How do I get my grass to come back thick and green?
Fall is a great time to do some lawn maintenance.
These articles will help you get started.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-care-in-autumn.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/fixes-for-yellow-lawns.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/reasons-for-dying-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-seeding-tips.htm
Grass is dying and under grass in the dirt is a white powdery substance.
This is likely a Powdery Mildew fungus growing.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/powdery-mildew-on-grass.htm
I laid sod in May in Calgary, Ab. Weather was cool and rainy during May to August. In August I noticed that the new sod was gray or silvery colored. I watered but it didn't improve. This sod is in a shady area, east to south location, between the two houses and fence. I have pruned the large tree near this location. Do I need to do anything to get rid of this fungus? Will it kill the new sod? 16 ft x 5 ft Hope not. Thanks, Kaye.
This problem can happen if new sod is not watered frequently enough as it is getting established, or alternatively if it is watered too much and there is poor drainage. This article has a good explanation:
http://parkavenueturf.com/turf-tips/turf-troubleshooting/
Alternatively, if there is a disease, you would most likely be able to wash or wipe off the grey discoloration. This article discusses some other possibilities:
https://ask.extension.org/questions/131354
I have noticed just recently that there is a white furry hairy fungus covering in patches on both lawns. It seems to be growing on the grass itself. It looks like spider webs but I actually thought when I first saw it a week ago that it was frost that had not thawed. I have since mowed both lawns and am considering whether I should feed the lawn with a weed, feed and moss killer.
Dollar spot fungus is a possibility. This disease starts out as fuzzy white growth on lawns, and later can kill grass in spots:
http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf/extension/factsheets/managing-diseases/dollar-spot
http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-3075
Snow mold looks similar, but it usually appears after snow melts:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/lawns/snow-molds-in-lawns/
https://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2010/3-31/snowmold.html
Something has been in our backyard digging small patches of sod. The damage is over 2 large patches of approx. 15'x20' each.
This could be raccoon or skunk damage. These articles will help you:
http://icwdm.org/inspection/Gardens.aspx
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/whos_that_digging_in_my_yard_skunks_raccoons_or_moles
We have a cabin in Western NC. We just came up in December to find hundreds of small holes, averaging an inch to 2 inches in diameter and about 2 inches deep, throughout our backyard. We've owned the house 3 years and never seen this. Any ideas what might be causing these?
This is likely caused by a squirrel, skunk, raccoon, or other mammal. Please see these articles to identify the culprit:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/wildlife/whats-digging-holes/
http://www.loyno.edu/lucec/natural-history-writings/whos-digging-our-backyard
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_problems/hgic2364.html
9 months ago my tarmac drive was excavated and the drive and lawn re-shaped. An area (approx 10' x 10') that had previously been under tarmac was covered with a layer of top soil and grass seed applied. Pigeons feasted themselves on the seed and further seed had to be applied However, the grass has failed to thrive, there is a lot of bare soil and the surviving grass looks yellowish and has failed to spread. Is it nutrient deficient? Should I feed it and, if so, with what? Could the soil be toxic?? Despite being north-facing, the lawn gets quite a lot of sun but a large weeping willow obviously soaks up a lot of moisture. Any advice will be much appreciated.
The ground that you planted on was most likely quite compacted, simply placing topsoil on this surface may not have been enough to ensure your seed could take hold and grow.
I would recommend a soil test. Your County Extension Office can help you with a soil test. I would also recommend that you confer with them on the best grass seed to use in your growing zone.
Here are some articles that will help you and I also have included a link to help you locate your nearest Extension Office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-compacted-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/