Often, without the homeowner knowing it, one of the sprinklers in the system will become clogged or broken, or just plain won't have the pressure to reach all areas of the grass. Another thing that causes the grass to grow thin and patchy is poor soil conditions. I'll mention them all briefly. Enlarged areas around the spots may turn brown or yellow, and in extreme cases the spots grow together to form large blotches or streaks. It loves full sun and can also be one of the ornamental grasses for shade, as well. Scientific Name: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ Size: 6 to 8 feet tall, 3 to 5 feet … Video of the Day Volume 0% Rust is another disease that hurts your grass. Water the grass at the base of the plant, because overhead watering creates moist conditions that foster rust. A lot of the time the garden center doesn't know either, but together you can usually figure it out. Grasses typically are pretty tough, but keep new plants watered the first few years in order to establish healthy roots. When this happens, the grass in the under-watered area will start to die. Grasses are trouble-free and don’t attract pests or diseases. Ornamental grasses have two growth habits. Ornamental grass can be planted in spring or fall. Discoloration in your lawn generally comes because of three factors. Hilly Chism from Holland on September 13, 2010: Good hub, I like the tip about taking a weed into the garden center for them to identify it. A third cause of discoloration, that's much rarer, is fungus. Either repair the sprinkler, or if it's just inadequate to cover all the areas, then you might have to spend 5 minutes a few times a week watering that specific area by hand. Watch Reply. If this is the case, there shouldn't really be any definite pattern to the dead spots, and the dead grass should pull up easily with no roots. Avoid toxic chemicals, which kill lady beetles and other beneficial insects that feed on aphids and mites. Growing ornamental grasses: problem solving. In severe cases the blades may wilt, turn brown and die. Japanese Blood Grass. Healthy ornamental grasses are relatively trouble-free, but the plants are occasionally bothered by various diseases or pests. Ornamental grass is an excellent alternative to shrubs for landscaping gardens. A fourth thing that can cause your grass to be thin and patchy is if you have the wrong kind of grass for your region. Some varieties produce flowers. Allow ample space between plants; poor air circulation caused by overcrowding often results in disease. The other means of reproduction utilized by ornamental grasses is by self-seeding, which is more of a problem in warmer climes. Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil. Once established, ornamental grasses require very little maintenance. Dog urine can kill grass and will leave circular dead spots. Micanthus ‘Flamingo’ – a popular, deciduous grass with late summer, pink flower plumes. Some fungus will grow on dead tree matter that's buried beneath the surface of the grass, like an old tree stump or the roots. If large sections of ornamental grass suddenly go missing and only the stems remain, the culprit may be a deer. This can be done with hedge shears in February or March before new growth appears from the crown of the plant. Commercial or homemade repellents, which include bad-smelling or bitter-tasting substances, are sometimes effective. Don't depend on just one repellent, as deer soon become accustomed to the unpleasant smell or taste. Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii) Sedge is a visually appealing dwarf grass that is simple to grow. Although mites are difficult to spot with the naked eye, you can often see their thin webbing. Karl Foerster grass plants have these attributes as well as the ability to tolerate many soil types and lighting conditions. Annuals/tender perennials (these must be planted every year, although some survive the winter in warmer climates): Purple Fountain Grass, Purple Millet, Vertigo Fountain Grass; How to Care for Ornamental Grasses. You would be best researching the specific type of grass you have to see if it is an invasive variety. Solarization. It appears on the blade of the grass as a … She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing. If you have a grass that doesn't like a certain climate, such as a cold one, and the weather gets a bit cold, it can start to turn the grass yellow. HELP! Some ornamental grasses can become invasive because of their seed plumes, while others do not. Most grasses have few, if any, pest or disease problems. If you don't have any dead matter lying around for the fungus to decompose, you shouldn't have too much of a problem with it. Yeah, I've done that on more than one occasion. There are 4 major types of fungus that affect grass. A few types of landscape grasses spread by rhizomes or stolons and some of … Spiking will improve drainage and overseeding with a grass seed mixture especially suited for shaded areas will improve the vigour of the lawn. Planting and care of ornamental grass