Question
Tom:Two summers ago put sod in front& back yard with top soil. Frist summer grass green,frist fall/winter grass turn brown.Second summer, in spring, grass a little green, then turn brown.Have sprinker system that we use.On sides of house we did not sod,this grass grows great?Sod is bluegrass.Do you think it could be a fungus?I hate to rip up old sod & start all over.Is there anything that I could put on lawn during fall/winter to help.Lawn looks ugly.Iam located on staten island ny.Thanking You In Advance BOB

Answer
Bob:

Sorry about the poor performance of bluegrass.  It is my favorite.

I would recommend a lawn and soil analysis, looking for fungus.  Your local ag agent should provide that if you deliver samples to his specifications.

Once you identify the culprit, treat it and consider overseeding with a good variety of bluegrass.

If the only effected turf is the sodded area, I may suspect the source.  However, preparation makes a big difference also.

You should be in the sandy soil part of the island, which should drain well, if my memory serves me well enough.  If you have had the same drought as most of the east coast has had, then this, too, could cause the damage you describe.

I would also ask your ag agent for a tissue analysis.  These may reveal a need for a healthier turf.

Best wishes.