Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you spot new yellowing more easily.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Meadow foxtail loves full sun, so it is rarely the cause of yellowing. If the plant is in a very hot spot, it just needs more frequent watering.

Meadow foxtail: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture with your finger.
Check the drainage holes for blockages.
Inspect the base of the stems for mushiness.

Likely causes

Drought stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look pale and crispy at the tips before turning fully yellow. The soil will feel dry to the touch several inches down.
What to do: Water your grass thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently damp.
Waterlogging
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn a sickly yellow and the base of the plant feels mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes at the bottom. If the soil is heavy, repot the grass into a mix that holds moisture but allows excess water to escape.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your meadow foxtail

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire clump. It is normal for a few older, lower blades to yellow and die back as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp and never let it dry out completely between waterings.

Meadow foxtail: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your meadow foxtail and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you spot new yellowing more easily.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Meadow foxtail loves full sun, so it is rarely the cause of yellowing. If the plant is in a very hot spot, it just needs more frequent watering.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my meadow foxtail leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your meadow foxtail?