AboutJames L. Crowder Expertise I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience I have 37 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials 37 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Question I live in Southern Oregon and have somewhat of a clay soil base below my lawn. I also have part of my lawn that stays in the sun ALL day long and part that gets shade half of the day. This summer I have started watering in the morning and evening for short amounts of time (10 minutes each for both my front and back lawns) because the water stops being absorbed and runs off the slight slope my yard is on. My grass started to fade in green color and since it has been warm lately (95-100) I stepped up my watering to 20 minutes at night (10 then cycles through another 10 for a total of 20 with a small break in between). My lawn is not showing any signs of improving, in fact it might be getting worse. What can I do to save my lawn?
Answer Hi Jennifer, You didn't tell me what kind of grass you have. If it's a cool season grass like fescue, bluegrass, etc., it should stress out at 95 degrees. It doesn't much like soil temperatures above 70. At 95 degrees, it should be getting 2" of water/rain per week and I would still expect some browning. Given enough water, it should recover as the temps cool.
If it's a warm season grass like bermuda or zoysia, it could be fungal (I'd take a sample by your local garden center) or it could be insufficient water. Light shallow watering cause the roots to come to the surface, which in turn, dry faster. I'd decrease the volume and frequency but increase the time to encourage deep root growth. Jim