is much like other perennial plants. A third pest that can kill grass is grubs. Temperature tolerance varies widely among different types of grass; however, many are suitable for planting in the Mediterranean climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Blue Oat Grass (Helichtrichon sempervivens) Containers of blue oat grass bring a cooling blue-gray … To prevent powdery mildew, plant ornamental grass in sunny locations. Dead spots are among the most common of grass problems and can be caused by quite a large range of factors. Grass loves sunshine and water. However, many of the New Zealand sedges (Carex), Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa or Nassella) and Northern Sea Oats … Noisemakers are rarely effective. Ornamental grasses are hardy, low-maintenance plants that add texture and interest to the landscape. Commercial fungicides might be effective when applied at the earliest sign of disease. They are a great way to add instant texture, contrast and lasting beauty. Most varieties of fountain grass are hardy to USDA zones 8 to … This can be caused by a few different reasons. Other fungus will take advantage of dead grass clippings that were left on the lawn after mowing. This will break up the clay slowly over time. Grubs are little worms that live beneath the surface and eat the roots of your grass. Everything grows better in the midwest. Don't allow the plants to become too dry; dusty conditions attract mites. There are 4 major types of fungus that … The seeds are windborne and will result in a host of baby plants. Part of what makes them so attractive are their plumed, feathery inflorescences, but that is also what makes them such a problem. Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' or Japanese blood grass is a colorful red, yellow, … My Lawn Has Large Black Rings Which Turn Brown & Die, White Bugs & Circular Patches of Dead Grass, University of Minnesota Extension: What's Wrong With my Plant? Annuals and Perennials -- Ornamental Grass, Clemson University Extension: Ornamental Grass, University of Missouri Extension: Aphids, Scales and Mites on Home Garden and Landscape Plants, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Powdery Mildew on Ornamentals, University of Minnesota Extension: Coping With Deer in Home Landscapes, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Rusts. Most landscape grasses are clump-forming and will not spread to other areas although the clumps will get bigger each year. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. About Invasive Ornamental Grasses Ornamental grass management is necessary with many species of these elegant waving plants. Perhaps the most important maintenance technique is cutting back the grass to a height of 10 centimetres. Name: Chasmanthium latifolium. The only downfall is that some of these problems are systemic, meaning that you might have to make some major changes in order to get your grass to grow back properly. M.H. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease easily recognized by powdery blotches on the leaves. Pests of one form or another are among the most common grass killers. A. In order for grass to grow well, it needs to meet a very specific set of conditions, and when one or more of these conditions are not met, you'll end up with some pretty specific problems. If this is the case, you can try adding gypsum periodically over the course of about three years. Lawn moss is a serious problem in spring and autumn, most often found where drainage is poor and the lawn is in the shade. Things like clover and dandelions very quickly can infest an otherwise healthy lawn, sprawling out or growing very tall, making the lawn look poor. Grub poison can be bought at your local garden center. Ornamental grasses generally prefer full sun, but some varieties--particularly maiden grass, fountain grass, and sea oats--will tolerate partial shade. Fluffy flowerheads of Pennisetum villosum. In addition, avoid watering the foliage of affected plant material. This can sometimes be overcome by fertilization, and sometimes not. As a landscaper in San Diego, I came across many of the different grass problems that often plagued homeowners, and learned how to overcome them in order to give a person that beautiful lush lawn that every homeowner loves. Can you overwinter fountain grasses? Benji Mester (author) from San Diego, California on September 13, 2010: barb t from Denver on September 13, 2010: Thank you for taking the time to share this information maybe this will help me keep my grass better next summer. Regular fences are effective only if they are at least 6 feet tall, with the top angled away from the garden. Problems Ornamental pear tree belongs to the family of apple, blackberry, and rose. Other grasses have been bred for specific regions and conditions in order to more adequately tolerate things like heat and drought. Hopefully it will come back for you in the Spring. Perhaps the most common problem of ornamental grasses is the fungal disease, rust. And they fit into nearly any