Q.What Could Be Causing One Area Of Dymondia To Do Poorly While Rest Thrives?
We had a full front lawn planted with dymondia in April of this year. New topsoil and soil amendment was added before planting. We live in coastal San Diego. We’ve been watering it regularly starting with 2x/day for 6 minutes each with Hunter low water sprinkler heads, gradually reducing to a current schedule of 1x/day for 5 minutes. 75% is full and lush. The 25% in a 10 foot wide area between the driveway and a small crape myrtle tree planted at the same time is sparse, with the weeds growing rampant. I have been weeding daily. Also, once a month since July we have deep watered the crape myrtle tree with a slow drip hose. All areas get full sun except for the days when we have coastal fog in the mornings and sometimes throughout the day. We’ve had raccoons digging up grubs too, and we’ve treated those with pesticide. We’re thinking of cutting back the daily dymondia watering yet again, and watering the tree as needed. Some very small patches of dymondia have turned white and died in both the lush and sparse areas. It feels like trial and error, so some advice would be appreciated. I’d like you to post the answer to your site to help others with the same problem. Hopefully you will notify us when the answer is posted. Thanks in advance!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Lawns perform better if they are watered deeply and less frequently rather than with light and frequent waterings. Dymondia is drought tolerant after six months so the dead areas are probably from overwatering. Also, that area may be getting more foot traffic than the rest of the yard.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/lawn-watering-guidelines.htm
