Regrowth in Dead Patches

Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue, Rye and Bent, etc
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NJDan
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Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by NJDan » October 8th, 2022, 6:11 pm

Each year I may have dead patches for various reasons and I always leave it alone allowing the kbg to regrow into it naturally. Sometimes this works better than others. If I want to encourage spreading into the dead areas is it best to remove the dead grass and leave a bare patch of soil or just to do nothing? Someone told me to poke holes in the ground but I am doubtful that would do anything.

I normally mow at 4" but I recall someone saying that bluegrass spreads best at 2 and a 1/2 inches. Any truth to that?

Thanks for any comments.
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turf_toes
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by turf_toes » October 8th, 2022, 10:49 pm

That’s not been my experience at all.

NJDan
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by NJDan » October 9th, 2022, 3:55 am

turf_toes wrote:
October 8th, 2022, 10:49 pm
That’s not been my experience at all.
Care to elaborate? I'm not sure what you are saying.

Thanks.

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turf_toes
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by turf_toes » October 9th, 2022, 6:17 pm

The idea that KBG spreads best at 2.5-inches. That has not been my experience.

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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by Green » October 9th, 2022, 7:26 pm

Yeah. I have to agree with Turf Toes. Everyone says KBG spreads best at 2 inches, but that hasn't been my experience, either. It seems to work better (for me) at 3.5-4 in, but more frequent mowing seems to help a bit. But don't increase your mowing height if it's lower just because of that. If you're mowing at 2.5 inches, keep doing so.

As far as dead patches like your photo shows, see if there is any green in it. If so, it may recover over time (but will probably not do so before the Winter). Otherwise, you may need to transfer a plug or two.


NJDan
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by NJDan » October 10th, 2022, 8:37 am

OK, thanks. Seems there isn't anything I can do to encourage regrowth into the dead spot other than adding a plug. I thought maybe clearing away the dead mat of grass might help.

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turf_toes
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by turf_toes » October 10th, 2022, 12:00 pm

The KBG spreads via underground runners. In my experience, the thin layer of dead grass on top isn’t going to stop those rhizomes from spreading (underground)

If you have an inch or more of real thatch (not dead grass clippings but real thatch), it might make sense.

But most folks think that thatch is compromised of dead grass blades. It’s not.

NJDan
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by NJDan » October 10th, 2022, 12:49 pm

turf_toes wrote:
October 10th, 2022, 12:00 pm
The KBG spreads via underground runners. In my experience, the thin layer of dead grass on top isn’t going to stop those rhizomes from spreading (underground)

If you have an inch or more of real thatch (not dead grass clippings but real thatch), it might make sense.

But most folks think that thatch is compromised of dead grass blades. It’s not.
Yes, I understand the thatch issue. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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turf_toes
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by turf_toes » October 10th, 2022, 1:50 pm

The fall nitrogen regimen (written up by Andy) tends to be the best thing you can do to encourage faster spread. That’s assuming you can follow all the steps. Ymmv

NJDan
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by NJDan » October 10th, 2022, 2:56 pm

turf_toes wrote:
October 10th, 2022, 1:50 pm
The fall nitrogen regimen (written up by Andy) tends to be the best thing you can do to encourage faster spread. That’s assuming you can follow all the steps. Ymmv
That's a good thought. I've followed that in the past but with limited time and attention in the last couple of years I just laid down urea once. Maybe I'll take that up again. Is that a sticky thread so I can refresh my memory?

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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by Marinegrunt » October 10th, 2022, 3:36 pm

Yes, it's a few threads below this one. It's called the "Fall Nitrogen Regimens".

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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by Green » October 10th, 2022, 4:51 pm

Keep the dead grass unless it's causing issues. It protects the soil. It won't stop regrowth from rhizomes.

NJDan
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by NJDan » October 11th, 2022, 8:04 am

Sounds good. Thanks!

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Wally
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Re: Regrowth in Dead Patches

Post by Wally » November 26th, 2022, 8:52 am

If you have some borders that need a cleaning up, those would work to patch up those spots. Start from the middle and work out.

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