A: The urine spots on your lawn are caused by excessive nitrogen.  The concentration of nitrogen in dog urine is quite high.  While sometimes it can act as a fertilizer (you may notice dark spots on your lawn as well) it often burns the grass.  The only real cure is to stop the dog from urinating on the grass, by training it to conduct business on an area set aside for such a purpose.  If the dog will continue to use the grass you can apply water to the area within eight hours to reduce the potential for a burned area.  Changing the dog’s diet or fluid intake can also help but these methods should only be undertaken with the guidance of a veterinarian. 

As a point of note, Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermudagrass are particularly effected by dog urine and Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass show the least effect.

Q:  When’s the best time to establish a lawn?
A: Seeding or sprigging is best attempted in the Fall in most areas, with Spring being the second best time. Winter and Summer planting of seed or sprigs is strongly discouraged.  Turfgrass sod can be installed year-round, even on frozen ground, if sod is available; however, sodding during the heat of summer will require more water than during cooler periods.

Turfgrass Maintenance

Q: What can I do to maintain a beautiful lawn?
A:

• Quality grass simply needs water, air, sunlight and nutrients. In most areas, grass needs approximately one-inch of water a week. Infrequent and deep watering encourages deep roots and a healthy lawn.
• Mow frequently enough (with a sharp blade) so you never cut-off more than one-third of the grass blades in a single mowing. This will also allow you to leave the clippings on the lawn so they can naturally degrade and return nutrients to the lawn.
• Prune trees so they allow as much light as possible onto the lawn.
• Fertilize at least annually, or according to the specific needs of your lawn.
• Aerate every other year to reduce compaction and increase the exchange of water and air at the root level.

• Turfgrass sod can provide an instant patch by cutting out the old grass and trimming in a sod patch. It’s easy, simple and immediate.
• Seeding can be used when the area is small by raking out the old grass, loosening the soil and sprinkling seed. Keep the seed very moist with waterings two or three times a day until it matures.