QuestionI live in the northeast near waterbury ct. every fall i plant new grass (ryegrass) along the curb (which is asphalt) along the front of my house. It fills in great. it comes up nicely in the spring. when it starts getting warm the lawn browns and dies about one foot back from the curb.
I attribute it to heat but in some spots the grass lives right next to the curb but dies behind it. Could it be some combination of heat, salt residue, and lawn insects getting an early start because of the heat and weakened condition of the grass?
Any other thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated.
AnswerI don't think it is insects.
It could be heat damage from the radiation from the blacktop. Slat residue is a very real possibility. I recommend mixing in some organic matter ("humus") into the top few inches of soil before re-seeding next fall.
When you sow grass, do so in late august (not too late) just as the heat of summer is disappearing. Fertilize the lawn when you sow and again in late october. Then fertilize in late may (not too early in spring).
Mow the lawn about 2.5-3.5" tall (after cutting).
Try to water regularily, such as once or twice per week during the hottest months.
Do not fertilize during summer months.
In winter, avoid adding too much salt or use salt free de-icers
