| Dear Homeowners,As spring kicks into gear, many of you may have noticed brown or thinning patches in your lawn—especially in sunny, south-facing areas or along sidewalks and walls. These issues are not unique to your property. Across the community and throughout Colorado, lawns are showing signs of damage caused by turf mites and winter kill—both of which have been made worse this year by an unusually dry winter.🐜 What Are Turf Mites?Turf mites, including clover mites and Banks grass mites, are tiny insects that feed on grass during the late winter and early spring. Because they’re so small, most people don’t notice them until the damage has already been done. These mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and tend to concentrate in sun-exposed areas like south-facing slopes, near sidewalks, and around foundations. |
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| 🌾 What is Winter Kill?Winter kill happens when grass becomes so stressed from cold temperatures and lack of moisture that it dies off completely. This year, with no measurable precipitation during March or April, our turf didn’t get the moisture it needed to survive. The combination of drought stress and mite activity has caused widespread lawn damage throughout the community. |
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| 💧 Why Winter Watering MattersOne of the best ways to prevent both turf mites and winter kill is winter watering. Watering your lawn once or twice a month during dry periods from December through March can help keep the root system hydrated and more resistant to pests. This is especially important in areas that get full sun or are near hard surfaces that dry out faster. |
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| 🌱 How to Fix Damaged TurfFor areas already affected by turf mites or winter kill, there are several ways to restore your lawn. In spots with mild damage, core aeration and overseeding can help rejuvenate the turf and encourage new growth. For more severely damaged patches—where the grass is completely dead—sod replacement may be necessary to fully restore coverage. Improving soil health with compost topdressing and consistent irrigation is also key to long-term recovery. |
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