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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
CAN YOU PROVIDE A LANDSCAPE PLAN?
Yes – we have our own Design group who can draw anything from basic hand-drawn layouts and sketches, highly detailed concept plans, or a complete set of working construction drawings. Clients will often call upon us to provide this service as a first step to their overall project.