Why Is My Grass Turning Yellow?

Yellow and Brown Are Two Different Problems

Brown usually means dead or dormant. Yellow usually means alive but not getting something it needs.

That is a better place to be, because yellow is a lot easier to turn around. The trick is figuring out which of these it is before you dump more fertilizer on it, because two of the six get worse if you do that.

Six Reasons It Goes Yellow

Where the yellow shows up on the plant tells you most of what you need.

It Is Hungry

The plain one. Nitrogen runs out and the older, lower leaves go pale first while the new growth at the top stays greener. Even across the whole lawn, worse if you have not fed it in a while.

Iron, Not Nitrogen

If the new growth up top is yellow while the veins stay green, that is iron, and it is usually a soil pH problem rather than a shortage. Adding nitrogen will not touch it. Lime and a correction will.

Too Much Water

Roots sitting in wet soil cannot pull nutrients up, so the lawn goes yellow while you are watering it more, which makes it worse. Check the low spots and check your irrigation before you fertilize.

Fertilizer Burn

Streaks of yellow in the exact pattern of a spreader pass means too much went down. Water it heavily and wait it out. This is the main reason we use liquid and calibrate for the yard.

Shade

Bermuda needs sun and will not fake it. Under a tree it goes thin and pale no matter what you feed it. Sometimes the honest fix is limbing the tree up, and sometimes it is accepting that spot is not going to be turf.

Bugs Under It

Chinch bugs and mites feed on the plant and yellow it out in patches that keep spreading, usually along hot edges by concrete. If it is spreading and it is not spreader stripes, get somebody to look at it.

What Fixes It

Fertilization & Weed Control

Liquid feeding at the right rate, plus sprayable lime to correct the acidic soil that locks up iron around here.

Grub & Lawn Insect Control

For the yellowing that turns out to be something feeding on the plant.

When Should I Fertilize Bermuda?

Timing matters as much as amount. Here is how the year runs.

Why Choose Lawn Jox?

Free Service Calls

Our job is to make sure your lawn is beautiful all season long. If you think there is something wrong with your lawn, call us. The inspection is free.

Right Size Equipment

Lawn Jox started with push mowers and we still have them. We use the right sized equipment for the right job, optimizing our time and lowering your cost.

Professional, Uniformed Crews

Just like your lawn, we have standards with our appearance as well. All of our lawn care technicians are uniformed and professional.

Fully Licensed & Insured

As a fully licensed & insured lawn care company in the state of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas, we make sure your assets are protected while on your property.

Electronic Quotes & Invoicing

We save on paper and make it easy to pay. With our electronic system, you’ll receive quotes and invoices on your devices so you can accept bids and pay invoices all online.

No Contracts

Nothing to sign and no minimum term. Your program carries over each year so the spring pre-emergent is never missed, and you can stop any time by calling or texting the office.

Get Your Quote Today!