Why Doesn't My Grass Grow?

Mowing

• Close mowing can interfere with grass growth by inhibiting photosynthesis. Grass leaves absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide, which the plant uses to produce the sugars it needs for growth. The Utah State University Extension recommends mowing to a height of 2 to 4 inches and cautions against cutting more than 1/3 of the grass length at a time.

Nutrients

• An inadequate supply of nitrogen and other soil nutrients will inhibit grass growth. Depending on the grass variety, warm-season grasses benefit from 1 to 2 lbs. of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet of lawn, and cool-season grasses prefer 2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet annually. Adjust overly acidic or alkaline soil pH levels, which can interfere with nutrient availability.

Water

• Most grasses require approximately 1 inch of water each week. If the roots cannot replenish their water content from the soil, the grass becomes dormant and eventually dies. To prevent water loss from evaporation, irrigate your lawn early in the morning.