The lawn was looking very healthy, then I noticed some lighter patches, over 3 days these are turning whiter and spreading
It looks like a case of powdery mildew. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/powdery-mildew-on-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm
Parts of my buffalo grass is really soft and spongy but not wet spongy. I'm assuming this is thatching.
The only way to fix this is to manually remove the thatch from the top. This can be done with a rake or renting special equipment. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-thatch-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/specific/buffalo-grass/care-of-buffalo-grass.htm
I bought a house with a yard full of weeds. For 4 years we have put pre-emergence out, then 10-10-10, then seed or sod. The grass grows green, dies out and nothing comes back up the following year except the weeds. Sandy soil, about a mile from the ocean, even tomatoes will not grow. We run sprinklers 3 days a week as recommended. Any suggestions on what type of grass to grow? I am tired of paying companies for seed and sod, and getting nothing to show for it. Thanks, Greg
The sand doesn't retain water or nutrients so it's very difficult to sustain plants. In the article below, it recommends putting down at least 6 inches of topsoil before planting grass. Use seed mixes that are mostly hard fescue.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/seaside/seaside-garden-basics.htm
There was no grass. We plant pods of Daisygrass --it was beautiful. Then brown spots appear
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. It will be very difficult to ID, since many diseases can cause these symptoms in lawns.
These articles will help you to narrow down the possibilities that could be affecting your lawn:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/treating-lawn-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-grass-rust-fungus.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/reasons-for-dying-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/brown-lawn-fixes.htm
nd still have weeds! Every shape, form-I have! When the grass was removed, workers layed some black mesh type liner before spreading the granite. I've tried all kinds of weed killer, weed birth control, home remedies, even tried to burn them....they wouldnt burn! Vinegar kills a few type...not most though. I've spent a fortune on ground covering, plants, only to have weeds take over! I pulled 18 weeds-roots intact in a one square foot area! Please help me!!
Have you tried an herbicide that kills everything? Not just a weed killer but a product containing glyphosate? If that doesn't work, contact your local extension office for guidance.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search
over it. What could it be? We have had visiting green woodpeckers in the past, in the daytime of course, unless this has happened at dawn.....we are surrounded by wall, so hedgehogs can’t get access. There are rats around...several neighbours have ponds. Help!
Here's an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/birds-digging-lawn.htm
Sod looked great first year but did not come back well next spring. Lawn is over a septic drain field, and wondering if contractor should've put down a heavier soil layer -- maybe too much drainage, not holding enough water. It looks like a doll's head, little green anemic clumps all in rows. I have re-seeded twice and no results.
There could be several reasons for your sod dying back. Visit your local nursery or extension service and see if they can help identify the problem.
Here is a group of articles about sod and lawn problems: