[Miller_Low_Life]

So my backyard is primarily TTTF with a mix of KBG and RYE. The tips are turning brown and it some cases the whole leaf. Now I've been irrigating properly for the most part and we've had a string of upper 90's for over a week. The color is almost the same as having a dull blade. I know my blade is ok, because the cut is still clean. The grass seems to be thinning out as well. Not sure if it's because it has two large maples to compete with because the front yard has no trees and isn't having this issue. I'm at work and unable to take pictures but was curious if this is a normal summer thing. It happened the last two summers and bounced back in the fall just fine. I was wondering if anyone else has the same issue, or if it's something I should even be concerned about.

 

[social port]

I recognize parts of my lawn in your description. In my case, I suspect heat stress, but I don't know. I pretty much plan for some heat and drought stress over the summer, especially with 85+ days and no rainfall.

 

[zinger565]

I'm panicking too. Lots of brown and shedding here, especially in my sunny areas. We just went through the same heat wave here in Iowa, and it's continuing on too.

Funnily enough, my shaded areas look better than I've ever seen them in the 3 years we've lived here.

 

[LawnNerd]

So the browning you see after mowing with a sharp blade is evaporation drying the plant out. When the mower cutsits creating an opening in the plant and moisture is lost. Irrigation when tempurates are above 85, really is just a stop gap till the next rain. Irrigation, unfortunately, will never replace rainfall. Beyond the water aspect, rainfall brings clouds which give the grass a break from the sun, but the cooler rain lowers the air temp and soil temp (albiet short lived). Its like getting soaked from the hose and then sitting in the shade, its a relief.

Just keep the watering up and the grass will be ok. Itll bounce back once the rains return and heat breaks.

 

[g-man]

^ I tend to try to mow very late in the summer, so the cut blade is not baking in the sun too much. It at least gets an overnight to heal.

 

[SNOWBOB11]

So the browning you see after mowing with a sharp blade is evaporation drying the plant out. When the mower cutsits creating an opening in the plant and moisture is lost. Irrigation when tempurates are above 85, really is just a stop gap till the next rain. Irrigation, unfortunately, will never replace rainfall. Beyond the water aspect, rainfall brings clouds which give the grass a break from the sun, but the cooler rain lowers the air temp and soil temp (albiet short lived). Its like getting soaked from the hose and then sitting in the shade, its a relief.

Just keep the watering up and the grass will be ok. Itll bounce back once the rains return and heat breaks.

This is interesting and good information.

 

[Turfguy93]

^ I tend to try to mow very late in the summer, so the cut blade is not baking in the sun too much. It at least gets an overnight to heal.

Same here! Right before the sun goes down

 

[Rucraz2]

Same here, but typically more when the sun is going down and into the dark a bit. Not by choice though. It's just the only time I can. But ive also noticed some heat stress. Or atleast thats what I presume. We did get close to an inch of rain last night/this morning.

 

[Suburban Jungle Life]

You are sure it isn't fungus? Common with fescue in heat.