How To Fix A Scalped Lawn

Almost every gardener has had some experience with lawn scalping. Lawn scalping can happen if the mower height is set too low or if you run over a high place in the grass. The resultant brown yellow zone is nearly grassless. This can cause turf issues and is aesthetically unattractive. However, if the problem happens, it is simple to avoid or resolve.

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What Causes Turf Scalping?

A scalped lawn looks unappealing in comparison to a lush, green lawn. Because it is, a lawn seems scalped. The grass has been nearly completely gone. Typically, scalping a lawn is an unintentional occurrence caused by operator mistake, topographical differences, or poorly maintained equipment.

Scalping a grass is frequently caused by a mower blade that is set too low. Mowing should remove no more than one-third of the grass height each time. Lawn shearing removes all of the leaf blades, exposing the roots.

Another cause of lawn scalping might be a badly maintained mower. The major reasons are dull blades or machines that have become out of alignment.

Finally, a scalped lawn may occur as a result of elevated areas in the bed. These frequently occur at the edges, but once identified, you may simply adjust the machine to mow higher in the afflicted area.

What Happens to Scalped Turf?

Scalping a lawn isn't a big deal, but it does have an effect on the turf's health. Exposed roots dry up fast, are more vulnerable to weed seeds and disease, and cannot create photosynthetic energy. Some grasses, such as Bermuda grass and Zoysia, have abundant flowing rhizomes that may swiftly re-colonize the site with minimal long-term harm.

Fixing a Scalped Lawn

The first step is to wait a few of days. Maintain a wet but not soggy environment, and the roots should have enough stored energy to develop leaves. This is especially true for well-cared-for sod that had no insect or disease problems prior to scalping.

Most warm-season grasses will recover pretty fast. If there is no evidence of leaf blades in a few days, cool season grasses may need to be reseeded.

If feasible, get seed that is the same type as the rest of the grass. Rake the area and over-seed it, finishing with a layer of dirt. Keep it wet, and you should be able to reclaim your grass in no time.

Fix the mower, mow more regularly and at a higher setting, and keep an eye out for high places to avoid a repetition.