The Grass Doctor

My grass in my yard is turning into dirt! I live in East Texas. I have spread Scotts Turf Builder, Weed and Fe

I have also put lime pellets out but to no avail. I could consult a lawn specialist but don't want to spend the money it would cost.

Public Comments

1. I would say you have a problem with grubs....The same thing is happening up here in Maine. The lawn has to be treated to kill them....the grubs eat the roots and kill the grass..they eventually turn into Japanese beatles and will eat all of you flower bushes and plants..
2. Let's look at a few items first 1. Do you water, very hot in Texas, no water no lawn 2. Grubs could be an issue but my landscape guru's think it's not an issue in Texas 3. Was there grass there to begin with, top quality seed. 4. when was the area last aerated? 5. has the lawn ever been treated with fertilizer? 6. Do you have consistent agronomic schedule 7. Or maybe time to call in an expert, have totally redo lawn, install sprinkler system and start on a professional lawn treatment program
3. I know I harp on this, but get a soil test kit from your county extension.   Get soil samples.   Have the soil tested.   Then you will know what your grass needs to grow in an environment that it needs.   Make sure you know what kind of grass you have so the soil test will reflect what amendments are needed for the grass type.   Get a maintenance schedule from your county extension so you know how to keep the grass growing properly throughout the year.   Doing these things takes the guess work out of it and will save you money.   You may have used the wrong weed and feed for your grass.  It should state for southern lawns.   If you used a weed and feed for northern lawns then the weed control could be killing your grass depending on what type of grass you have.   Don't ever put lime on the ground unless you know you need it.   A soil test will tell you if you need it.   Putting it out without knowing if you need it is a waste of time and money and can screw up your soil PH which can prevent your grass to grow.   I like to keep things simple and I like to know what to put on my yard and not guess at it.   Good luck.
4. A soil test may be worth the cost. Consulting your local agricultural extension agent is FREE, they can give you tips and ideas tailored to the soil types in your area. I live in NC and we have compacted red clay soil. Lol last August the drought was bad.. I could have cut bricks out of the dirt in my back yard! This year I convinced hubby to go organic. We added compost, core aerated and treated with pelletized lime. Good soil is essential to nice grass so it is well worth the investment to work in the compost and aerate. If you still suspect grubs, milky spore is a great organic alternative to toxic chemicals. Good luck with your endeavors!