| Problem |
Possible Causes |
Suggested Solution |
| Not Growing |
No water or insufficient watering. |
Start watering as instructed |
|
Slow Emergence |
Weather can be a big factor in slowing down seed germination. If the weather is cold, the seed may take extra time to germinate. |
Be patient. |
|
Slow Growth |
Cold weather can slow down growth in young seedlings. Also lack of moisture or water logging will also slow down growth. Other causes could relate to pH levels, salts or lack of nutrients. |
1. Ensure that the seed/soil is kept moist. This can mean that you may be required to water up to five or six times per day on hot days. But do not flood areas.
2. Check pH levels and if problem continues a soil analysis may be required. |
|
Grass Thin & Sparse |
Poor soil preparation of site is usually responsible. Common causes are poor drainage and soil structure. Insufficient water and cold weather will also affect growth of seedlings. Other causes could relate to pH levels, salts or lack of nutrients. |
1. Check soil structures and aerate any compacted areas. Reseeding may be required.
2. Ensure ground is kept moist and that water is permeating the top layer. (A wetting agent may be required)
3. Check pH levels and if problem continues a soil analysis may be required. |
|
Grass Pale, Yellowing or Dead |
Dryness & water logging of the seedbed can cause yellowing and subsequent death of the grass seedlings. Other causes could relate to pH levels, salts or lack of nutrients, buried debris, tree roots or contaminated soil caused by spilt toxins eg. thinners, paint etc. |
1. Check for signs of contamination. eg. Colour & texture changes against other existing soils.
2. Check soil structure.
(must be friable)
3. Check irrigation & drainage.
4. Check pH levels. May require soil analysis.
5. Follow up fertilizing after 6 to 8 weeks
|
| Bare Patches |
Poor preparation of site is usually responsible. Some examples are soil structure (hard pan areas), buried debris, tree roots and contaminated soil.
Also dry weather on sandy soils and wet weather on heavy clay soils can also causes of patchiness. |
1. Remove any debris or tree roots.
2. Check for signs of contamination. eg. Colour & texture changes against other existing soils.
3. Check soil structure.
4. Dry patches may require a wetting agent
5. Aerate any compacted areas.
6. Check irrigation & drainage.
7. Reseed damaged areas.
|
| Weeds |
Caused by insufficient site preparation. If you have fallowed the site properly (See Soil Preparation Sheet) you should not have a serious weed problem. |
1. Hand weeding or spot herbicide application is the best option.
2. Do not use weed and feed until grass is at least 6 months old.
|
1. Rake area to a depth of 50mm and remove any debris to form a fine seedbed.
2. Sow seed at 45grams to 1 square metre.
3. Lightly rake in seed.
4. Keep moist with regular watering.
