What To Do When Grass Won’t Grow
Do you have a stubborn patch in your yard that just won’t grow any grass? Don’t worry! Chances are there’s something else you can grow in its place.
We know how frustrating it can be to try to make grass grow, which is why we rounded up a couple of our favorite alternatives to cover those areas of naked ground. But first, let’s discuss what may be preventing your grass from growing.
4 Reasons Why Grass Won’t Grow
Dead or barren grass could be due to a number of reasons, such as:
1. Lack of maintenance
Grass needs regular watering as well as key nutrients and fertilizer throughout the year. If your lawn isn’t getting the attention it needs, it may wither up and die. Mowing your lawn too short can also kill grass and prevent it from growing like it should.
2. High acidity levels
Increased acidity levels in the soil may be stopping grass from growing as well. Ideally, the pH level of your soil should be around 6.5, however some grasses can tolerate lower or higher acidity levels. If your grass type isn’t tolerant of soil changes, it may not be getting the nutrients it needs.
Pro Tip: A yearly lime application can help reset the pH level of your soil. Click here to learn more about the benefits of a lime application.
3. Lack of sunlight
While some grasses need upwards of eight hours of direct sunlight a day, most grasses need an average of six hours of sunlight a day. If your grass is located primarily in the shade, it may be preventing proper growth.
4. Frequent foot traffic
Frequent activity on your lawn, whether by guests, children or pets, may be stripping the nutrients from your yard. Without proper nutrients, your lawn simply won’t be able to grow.
With professional lawn care, your lawn should be able to heal over time. However if there’s simply no hope, you may be desperate for a solution to the dead patches of grass in your lawn. If that’s the case, we have a few lawn ideas just for you! Take a look at these landscaping alternatives:
5 Landscaping Alternatives To Hide Areas Where Grass Won’t Grow
1. Synthetic Turf Grass
Synthetic grass is simply artificial turf that is made to look and feel identical to natural grass. Plus, it requires much less maintenance than regular grass. There are three types you can choose from:
Polyethylene turf grass is known for being soft, resilient and vibrant green in color. Nylon grass is strong, and can withstand high temperatures. Polypropylene grass, on the other hand, is the least expensive option, but not as durable or resilient as the other two.
While turf grass may seem like an expensive investment at first, it’s one worth making if your grass won’t grow. Turf grass is designed to last a lifetime, so you will definitely get your money’s worth!
2. Grow A Garden
Use a variety of flowers, shrubs, and other plants to create a colorful and beautiful garden. Make sure you consider the height and weight of what you plant to ensure they are placed at the correct distance from each other. Otherwise, your plants may overpower one another and steal each other’s nutrients, leaving you in a similar situation!
Perennial plants are easy to take care of and require low maintenance, so consider these types of plants when assembling your garden.
3. Mulch It Over
Mulch is another favored option to cover the dead grass in your lawn. The benefits of mulch include moisture retention, weed control, erosion protection, heat retention and root system protection.
Mulch comes in a variety of materials, too, such as wood chips, shredded bark, sawdust, straw mulch, pine needles and rubber. Get creative with your landscape using mulch, and play around with the different textures and colors!
Expert Advice: You may consider choosing rock or stone mulch instead of bark mulch. Both have their benefits and disadvantages, so take a look at this article before making your decision!
4. Build A Pond
Ponds make for beautiful scenery, are low-maintenance and support a healthy ecosystem. Plus, they can help tremendously boost your curb appeal.
When building a pond, use a fiberglass liner or concrete—these require little maintenance. Make sure you dig deep when installing a pond, too, to prevent freezing water in the winters. Finally, border the pond with stones, rocks, or some type of boulder to create the perfect environment.
5. Install A Patio
Patios are attractive, low-maintenance, and provide a relaxing space to hangout and grill. There are many types of patios to choose from, such as concrete, wood, clay brick, gravel, flagstone and patio pavers.
While some are easier to DIY than others, you may want to consult a professional before installing your own patio. Plus, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your design, especially when it comes to concrete. A concrete or patio expert will be able to transform your lawn and cover those pesky dead grass spots. Then just add chairs and a firepit and you’ve got yourself a new outdoor oasis!
For more DIY outdoor design ideas, read our blog:
DIY Outdoor Design Ideas To Transform Your Lawn
Need Help? Ask Killingsworth!
At Killingsworth, we’re going to make sure your yard looks perfect. You choose the alternative and we’ll be here to help you determine the first step! Plus, we can use our expert experience to determine the cause of your dead or barren grass, and offer a specialized solution to rejuvenate grass and help it grow once again.
When your grass needs help, don’t hesitate to call our team of lawn care specialists. With over 26 years of experience, we can tackle just about any lawn care obstacle! Schedule an appointment today!
Content was originally written on August 17, 2017. Content was refreshed on August 29, 2019.