Grass turning purple can be quite a baffling sight if you’ve never seen it before. But it’s actually not that uncommon and can be caused by many things.
Grass could turn purple due to nutrient deficiencies, acidic soil, water stress (over or under-watering), extreme temperatures, diseases like Pythium Blight or powdery mildew, pests such as chinch bugs or grubs, and environmental factors like pollution or chemical contamination.
Those are the main reasons but there are a few more that I’ll go over with you further in the article. Let’s look at each reason in a bit more detail.
Environmental Factors
Pollution, including air pollution or chemical contamination from nearby sources, can affect grass health and lead to discoloration, including purple tinting.
Implement practices to reduce pollution and chemical contamination in the surrounding environment to help minimize their impact on grass health. Watering at the end of each day can help decrease the damage to your grass.
You can also promote soil health through organic amendments and proper waste management to enhance grass resilience to environmental stressors.
Water Stress
Water stress can cause the grass to turn purple when it experiences water stress, meaning it could be getting too much or too little water. Inadequate water uptake can prevent nutrient absorption and lead to purple coloring in grass leaves.
Establish a consistent watering schedule based on the grass’s needs and environmental conditions. Check that the soil is adequately moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can also contribute to purple discoloration.
Soil pH
Acidic soil conditions can also cause grass to turn purple. Grass naturally prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. If the pH is too low, it can affect nutrient availability and uptake by the grass, resulting in purple coloring.
You may need to apply lime to raise the pH level. Regular soil testing will help you monitor pH levels and ensure they remain within the optimal range for healthy grass growth.
Temperature Extremes
Grass can turn purple for different reasons like not getting enough nutrients, having too much acid in the soil, or not getting enough water. Sometimes, when it’s really cold or there’s a disease or bugs on the grass, it can turn purple too.
Using special sprays or things like baking soda can help. Taking good care of the lawn, like watering it right and picking the right kind of grass, also helps. Adding good stuff to the soil can make the grass stronger and less likely to get sick.
Nutrient Deficiency
One of the main reasons for grass turning purple is nutrient deficiency, especially in phosphorus or potassium. When grass lacks these essential nutrients, it can’t produce enough chlorophyll which leads to purple or reddish hues in the leaves.
To check if your grass lacks nutrients, you’ll need to conduct a soil test. This test can identify any deficiencies in phosphorus or potassium to help you understand the cause of the purple discoloration.
Genetic Factors
Some grass varieties naturally exhibit purple coloration, especially in certain conditions like low temperatures or nutrient deficiencies. Certain cultivars may have genetic traits that cause them to have purple pigmentation.
When selecting grass varieties, consider factors like climate suitability, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stressors. Consult with local experts or extension services to identify grass varieties that are less prone to turning purple in your region.
Disease or Pests
Certain diseases or pests can damage grass and cause it to turn purple as a symptom of stress or infection. Fungal diseases like dollar spot or rust, as well as pests like chinch bugs or grubs, can lead to discoloration.
Regular inspection of the grass for signs of disease or pest infestation is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Implementing cultural practices like proper mowing, aeration, and overseeding helps improve grass health and resilience to diseases and pests.
What Is The Purple Disease In Grass?
The “purple disease” in the grass is not specific itself, but rather a symptom of various underlying issues that can affect the health of the grass. The grass may turn purple due to factors like nutrient deficiencies, environmental stress, diseases, or pests. One common disease that can cause grass to turn purple is Pythium Blight, which is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, wet conditions.
Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in phosphorus or potassium, can lead to poor chlorophyll production, resulting in purple or reddish hues in the leaves. It’s important to identify the root cause of the purple discoloration to effectively address and treat the problem.
Conduct soil tests, inspect for signs of pests or diseases, and consider environmental conditions to help determine the cause of the purple discoloration in grass.
Why Are The Blades On My Centipede Grass Turning Purple?
One common cause is nutrient deficiency, particularly in phosphorus or potassium. When centipede grass lacks these essential nutrients, it may struggle to produce enough chlorophyll, resulting in purple or reddish hues in the blades.
Another possible reason is environmental stress. Factors like extreme temperatures, water stress, or soil pH imbalance contribute to the grass turning purple. When the leaves are bruised by heavy foot traffic or machinery, they may also develop a purple tint.