landscape. Solarization is simply the … I wonder if I had not trimmed them back early enough. Due to lack of sunlight I believe, but I keep trying to get grass to grow. Another thing that can easily cause dead spots in your grass is a broken, clogged, or inadequate sprinkler system. Dividing is another maintenance technique that is required for clump forming gra… Though there are varieties in the types of flowering pear trees, the ornamental pear tree problems are more or less similar to the usual problems faced by any other type. This problem is common in shady areas as powdery mildew build-ups in warm, humid conditions. Grass needs to be aerated periodically every few years in order to reestablish proper roots. But it often encounters problems and obstacles that keep it thin, patchy, and weak. But for clay and rocks, sometimes the only thing you can do is start over with better soil. Fungus. Powdery mildew is generally a problem in shady areas, because powdery mildew develops in warm, humid conditions. … This ornamental grass is loved for its interesting seed heads, which hang off the stems and look like wind chimes. So if there's fungus popping up in your lawn, like mushrooms or other types of fungus, it's probably because there's dead matter about. Plant. I have a few varieties of ornamental grasses that are 4 years old: Last year some of them did not grow in the centers, but did well otherwise. A: Ornamental grasses are generally divided into two groups: warm season grasses which grow and bloom in the warmer summer and fall months, and cool season grasses which grow and bloom in the cooler months of spring to early summer. The ease of ornamental grass care has helped to make them quite attractive for landscaping use. Hameln dwarf fountain grass has no serious pest or disease problems, but improper … Though most grasses will grow in any of the regions of the United States, they won't thrive in all of those regions and will be thin and patchy unless specifically suited to the particular climate. Certain grasses prefer some climates more than others. Thanks! Nice! If you aren't sure what kind of weed is infesting your grass and you want to get rid of it, take a sample into your local garden center and they should be able to help you identify it and find a product to eradicate it. Fortunately, specially designed weed killers exist that don't hurt your lawn but kill the infesting weeds. One of the common things that causes this problem is shade. Ornamental grasses have become extremely popular in the home landscape. Sometimes grass comes in weak, thin, and patchy. Ornamental grasses are outstanding plants for the garden. Extreme infection may cover the whole ornamental grass with the powdery blotches. A third thing that can cause grass to thin out and lose its lush appeal over time is a lack of aeration. Electrical fencing is sometimes useful but isn't recommended in areas where small children may be present. If your soil has large clay deposits or rocks, it will cause the grass to grow very poorly. The beauty of fountain grass. If the grass you have blooming in your garden started to put up its showy plumes or seed heads in late summer to early fall, it’s a warm season grass. Growing Karl Foerster grass in your landscape gives you nonstop enjoyment year after year in your … They are: Fungus generally likes to take advantage of dead matter. Most varieties also require well-drained soil, with the exception of umbrella grass; this plant actually prefers soggy conditions. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. nicomp really from Ohio, USA on September 13, 2010: Living in the midwest, we have no grass problems this year, it's all dirt. Available in distinct colors, fine textures, and a bundle of varieties for different climates, gardeners usually have no problem picking out grass plants that will suit their garden well. Billy Haynes from Paragould, AR on April 27, 2018: We got a new place a little over a year ago and we have a bare spot in the front yard. Another culprit for some cases of dead spots is dogs. Rust can be largely avoided by dividing overcrowded clumps and allowing better air circulation around the plants. Fungus is a major grass problem for a lot of people. Ornamental grasses are popular landscape additions because they have few pest problems and are easy to grow. Hence, the problems associated with these trees are also somewhat similar to those of the above-mentioned trees. They are either spreading or clumping, with the clumping being less aggressive. These fast-growing ground covers will take no time in filling up empty spaces and adding a charm to your outdoor garden. Not only do they have statuesque elegance, but they provide a gentle symphony of wind driven sound. Dispose of infected blades securely, and never place diseased plant parts on the compost pile. More. If you deprive it of either, it's not going to do very well and will be thin and patchy. This is most common when plants are overcrowded and insect problems are infrequent. Powdery mildew is a type of fungus that can affect turf grasses, ornamental grasses, commercial crops and native plant species. