Question
russel

I planted monkey grass around my beds last year.  Initially, it took off and make a great border.  However, it has since yellowed and some has died.  other parts of the yard have it thriving in how I want it to look.  Will it come back?  Should I have cut it back in the fall?  I live in the new orleans area and others have it thriving..

Please help

I can send pics if you like

Answer
Hey, Dusty.

I think there are three possible answers:

First, there are some underground critters that love monkey grass roots, such as gophers. If the roots have been eaten, the plant yellows and dies. Take one of the yellow ones out to see what the roots are like.

Second, the soil needs to be packed tightly around the roots. When you take one out to look at the roots, note whether or not the soil is real loose.

Third, monkey grass likes lots of water but it also needs good drainage. If yours is in wet, soggy soil, then the roots are rotting away.

In any event, with some thriving and some not, it sounds like a localized problem that is causing root problems.

If you need to send some pictures, email them to me at [email protected].

Hope that helps, though, and that you actually don't need to send pictures.

Russel