What Stresses Your Turf?

We know first-hand that a beautiful, vibrant and healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every fresh roll of turf is a checklist of care and attention to understand what your turf needs, so we can deliver turf in the best condition and guarantee long-term results. However, one of the biggest obstacles is turf stress!

Turf stress can occur before, during and post lawn installation, when your turf is most vulnerable. Whether you are a turf grower, landscaper, or homeowner, knowing the signs of turf stress, how to resolve it, and, most importantly, how to prevent it can make lawn maintenance much smoother.

Content Overview

• What are the Signs of Turf Stress?
• Causes of Turf Stress & Solutions
• Heat & Drought
• Overwater & Poor Drainage
• Poor Mowing Practices
• Soil Compaction
• Nutrient Deficiency
• Lawn Pests & Disease
• Excess Shades & Weeds
• Speak to the Experts

What Are the Signs of Stress in Turf?

Luckily, your turf will tell you if it’s struggling. More often than not, the symptoms can help you identify what is stressing your turf, and, therefore, how to resolve it. For example, surface water suffocating your grass can be a sign of poor drainage or soil compaction. While dry patches and stunted growth can indicate a drought issue.

Causes of Stress & the Solutions

Below, we’ve outlined the seven common causes of turf stress, along with the signs and solutions for each issue.

1. Heat & Drought

Like most plants, turf is sensitive to temperature and moisture levels. Summer often brings periods of hot, dry conditions. With reduced water levels, grass can go dormant, struggle to grow, or die back.

Signs of Heat Stress:

• Brown or dry patches across your lawn.
• A crisp feeling when walking on your lawn.
• Thinning and weakening grass blades.

How to Reduce Stress:

• Water deeply, about an inch deep per week for a deep soak.
• Water in the morning and evening when evaporation levels are low, allowing more water to be absorbed.
• Keep your grass long as taller grass shades the soil and helps retain water. Set your mower to a higher cut for better recovery.
• Consider drought-tolerant turf if your lawn is highly exposed to sunlight; opt for turf specifically grown to withstand the heat, like our Trident Turf.

2. Overwatering or Poor Drainage

Too much water can be just as harmful to turf as too little. Whether you are overwatering or have experienced long periods of rainfall, soggy soil can suffocate grass roots. This can lead to fungal diseases, water pooling and an unusable lawn.

Signs of Water Stress

• Surface water & soggy lawns.
• Fungal diseases such as dollar spot or root rot.
• Muddy areas with minimal grass growth.

How to Reduce Stress:

• Check for water pooling, as this may be where the drainage issue is.
• Aerate the area, allowing water to soak into the soil.
• Avoid watering the area until fully absorbed.
• Read our blog on How to Prevent Your Lawn From Getting Waterlogged.

3. Poor Mowing Practices

Mowing is a basic gardening task that helps keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. However, cutting incorrectly can cause your grass serious issues. Cutting your grass too short, using blunt blades or mowing at the hottest part of the day can begin to stress your turf.

Signs of Mowing Stress:

• Thin sward or stunted grass growth.
• A compacted appearance where footprints don’t bounce back.
• A rough, brittle texture that feels fragile and easy to break.

How to Reduce Stress:

• Keep your mower blades sharp for a clean cut.
• Mow early in the morning or evening during warmer months.
• Mow high while your turf is growing or recovering.
• Read our helpful guide on What Height You Should Mow Your Lawn.

4. Soil Compaction

Domestic gardens, communal spaces and sports fields are grown for regular use. However, constant pressure from foot traffic, vehicles and pets can cause the soil beneath to compact, preventing grass roots from obtaining essential water, oxygen and nutrients.

Signs of Compaction Stress

• Surface water which cannot penetrate the soil.
• Hard soil which is difficult to dig or work.
• Thin sward and stunted growth.

How to Resolve Stress:

• Aerate your lawn once a year, focusing on those well-used areas.
• Install paths, walkways or stepping stones to redirect foot traffic.
• Apply seasonal fertiliser to help rebuild your turf’s strength and resilience.

5. Nutrient Imbalance or Deficiency

For turf to thrive, it needs a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. As well as oxygen, water and organic matter. Too little or too much of these elements can stress your grass, impacting its growth, strength, and appearance.

Signs of Nutrient Stress:

• Discolouration of grass blades.
• Thinning sward or stunted grass growth.
• Weak grass blades with a brittle texture.

How to Resolve Stress:

• Assess and test your soil regularly to determine its nutrient needs.
• Follow a seasonal fertilisation programme suited to your type of grass, turf issue, weather conditions and season.
• Avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to grass scorching.
• Read our helpful guide on How and When to Fertilise Your Lawn.

6. Lawn Pests & Diseases

Pests and diseases seek and thrive in poorly maintained gardens. So, stressed turf is prone to issues such as ant hills, bibionid flies, or other pests. The problem with this type of stress is that it often occurs beneath your turf, so the damage is done before you notice it.

Signs of Pest Stress:

• Yellowing or discolouration of turf.
• Bald, brown or dry patches.
• Infestation of pests on top or below the turf.

How to Reduce Stress:

• Follow a consistent lawn health maintenance plan to naturally resist pests and disease.
• Monitor your turf and identify issues such as bald patches or discolouration early on.
• Use targeted treatments depending on your lawn pest or fungal issue.
• Read our useful Guide to Lawn Fungus and Disease.

7. Excess Shade & Weeds

Areas of grass consistently shaded by trees, hedges, or buildings will struggle to develop a robust root system, sward thickness, and resistance to extreme weather conditions. This can cause weak and patchy grass, allowing weeds to take over.

Signs of Shade Stress:

• Yellowing or browning of grass blades.
• Footprints linger due to a lack of grass moisture.
• Minimal grass growth but increased weed growth.

How to Resolve Stress:

• Opt for shade-tolerant turf that has been cultivated to survive and thrive in these conditions.
• Trim back overhanging trees and hedges to allow more sunlight.
• Remove any thatch or fallen debris for more sunlight to reach your grass.
• Read our guide explaining Why Homeowners Should Consider Shade-Resistant Turf.

Speak to the Experts

If you are still unsure what’s stressing your turf or need help choosing the right type of turf for your domestic or commercial space, get in touch with our knowledgeable team. For landscapers who regularly handle turf and landscaping materials, consider our Trade Account for additional project support.

Further Advice to De-stress Your Turf

• Is Your Turf Stressed?
• How To Care For Your Lawn After Heavy Rain
• Can You Cut Wet Grass?