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. In one of the above sections, we discussed rust fungus which can discolor your blades of grass and make them yellow, orange, and brown. Maiden Grass. Often when the grass is overshadowed by trees and bushes, it just plain won't grow well. Test Garden Tip: Northern sea oats is a fast spreader, so plant in a container or other spot that will keep it in bounds. This grass is hardy in zones 5 through 9, is deer resistant, and is a highly decorative grass for the desert garden. Ideal for a sunny spot. Non-flowering is usually caused by insufficient light. Follow guidelines for proper watering and fertilization for your particular type of grass, as healthy ornamental grass plants are more pest-resistant. Regardless, you do not need to remove the plumes as soon as they appear. But sometimes, like I said, the dead matter is subterranean and difficult to identify. The best way to avoid a problem with rust is to space plants far enough apart to provide good air circulation. Choose a well-drained location with an appropriate sun level for the … Aphids and mites are among the few insect pests that bother ornamental grass. Mites are microscopic insects that suck the juices from the blades, causing infected parts to turn yellow. Grass soil needs to have good drainage, be slightly acidic, and have some sandy content to it. Rust is a fungal disease evidenced by small reddish-orange or yellow blisters on the blades of grass. Hameln dwarf fountain grass is a small, clumping ornamental grass that only grows 2 to 3 feet tall and bears ivory to white plumes that wave above the foliage from summer to fall. Maryanne Maguire from Santa Monica, CA on September 15, 2010: Yep, midwest here with no worries about grass - -it's dead :(. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) – Ornamental Grasses for Drought Conditions If insect or disease problems happen, then treat early with … Some of the more common grass problems include: Grass naturally wants to grow up thick and vibrantly green. Benji Mester (author) from San Diego, California on September 15, 2010: :( that's sad. Mark unread; Skip to new; Mark unread Print Skip to new. Grasses vary in size and height, depending on … Ornamental grass grows in clumps and can have arching foliage as tall as 15 feet or may have variegated green and creamy white foliage shorter than 1 foot. The other big cause of discoloration is poor fertilization. If a rabbit is the culprit, you should see rabbit droppings in and around the area of the dead spot. Grass problems can very quickly transform a beautiful lawn like this into an unsightly mess. Severe infections may cover the entire plant with the puffy, white or gray fungi. Size: To 3 feet tall. The aeration will allow the grass roots to decompress from being compacted during sports and other things, and will give them a nice flow of oxygen. For more about lawn care, check out my article on laying sod. Aphids and mites are among the few insect pests that bother ornamental grass. The problem is the worst when runner grasses overtake bunch grasses. They can provide textural contrast, screening and winter interest to the landscape. Rabbits will eat grass down to its bare nubs and kill whole areas before moving on. Another ornamental grass to add to the equation is Japanese bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica),with its red-tipped blades and fast-spreading runners that will quickly overtake moister beds. Although some types of ornamental grass live for only one year, most are perennial. We'll go through 5 common problems step-by-step, and provide ways to overcome them. Heavy infestations of aphids and mites are best treated by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap spray or with a product containing pyrethrins. Fungus is a major grass problem for a lot of people. Zones: 5-9. frogandtoad Delaware, OH Mar 31, 2008. two problems with my ornamental grasses. Overcoming these problems is the key to having a beautiful lawn. Another common grass problem is weed infestation. Ornamental grasses generally suffer from few problems if they are planted in an appropriate position for their needs. Usually, disposing of affected plant parts as soon as they appear is enough to control the disease. This method may take longer but is far less labor intensive. Although young, tender plants are most susceptible, a hungry deer eats nearly any type of plant. Apply a lawn treatment containing a moss killer and then try to remove the causes. Advertisement. The frequency of watering can be adjusted to the individual needs of the grass species. Ornamental grass can experience molds and fungus similar to lawn grasses, particularly in wet weather. If you haven't fertilized your grass in a while, or if you don't regularly fertilize, your grass can start to grow thin and yellow on you. Rust appears as orange spots, which can spread to cover the foliage. 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