Lawn Issue - Ask Extension
Neighbor’s lawn becomes totally yellow over winter into spring, then turns back to green by summer. The yellow is now jumping his driveway to the ad...
Knowledgebase
Lawn Issue #929963
Asked April 28, 2026, 8:46 PM EDT
Neighbor’s lawn becomes totally yellow over winter into spring, then turns back to green by summer. The yellow is now jumping his driveway to the adjacent lawn this spring. Pls evaluate and make recommendations.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Evening,
When were the pictures taken? Are these two different yards or is the second picture starting to recover from winter?
Lawns emerged with matted turf that had a grayish-white or pinkish color may have snow mold. In most cases the snow mold didn’t actually kill the turfgrass plant but simply blighted the leaf blades. A light raking with a leaf rake to loosen dead leaf tissue and accelerate soil warming will help the turf recover faster. It looks like the turf has some nutrient deficiencies. I suggest getting a soil test to verify what your turf may be missing.
Home | MSU Soil Test
Nutrient Deficiencies - MSU Extension Soil Fertility | Montana State University
1985aug26.pdf
Healthy Lawns—Manage Pests, Abiotic Disorders, Nutrient Deficiencies
Another option is contacting MSU Plant Diagnostic lab. Please start by emailing your question and pictures to them. Include info such as when and how much you water, when you lasted fertilized, what other chemicals were applied and when. If they need a sod sample they will contact you. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Go Green Lawncare Tip Sheet - MSU Extension
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
When were the pictures taken? Are these two different yards or is the second picture starting to recover from winter?
Lawns emerged with matted turf that had a grayish-white or pinkish color may have snow mold. In most cases the snow mold didn’t actually kill the turfgrass plant but simply blighted the leaf blades. A light raking with a leaf rake to loosen dead leaf tissue and accelerate soil warming will help the turf recover faster. It looks like the turf has some nutrient deficiencies. I suggest getting a soil test to verify what your turf may be missing.
Home | MSU Soil Test
Nutrient Deficiencies - MSU Extension Soil Fertility | Montana State University
1985aug26.pdf
Healthy Lawns—Manage Pests, Abiotic Disorders, Nutrient Deficiencies
Another option is contacting MSU Plant Diagnostic lab. Please start by emailing your question and pictures to them. Include info such as when and how much you water, when you lasted fertilized, what other chemicals were applied and when. If they need a sod sample they will contact you. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Go Green Lawncare Tip Sheet - MSU Extension
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
