My sod is brown. That realization hits you with fear and dread, hoping it\u2019s not dying. So you turn to the internet with the question, \u201cwhy is my new sod turning brown?\u201d Your new sod turns brown because of insufficient water, overfertilization, temperatures above 75\u00b0F, soil pH above or below 6.0 \u2013 7.0, compacted soil, poor quality sod, improper sod installation, and mowing too soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can assure you that when sod turns brown, it\u2019s not the end of your lawn dreams. And you don\u2019t have to replace the sod. But, it is a sign that something is not going as it should be. This article will highlight some common reasons your sod turned brown and possible remedies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the first couple of weeks, you need to water your new sod<\/a> at least two times a day for 15-20 minutes per watering session. If your sod is not getting enough water, the roots cannot attach themselves to the soil, causing the sod to turn brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To confirm that your new sod is turning brown due to insufficient water, press a screwdriver into the sod and soil. In a well-watered lawn, the screwdriver should go into the soil easily and come up with a few inches of moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To fix browning caused by insufficient water, water your lawn twice daily for 15-30 minutes. Continue for the first ten days. After that, you can start watering about four times a week. By the third week, your lawn can flourish on watering twice a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fertilizer introduces nutrients to a sod installation to facilitate growth. But the timing and quantity matter. Applying too much fertilizer too soon will cause new sod to turn brown. This browning happens because the roots in the new sod are still shallow and incapable of absorbing the nutrients from the fertilizers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, fertilizers with a higher quantity of nitrogen will burn the sod, causing the affected parts to turn brown. You\u2019ll know that you have overfed your sod if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have over-fertilized your new sod, the immediate solution is to water your lawn to dilute that fertilizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sod requires optimum temperatures of about 55-75\u00b0F to grow. But when it gets too hot, you may start to notice that your new sod turns brown. If you\u2019ve had scorching temperatures, they will dry out the sod even after watering, leaving it dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you notice higher temperatures are drying out your new sod, the best solution is to water more. You can even increase the watering intervals if it\u2019s scorching. Be careful not to waterlog the soil as it will prevent the sod from rooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The soil must be well-prepared before installing new sod. Preparation involves loosening soil and adding materials that may help the growth of the sod. However, some of these materials, such as fertilizers, may alter the soil\u2019s pH leading to the new sod turning brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, the pH level should be between 6.0-7.0. The new sod can absorb the nutrients needed for optimal growth at this range. Some signs that the soil\u2019s pH needs to be adjusted include yellowing of the grass, wilting blades, and leaf blight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To fix the problem, you must first test your soil\u2019s pH<\/a> to determine whether it is too acidic or too alkaline. For acidic soil, add lime. If the soil is too alkaline, add an acidic treatment. If you haven\u2019t done this before, contact a lawn care professional to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, the diligent care you give your new sod may fail because you began with poor quality sod or were the victim of a poor installation job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Poor quality sod occurs when the sod is harvested too early before it is transferred onto your lawn. The roots of sod that are harvested too soon dry out and won\u2019t take root when installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOver Fertilization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Unsuitable Temperature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unsuitable Soil pH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Poor Quality Sod or Installation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n