Conduct a soil test to determine if nutrient deficiencies are present, and adjust the soil pH or apply fertilizers containing the necessary nutrients to help restore the grass’s color. Proper watering practices and implementing measures to mitigate environmental stressors, like improving soil drainage or providing shade during hot periods also help promote healthy growth and reduce purple discoloration in centipede grass.
What Is The Purple Powder On My Lawn?
The purple powder on your lawn could be a sign of various fungal diseases or organisms, including powdery mildew or slime molds. Powdery mildew typically appears as a powdery, white to light gray substance on grass blades but can sometimes take on a purple hue.
Slime molds, on the other hand, may appear as colorful masses or powdery growths, often in shades of purple or pink. These organisms thrive in warm, humid conditions and can spread quickly if the lawn is not properly cared for.
To address fungal diseases like powdery mildew or slime molds, it’s crucial to improve air circulation around the grass, avoid overwatering, and implement proper lawn maintenance practices.
This includes regular mowing at the appropriate height and adhering to a consistent watering schedule. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary to control the spread of fungal diseases.
Why Is My Grass Turning Blue?
Grass turning blue is not a common occurrence but can be caused by several factors. One possible reason is that the grass is experiencing extreme stress due to lack of water, resulting in a bluish-gray appearance. When grass becomes severely dehydrated, its leaves may take on a blueish hue as a sign of distress.
It’s essential to assess the watering practices and soil moisture levels in your lawn to ensure the grass receives adequate hydration. Other factors like fungal diseases or nutrient deficiencies could also contribute to grass appearing blue.
If you notice your grass turning blue, it’s crucial to address the underlying cause promptly to restore its health and vibrancy. Consulting a lawn care professional can provide valuable insights and recommendations for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Kills Lawn Disease?
Proper Lawn Care Practices
Maintain proper lawn care practices to prevent and minimize the occurrence of lawn diseases. This includes activities like regular mowing at the appropriate height, ensuring proper soil drainage, aerating the lawn to improve air circulation, and avoiding overwatering. Removing thatch buildup and ensuring adequate sunlight exposure can create less favorable conditions for disease development.
Fungicides
Fungicides are chemical treatments specifically designed to target and kill fungal pathogens responsible for lawn diseases. These products come in various formulations, including liquids, granules, and powders, and should be applied according to label instructions. Fungicides are most effective when used preventively or at the early stages of disease development.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can act as a natural fungicide and help control certain lawn diseases. Mixing baking soda with water and applying it to affected areas can help inhibit fungal growth and reduce the severity of diseases like powdery mildew. While not as potent as synthetic fungicides, baking soda can be a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.
Soil Amendments
Incorporate organic matter into the soil to help improve soil health and enhance the lawn’s natural resistance to diseases. Compost and organic fertilizers can provide essential nutrients to the soil and promote beneficial microbial activity, which can help suppress disease-causing pathogens
Resistant Grass Varieties
Choose grass varieties known for their resistance to specific diseases to help reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks. When establishing or overseeding a lawn, select grass varieties that are well-suited to your region and are resistant to common lawn diseases prevalent in your area.
Proper Watering
Proper watering practices are essential for maintaining a healthy lawn and reducing the risk of disease. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and avoid shallow, frequent watering, which can promote disease development. Water early in the morning to allow the grass foliage to dry quickly, minimizing moisture accumulation and reducing the likelihood of fungal growth.
Disease Prevention Strategies
Implementing disease prevention strategies can help reduce the likelihood of lawn diseases. This includes avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can promote disease susceptibility, and ensuring proper air circulation by pruning surrounding vegetation and trees.
Conclusion
So grass can turn purple for a few reasons, nutrient deficiencies, acidic soil, water stress, extreme temperatures, diseases, pests, and even environmental factors. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in phosphorus or potassium, hinder chlorophyll production, resulting in purple hues. Acidic soil affects nutrient absorption and can also lead to purple coloring.
Water stress, caused by over or under-watering, also contributes to discoloration. Extreme temperatures disrupt metabolic processes, causing purple leaves. Diseases like Pythium Blight or powdery mildew, pests like chinchbugs or grubs, and environmental factors like pollution can also cause the grass to turn purple.
Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the underlying cause and restore grass health. Using fungicides, and baking soda, and practicing proper lawn care, including selecting resistant grass varieties and proper watering, can help prevent and manage lawn diseases. Incorporating organic amendments into the soil enhances soil health and reduces disease susceptibility.
