What happened to my lawn?

[m0i0k0e]

I have been working on my lawn for 4 seasons and last season I thought I finally had it right! My lawn was as close to perfect (looking) that I had ever had it. Now, this spring when everything started to green up, I had what appears to be under lying dead grass throughout my lawn?

Now, for a little background...

I live in Maryland and for the last three years I've only used Lesco seed (Tall Fescue), using lesco fertilizers and control products. I have an irrigation system, so water hasn't been a problem.

However, I made two changes this last season, but I didn't think either would give me this result.

1. The Lesco rep told me if I wanted a fuller looking yard, I should try the fescue/Blue grasss mix. So, I did and it looked incredible.
2. I was so busy last fall, I didn't get a chance to winterize.

I noticed for the first time that this past winter my grass went completely white (like straw). When I inpected the dead grass, it almost looked as though it was burned? But, how could that happen in the winter?

So, is it the blue grass that died and only my fescue is coming back?
If so, why and will it come back? I didn't think not winterizing would do that?
Should I rake out the dead grass or will it take care of itself? I hope not, because would be more than an acre worth of raking!

Just when I thought I had it figured out!!

Any help would be appreciated.

[RAlmaroad]

Do nothing until Mid-May. The extreme pro-longed cold weather has caused a lot of grass to remain dormant. Check your ground temp. Grass will not greenup until the soil temps get above 50 or so. We've even had a lot of die back in the South; especially the coastal area where we received snow...a first in about 12-15 years. Where is Port Tobacco? I used to sail out of Solomons to every state on the East Coast except Florida.

[LawnTamer]

With a hardy winter, you will always get a lot of top growth that goes dormant, or even dies, don't worry about it. It is alive and well under ground. If you haven't already, mow nice and short, and catch the clippings. This will get rid of the dormant top growth, and allow more sun to penetrate to the soil. Then fertilize. You will be surprised at how fast it snaps back.

[m0i0k0e]

Thanks for the replies!
Port Tobacco, is about 10 mile south of Waldorf, Md. and about 20 mile from Washington DC. Solomons Island is about a 35 minute ride from me.

I'm just happy to hear that I didn't destoy my lawn after all the work I put into it. I have already put down my Lesco dimension for the weeds. I also cut the grass for the first time this pass weekend, but I left the mower height at the highest setting. Should I still nock it down somemore, or leave it at the same height?

Thanks again for the info!

[Capemay Eagle]

Thanks for the replies!
Port Tobacco, is about 10 mile south of Waldorf, Md. and about 20 mile from Washington DC. Solomons Island is about a 35 minute ride from me.

I'm just happy to hear that I didn't destoy my lawn after all the work I put into it. I have already put down my Lesco dimension for the weeds. I also cut the grass for the first time this pass weekend, but I left the mower height at the highest setting. Should I still nock it down somemore, or leave it at the same height?

Thanks again for the info!
I know myself I never cut too short, I do cut it alittle shorter in the spring, but in the summer, I cut on the next too or the highest setting.