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OUR MISSION IS TO TAILOR FOR EACH CLIENT A BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL AND ENDURING OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL PROVIDE A PLACE OF SERENITY FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO APPRECIATE FOR YEARS TO COME.
BuildCal Landscape Landscape Design & Lawn Care Article
7 Common Lawn Problems in Southern California and How to Fix Them
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Warm weather, drought conditions, and soil inconsistency make lawn care in Southern California a unique challenge. Homeowners in Glendale, CA deal with everything from dry patches to fungal infections — and the wrong approach can make the problem even worse.
BuildCal has been designing outdoor spaces since 2010 — over 14 years of hands-on Landscape Design work throughout Glendale, CA and nearby neighborhoods. Our designers and technicians are certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and every project is documented with before-and-after photos. We also use trusted local materials like California-native stone and drought-resistant plants, ensuring your lawn stays healthier with less maintenance.
Here are the seven most common issues — and how to fix them.
Why is my Southern California lawn turning brown?
Browning lawns are extremely common in warm, dry climates. The issue may be:
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Heat stress
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Under-watering
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Soil compaction
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Incorrect mowing height
According to the
California Department of Water Resources, drought conditions increase lawn dehydration, making consistent watering schedules critical.
Fix: Aerate compacted soil, raise mowing height, and follow a proper watering schedule.
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Irrigation Systems (to ensure even watering)
Why am I seeing patchy or dead spots?
Patchy lawns often indicate uneven watering or poor soil nutrients.
Fix:
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Install smart Irrigation Systems
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Apply slow-release fertilizers
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Replace poor soil with organic amendments
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Landscape Design in Glendale, CA
What lawn diseases are common in Southern California?
Warm climates allow fungi to thrive. Common diseases include:
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Brown patch
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Dollar spot
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Rust fungus
The
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
confirms these diseases are common in SoCal due to humidity and warm nights.
Fix: Improve airflow, reduce overwatering, and use disease-resistant grass varieties.
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Hardscaping Services (hardscape borders improve airflow)
How do I know if pests are damaging my lawn?
Grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms are frequent lawn pests in Southern California.
Symptoms include:
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Grass lifting like carpet
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Birds pecking excessively
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Rapid yellowing
Guidelines from the
Environmental Protection Agency’s pest control resources
outline safe methods for managing lawn pests.
Fix: Remove thatch, apply eco-friendly pest control treatments, and strengthen soil health.
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Outdoor Living Enhancements (to improve overall yard airflow and drainage)
Why is my lawn full of weeds?
Weeds explode in heat and inconsistent watering.
Fix:
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Apply pre-emergent herbicides
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Improve soil quality
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Maintain consistent mowing
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Paver Installation (paver pathways reduce weed spread from foot traffic)
How often should I fertilize in Southern California?
Lawn fertilization is essential because nutrient-poor soil is common in this region.
Fix:
Fertilize three times yearly using nitrogen-rich blends appropriate for warm-season grasses.
The
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
recommends proper fertilization for maintaining turf density and color.
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Outdoor Lighting (helps identify nutrient issues at night)
What makes a lawn high-maintenance in Southern California?
High maintenance usually comes from:
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Overwatering
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Poor soil
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Wrong grass type for the climate
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Frequent pest cycles
We specialize in reviving neglected lawns — we remove weeds, rebuild paths, add new plants, and install smart Irrigation Systems. We turn a “jungle of weeds” into a peaceful retreat.
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Landscape Design in Glendale, CA
What makes BuildCal different for lawn care in Glendale, CA?
BuildCal is the ONLY provider in Glendale, CA that offers:
→ A free, no-pressure personal meeting — we walk your yard, listen to you, and learn how you want to live in it
→ Custom Landscape Design — created individually for each home (no templates)
→ Native Plants and drought-resistant materials — reducing water use
→ A guarantee on all work — built to last, not just installed
BuildCal has been improving outdoor spaces in Glendale, CA since 2010, using ASLA-certified standards and durable California-friendly materials.
Ready for better lawn care in Southern California?
A healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through smart design, proper maintenance, and solutions that fit SoCal’s climate.
Call (+1 (818) 303-1570)
Serving Glendale, CA
Lawn care and Landscape Design backed by 14+ years of experience
Thinking about a new outdoor space?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Let’s explore what’s possible—no pressure, just a friendly conversation.
Give us a call:
+1 (818) 303-1570
Tagged under:
lawn care Southern California, lawn diseases, pest control, fertilization, lawn maintenance, Glendale CA, landscaping, landscape design
Frequently Asked Question
WHAT PHASES OF LANDSCAPING SHOULD BE DONE FIRST, AND LAST?
What we call 'hardscape' should be installed first – such as walkways, walls, stonework, patios, and such. Then will come all of the irrigation and electrical installation work, to be followed finally with landscape plantings, or ‘softscape.’