Question
Help!!!  I put in new sod last year and it looked really nice at first then it began dying in patches.  I was told it was cinch bugs so I treated with recommended fertilizers and retreated in the Spring as directed.  It looked like it was going to be okay.  Right now, I would describe my lawn as follows: green at a distance but when you get close to it, it is all turning brown underneath.  We have had lots of rain, lots of rain...and it was looking okay but with some questionable spots.  This condition got a lot worse and has pretty much covered the whole area.  Recently my neighbor borrowed my mower and lowered the blades.  It seems to have exposed my lawn to more damage.  (I am not blaming him, it has gotten worse since the adjustment in spite of all our rain)  FYI, I have been habitually bagging my clippings and now I understand that is not such a good idea to do this.  At this point I just hope it will grow enough so that I can mow without bagging and salvage my lawn somehow.  What do you suggest?  If you would like a photo I will be happy to send one.  Thanks!

Answer
Hello Mrs. Goslin,
                 Sorry it has taken so long to reply but I have had some "issues" at work going on and have been working some pretty long hours last week.Here I am now though and here is my answer:
                What I think has happened is that the fertilizer worked on the bugs,but it made your lawn sick, so to speak.Then when your neighbor lowered the blades,well that was a knockout blow to an already sick lawn. Also since you have been bagging your clippings all of this time,your lawn hasn't been getting all of the good things that it would have been getting to help it repair itself.
                 Now what I suggest is take a hands-off approach. don't cut it for like a month,or at least until it looks like it would be a little above the highest setting on your lawn mower. then put your mower on the highest setting and cut it,but don't bag the clippings,of course. If you can put your mower on a mulching setting.(some lawnmower come with a plate that you can put over where the clipping shoot out into the bag) If you cant then get yourself a mulching mower. I know it'll be expensive but that is what is best.
                 This hands-off does not mean that you don't water though. With regular watering(from the rain or from you)letting it grow, and mulching your grass will come around in no time flat!
                 I think this should get you started, and if you have anymore questions or just need clarification or whatever, you know what to do!
          Ciao