Diagnosing Dull, Brown-Tipped Kentucky Bluegrass in SE Michigan

Homeowner waters 10 min/zone 3x/week AM, fertilized once with Scott’s Turf Builder + Crabgrass Control. Grass blades brown at tips or fully brown.

Likely Causes

1. Insufficient watering: 10 min may not deliver 1 inch/week. Check with tuna cans.
2. Water timing: Evening watering reduces evaporation; morning is acceptable but less efficient.
3. Fertilizer/herbicide stress: Scott’s product contains herbicide; combined with heat/drought stress, can cause tip burn.
4. Fungal disease: Possible if wet spring/summer. Submit tissue sample to county extension for diagnosis.

Immediate Actions

• Measure irrigation output; adjust to 1 inch/week deep watering.
• Switch to early evening watering.
• If fungal suspected, get lab confirmation before treating.
• Overseed thin areas in early September.

New lawn last fall? If so, it may still be establishing. Monitor and adjust culture first.