Question
I live in the Northeast.  Last winter I noticed two areas of my lawn that had turned yellow, and the grass was like straw.  During the summer, it greened up, but this fall both areas, are the same, and are getting bigger.  I've noticed this to a lessor extent on other lawns in my area.I've checked for grubs and have found one or two, but no sign of a major infestation.  Any ideas on what is happening, and what I can do to eliminate this?  Thank you.

Answer
Ray, I am wondering what kind of grass you have in your lawn.  Zoysia is popular in some communities in the Northeast, although most landscapers won't recommend it because it turns yellow and brown in the cool weather.  I think however you would know if you are growing Zoysia.

On the other hand, if you are growing a legitimate cool season grass like Bluegrass or Rye, the cool, wet temperatures may have provoked a fungus attack in your lawn.  If this is the case, relax.  All you have to do is wait for the cold weather to descend.

Fungus?  What kind, you ask?

Lots of fungus mimics those brown-and-yellow symptoms you described.  It could be any of a number fo them.  You see fungus in turf all the time during Spring and Fall when temps drop and moisture rises.  University of Minnesota has produced an entire essay on this very matter
(http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/p318powderymildew-l...) (but please ignore their advice about fungicide).

They declare: "Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe graminis, is a common disease of Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. The fungus survives winter in infected plant material and produces spores throughout the growing season, which are rain splashed or wind blown to susceptible grass blades."

And my favorite part: "Heavily infected leaves may turn yellow and die, causing areas of turf to thin."  Mildew attacks soar in spring and autumn, they say.

Sound familiar?

But as we speak, temps are headed way down, and it is just going to be too darn cold for even the toughest, meanest fungus spores to protect their territory much longer.  Right now, while you're reading this, those spores are shivering in the grass, just hoping for a warm spell.  The good news:  Their days are numbered.  No artificial chemicals or toxic waste needed to wipe out those Mildew Monsters - God will take care of that.

And Ray, if you are still trying to make use of your expensive , built-in automatic sprinkler system, turn it off RIGHT NOW.  And leave it off until next SUMMER.  Grass doesn't need to be watered now unless you're living south of the Equator or somewhere, I imagine, in California,

The problem is only made worse when people over fertilize their lawns.  Too much Nitrogen accelerates grown and weakens the grass.  Along comes Fungus, looking for a place to live.  Suddenly it looks like someone poured white paint all over your grass.  Or walked their dog all over the place.  

Next year, stick with a slow release product that is not made by the Scotts Company or another multinational corporation.  Blood Meal, Alfalfa, Milorganite, Manure, and Milorganite are just some of the excellent sources of
Nitrogen to help your grass.

As for grubs, they are good for your grass because they attract birds and wildlife that eat them.  You only see a population explosion of grubs when you repel the birds.  Chemicals will do that.

Best thing is to do nothing, my friend.

Ignore that propaganda you see on Monday night football etc.  They're selling you stuff that you DO NOT NEED and DO NOT WANT.  Save your money and like I just told someone recently buy a nice steak dinner for the family.  If you let the soil chemistry take care fo itself, your grass will be very, very happy.  And the whole lawn will look beautiful.  Trust me.

Any questions?