OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Lawn Care & Maintenance Why did my Santa Anna Turn Brown?

Mowed this lawn 9th January, a week later owner phones me an says we have killed his lawn. Claims he has only watered it. Took photo and called into local turf grower and supplier. He says someone has applied weed and feed to lawn for it to die off that quickly. Go back to customer and he maintains that he hasn't applied anything to it. Turf company unsure on how lawn will take to repair itself. Back at lawn yesterday, 31 Jan. Lawn has recovered. Will mow it today. Lawn is in a retirement village in Geelong. Any thoughts on why this lawn turned brown, note, the weather wasn't higher than mid 20s that week and yard has shade.

I've never known for "weed n feed" to kill a Santa Ana Couch lawn. I've used it years ago but haven't used it for years as I maintain without the requirement of it.

But I will say that something has been used without the owners knowledge as its probably been done by a management organised contractor for the whole village.

Looks like a chemical burn.3 weeks from burn to recovery is about right with a bit of water applied in between.Some areas in the top of photo look like some drips from sprayer.Looks ok now

I should have been clearer, I am the lawn mowing contractor for the village. The worker who mowed that lawn was quite distressed over it when I told him what had happened. He thought he had done something wrong, but I assured him it was just one of those things that happen from time to time. Anyway we mowed it today. Didn't take too much off it. But it does look like something was applied to it. It's a mystery and real downer to the householder because he has put a lot of effort into his lawns.