QuestionI have a small lawn in North Carolina, tall fescue. It is in great shape in the front, where it has high sun. The back and sides are shaded, and the grass is thin and getting thinner. Have only applied organic fertilizer. This thinning seemed to get worse after aerating the yard in September, to where there are now small muddy spots.
Answer My conclusion is that light is the limiting factor. Things you can do to improve the area are:-
1. Mow the area a little higher. This will increase the amount of leaf area and help the grass to grow better. If you are already mowing at the highest the mower will allow, skip this step.
2. Aerating can be very stressful to the turf and is usually done just ahead of a period of good growing conditions, especially adequate rainfall. This usually translates to spring time. It was done in September and there are now muddy spots. This is puzzling because aerating should result in better drainage. Have you been watering more than usual? If so, hold off and let things dry out a bit.
3. The nitrogen in organic fertilizers does not get into the plant quickly and the process is quickest in times of higher temperatures (summer). Cool temperatures might be slowing it up at this time. If your program allows it, apply some ammonium sulfate to the weak areas. This will provide a growth stimulus. Apply it at a rate to provide a quarter pound of nitrogen per 1000sq.ft. The label rate usually provides one pound of nitrogen per 1000sq.ft.
4. Contact the Extension Office for the County in which you live. They know of your local conditions. Their recommendations are based on experimental results and their advice is without cost or condition.
