What is Dry Patch?
Dry patch is one of the many causes of dry/dead patches on lawns. Whilst grass that is exposed to prolonged hot and dry weather will also turn brown, it is likely to recover relatively quickly once rain and cooler temperatures return. Dry patch on the other hand will not recover when rain occurs as the water is unable to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.
Symptoms & Occurrence:
Dry patch normally occurs during summer, epecially when the weather has been hot and dry.
The main symtoms of dry patch are irregular patches of grass which become dark green and then fade to brown. The soil directly underneath the patches will be completely dry; any water that is applied will run off or sit on the surface. If the dry patch is exeptionally bad puddles may form on top of the lawn after it has rained. Whilst puddles would initially imply the area is waterlogged, the soil underneath will be bone dry, suggesting dry patch instead.
Control:
To help prevent dry patch, we recommend staying on top of lawn maintenance, for example scarifying, avoiding soil compaction and using an appropriate fertiliser at the correct time. We recommend using a scarifier in autumn to easily remove thatch, moss, leaves and other debris from your lawn.
For specialist control, we advise using a wetting agent such as Abzorb. This efficient wetting agent contains a blend of soil penetrating surfactants that help to re-wet areas of turf affected by dry patch or fairy ring.
As well as regular lawn maintenance, we recommend using a wetting agent such as Abzorb as both a preventative and curative for dry patch. Abzorb is an excellent wetting agent with a very low environmental impact. Repeated applications may be necessary.
For more information on controlling dry patch, please get in touch with our sales team on 01522 246491.
