cost of the lawn by the span of the years it will remain in place, makes artificial grass installation a much more affordable option. When you figure in the time and money saved from not having to continually maintain the lawn, the price becomes even more reasonable. With artificial turf, your lawn will stay lush and green throughout the year - rain or shine, sunlight or shade.
