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How to fix yellowing lawn patch?

Hi. We are new home owners and have moved in 3 months ago. Our lawn had patchy brown bits for a while as we were very busy with a newborn when we moved in. Since then we have watered it frequently and it is looking a lot better.
Now the central part remains a yellow colour whilst the rest is looking green and my question is how do improve this?

Additional information:

The central part also maybe a month or two ago I think ‘went to seed’? It remains full of ‘stalky’ bits rather than the green grass leaves.

When I try to test the soil moisture to see if I am over or under watering it with a moisture probe I can get the probe into the ground fully in the green parts, but in the yellow part it is so hard I can’t get the probe in hardly at all.

I was watering daily or every second day, but then there was concern that mushrooms were growing due to overwatering so now twice a week and on hot days. I have just changed this a few days ago only.
I don’t know how easy it is to see from the photos but here are some in case it helps.
thanks so much.
deborah

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Comments

EricL

Hello @deborah1

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your lawn.

It sounds like your lawn is improving with your care, but the central patch is struggling due to compacted soil and possibly a nutrient imbalance. Since your moisture probe can’t penetrate easily in the yellow area, it’s likely the soil has become too hard for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots properly. The best way to fix this is by aerating the compacted section using a manual aerator like the Cyclone Lawn Aerator Sandals or a hollow tine aerator, which will help loosen the soil and improve water absorption. You can also use a garden fork by pushing it into the ground and rocking it slightly to create small holes.

Once aerated, applying a soil wetter such as Yates Waterwise Soil Wetter will help water soak in rather than running off. Since the patch went to seed and is stalky, mowing regularly at a suitable height (not too short) will encourage fresh green growth instead of the tough seed heads. You might also consider top-dressing lightly with a quality lawn mix such as Lawn Solutions Topsoil to further improve the soil structure.

For nutrients, a balanced lawn fertiliser like Scotts Lawn Builder All Purpose will help restore colour and growth. Since your watering routine has changed recently, give it some time, but ensure the area is getting deep watering twice a week rather than shallow daily watering to encourage deep root growth. Keep an eye out for signs of pests or disease, as stressed grass is more susceptible. With consistent care, your lawn should green up evenly again over time!

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

deborah1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48119#Comment_48119

Great thanks so much. We will get onto that and thanks for the watering and fertilising advice too. What sort of timeframe would you expect improvement if what we are doing is helping?
thanks again,

deborah

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86116#Comment_86116

I'd expect to start seeing some improvement in a matter of weeks @deborah1.

Mitchell

deborah1

May I ask you about watering? People have so many different ideas about how much, how often, and what time of day that it is really confusing for a first time homeowner like me.

I’ve taken some photos and a video of the sprinkler going and wonder if from that you can give some advice on whether that sort of amount of water is ok and what time of day you’d suggest.

current schedule:

The timer is currently set for 60mins twice a week, and I top up on days above 30 degrees with another 60mins. I’m not quite sure when to miss a day but have missed days of obvious heavy rain.

When the sprinkler is on it feels like ‘heavy rain’ if you put your hand under it. That is the maximum I can get from our tap. I’d like to leave it on the automatic timer as much as possible as I have two young children, but happy to top up hot days if needed and miss days of heavy rain.

If you could suggest how long, how often, and when to top up or miss a day at that sort of water rate that would be great.

Thanks again,

deborah

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48147#Comment_48147

Hi @deborah1,

Your watering regime appears about spot on. The rest of your lawn looks sensational, indicating your watering is great. Deep watering for 60 minutes twice a week in Summer is fine as long as you give it a bit of a soak on those exceptionally hot days. If it rains solidly for an hour or more on your designated watering days, I would consider the lawn watered and hold off until your next watering day.

Even with the yellowed areas, your lawn is stunning and far better than 95% of lawns I see. You're doing a great job!

Mitchell

deborah1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86118#Comment_86118

Ok great. Thanks so much for your help. Will try your suggestions for the yellow patch. Thanks again.
deborah

deborah1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48119#Comment_48119

Hi Eric. After following your instructions on aerating and adding the topsoil you suggested the patch improved within 24 hours, and each day it was visibly improving! We haven’t even added any soil wetter or fertiliser yet! Thanks so much!
deb

deborah1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86118#Comment_86118

Hi. With aeration and topsoil suggested the patch is improving visibly daily and I thought I could see some improvement within 24 hours! Thanks so much!

deb

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108678#Comment_108678

Wow, that's certainly a great turn around @deborah1! Glad to hear you're getting it sorted.

Mitchell

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