What's killing my grass Denver Colorado

[James Kantorowicz]

I had a lush green lawn started and all of the sudden the grass would lose its sheen, dry out and die.  It's been faithfully maintained, including watering and fertiliz

[Terre B.]

A hot July in Denver especially on a southern or western exposure is kind of like trying to grow grass on a brick.  A clay brick. 

Most of Denver is clay soil.  Water runs off not sinks on.  Several things can help. 

1. Aerate. 

2. Presoak. Set your sprinklers to water each zone 5 minutes, run through the cycle then set them for a second cycle for 15 or 20 minutes.  The presoak softens the ground and helps prevent runoff allowing moisture to get to roots. 

3. Be sure you are watering before daylight in the morning not at night. Night watering can promote fungus. . 

CSU extension is marvelous.  They will take the time to answer you.  Im a master gardener, and once found wierd purplish ball shaped things in a clients garden bed.  I sent them a picture and CSU identified them as phallus impudicus eggs.   Google at your own risk.