If, like so many of us red-blooded (green-blooded?) Americans, your lawn is both a point of pride and a source of gratification, well, you know how frustrating it can be when your grass starts pulling up easily for no evident reason. And if you interpret this as a worrying sign that something’s wrong with your lawn’s health, well, you are quite likely correct.

Don’t go pulling your own hair out in solidarity just yet. Instead, read along below as we delve into some possible reasons your grass seems so intent on super-shedding—and provide straightforward, actionable solutions to get your lawn back on track.

Pests at the Root of the Problem

One of the primary culprits in this scenario is a pest infestation. Grubs, in particular, are notorious for feeding on grass roots—as in, voraciously, to the extent that sections of your lawn can begin to die off outright. The damage is damage is escalatory and systemic: their relentless feasting not only weakens the grass blades, but damages the underlying root systems—hence the dreaded “lift off.” Keep an eye out for telltale signs of grubs’ arrival, such as raised mounds or a sudden/conspicuous interest the local moles have taken to your yard.

To nip this situation in the “bug,” go with whichever is applicable based on your observations: a curative product for existing grub problems, or preventive grub control to safeguard your lawn in the long run.

Water Woes

Too much or too little water can also lead to the ol’ loose grass lament. Overwatering can drown the roots; the oxygen deprivation quickly weakening the grass causes a (nearly) literal “letting go.” Alternately, underwatering will eventually cause dryness’s escalation into brittleness, i.e., fragility, leaving it pitifully susceptible to pulling up in, say, a modest rainfall or beneath a young child’s footsteps.

Obviously, this is a matter of striking the right balance. Be vigilant for any indications of improper drainage, and consider installing an efficient irrigation system. Regular “perimeter checks” and common-sense adjustments may well be all that’s needed, but in some cases expert assistance is the means of conveyance for a return to greener pastures… A consultation never hurts.

Fungal Disease

Lawn fungal diseases are common in certain regions and tend to wreak absolute havoc on grass. Before it begins falling out en masse, they can cause the grass to look anything between yellowish and brown, yes indeed “mimicking” symptoms of underwatering—destructive and devious! Of course, overwatering in (natural, logical) response can worsen the problem and/or create an entirely new one.

Proper identification is crucial here, as each disease requires specific treatments. If you’re confident in status quo water distribution/absorption but your grass looks nonetheless… diseased, chances are it is. Contact a lawn care professional to quickly and accurately pinpoint the issue, then quickly and efficiently enact the appropriate solution.

Soil Health Matters

The health of your lawn is directly, intrinsically linked to the condition of the soil. Compacted soil can stop proper root growth in its tracks, so to speak, and when this is the case affected grass pulls out oh-so-easily—lacking, as it (nearly) literally does, any “tether” to the earth.

You can probably tackle this problem solo. Investing in a soil test will shed light on any deficiencies in your soil, indicating whatever you’ll need to add/supplement for improved soil health. In most circumstances, proper fertilization and lawn aeration can be effective measure, respectively, for restoring essential nutrients and alleviating soil compaction.

Contact Sposato Landscape

For over 25 years, Sposato Landscaping has been beautifying and nurturing countless landscapes throughout the Delmarva area. We offer many services, including landscape design, installations, residential maintenance, hardscape, commercial maintenance, and turf nutrient management.

Visit our website to see what we can do for you, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, and YouTube.