What to Do When Your Lawn Isn’t Growing | Lawn Care Troubleshooting
Apr 18, 2025
What to Do When Your Lawn Isn’t Growing
Understanding the Frustration
As a homeowner, nothing can be more frustrating than putting in the time and effort to nurture your lawn, only to find it struggling to grow. You water, mow, fertilize, and even trim the edges, yet it still looks patchy or, worse, completely bare in spots. I’ve been there before, staring at an underperforming lawn, wondering where I went wrong. But before you despair or start spending money on expensive treatments, it’s important to understand that your lawn’s growth problems are usually solvable with the right approach. Let’s dig into why your lawn might not be growing and what you can do about it.
1. Poor Soil Quality
One of the most common reasons your lawn may not be thriving is poor soil quality. If the soil is compacted, lacks essential nutrients, or has a pH imbalance, grass will struggle to grow. I learned this the hard way when my grass started thinning out after a few seasons. I found that my soil had become compacted over time, making it hard for the grass roots to take hold and grow properly.
To fix soil issues, start by testing the pH level of your soil. Most grass types prefer a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can amend it with lime or sulfur to bring the pH to a more optimal range.
Aeration is another important step to improve soil quality. Aerating your lawn involves creating small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper. I was amazed at how much healthier my lawn became after aerating it in the spring. It allowed the roots to grow deeper and strengthened the grass’s foundation.
2. Over or Underwatering
It’s easy to overdo it or not water enough when it comes to your lawn. I’ve often found myself standing outside during a hot spell, wondering whether I should water more or less. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, while underwatering stresses the grass, leading to brown spots.
The key is to water deeply and infrequently rather than giving your lawn light, frequent sprinkles. Water your lawn early in the morning, ideally between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., when the temperature is cooler, and evaporation is minimal. Deep watering helps the roots grow deeper, making the grass more drought-resistant.
A good rule of thumb is to water about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall. To gauge how much water your lawn is receiving, you can place a shallow container, like a tuna can, under your sprinkler and check how long it takes to fill it with an inch of water.
3. Lack of Sunlight
Grass, like any plant, needs sunlight to grow. If your lawn is shaded by trees or buildings for most of the day, it might not receive enough light to thrive. This was one of the challenges I faced in my own backyard, as a large oak tree cast a significant shadow over part of my lawn. Over time, that area started to look sparse and weak.
If your lawn is getting insufficient sunlight, consider trimming back overgrown tree branches or bushes that block sunlight. If the shade is inevitable, look into shade-tolerant grass varieties like fescue or bluegrass that thrive in low-light conditions.
Another alternative is to change your landscaping to create a more balanced environment. For instance, you could replace some of the grass in shaded areas with ground cover plants that require less sunlight.
4. Pest Infestation or Disease
Another sneaky culprit behind a struggling lawn is pests or diseases. Grubs, for example, can damage grass roots, causing patches of dead grass to appear. I had to deal with this issue in my lawn last summer when I noticed a few large brown patches that weren’t responding to watering or fertilizing. After a bit of research, I realized it was likely a grub infestation.
To check for pests, dig up a small section of your lawn and look for signs of infestation, like grubs or worms. If you find pests, there are several organic or chemical treatments you can use to get rid of them, depending on your preference.
Lawn diseases such as mildew, fungus, or mold can also hinder growth. If you notice yellowing or spots that don’t improve with watering, a fungal infection might be at play. Fungicides can be effective in controlling diseases, but be sure to follow instructions carefully.
5. Improper Fertilization
Fertilization is a critical aspect of lawn care, but applying too much or too little can result in poor growth. I made the mistake of over-fertilizing my lawn, thinking that more would lead to faster growth, but instead, I saw a lot of thatch buildup, which can suffocate the grass and prevent water from reaching the roots.
The trick is to apply fertilizer in the right amounts and at the right time of year. Generally, you’ll want to fertilize your lawn in early spring and again in the fall, depending on the grass type. A slow-release fertilizer is a good option to provide nutrients over time without overloading the soil.
It’s also important to apply fertilizer evenly, either by hand or with a spreader, to avoid “burning” the grass with concentrated amounts of nutrients.
6. Incorrect Mowing Practices
Another mistake I made in my earlier days of lawn care was mowing too short. Short mowing encourages weeds and weakens grass roots, making it harder for the grass to grow. I’ve learned that grass should be kept longer, especially during the hotter months, to protect the roots and promote healthier growth.
During the warmer season, I aim to keep my grass at least 3 inches tall. Longer blades of grass shade the soil, keeping it cooler and retaining moisture. Also, make sure your mower blades are sharp, as dull blades tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can lead to uneven growth and increased stress on the lawn.
7. Extreme Weather Conditions
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, extreme weather can cause setbacks in lawn growth. Drought, excessive rain, or even sudden temperature changes can all have an impact. When I experienced a prolonged drought last summer, my lawn didn’t respond to water as expected. In these situations, it’s important to have a plan to protect and nurture your lawn.
For droughts, keep your lawn longer to reduce evaporation, and avoid heavy foot traffic, which can compact the soil and damage grass. In periods of excessive rain, avoid walking on the lawn to prevent compaction and erosion. Consider using mulch to protect the soil from heavy rainfall or storms.
Taking Action for a Healthier Lawn
When my lawn wasn’t growing, I realized that fixing the issue wasn’t always as simple as watering or fertilizing more. It was a combination of many factors, from soil health to proper mowing techniques. By taking the time to analyze my lawn's problems, I was able to implement the right solutions, and now my grass is thriving.
If your lawn isn't growing, take a step back, assess your current lawn care practices, and consider factors like soil quality, water habits, sunlight, pests, and proper maintenance. By addressing these common issues, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful, lush lawn again.
