Should I water every day to stop the curling?

No, frequent shallow watering creates weak, shallow roots. Stick to deep watering every 2 to 4 days to build a resilient lawn.

Does this mean my grass has a disease?

Usually, curling is a sign of thirst rather than disease. If you see white powdery growth or small bleached spots, that would indicate powdery mildew or dollar spot instead.

Kentucky bluegrass: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Insert a screwdriver into the soil to check for dryness.
Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.
Verify that your irrigation system is covering the affected area.

Likely causes

Drought Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The grass blades fold or curl inward to reduce surface area. The lawn may also take on a bluish gray tint before turning brown.
What to do: Water the area deeply to a depth of 6 inches. Ensure you are watering every 2 to 4 days to keep the root zone hydrated.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The grass curls during the hottest part of the day when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. It often recovers once the sun goes down and temperatures drop.
What to do: Provide a light midday misting if the heat is extreme. Focus on deep watering in the early morning to prepare the grass for the day ahead.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kentucky bluegrass

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 grass stays curled even after you water it or during the cool morning hours. It is normal for grass to curl slightly during a heat wave to protect itself.

Stopping it coming back

Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots that can access moisture lower in the soil profile.

Kentucky bluegrass: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kentucky bluegrass 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 water every day to stop the curling?: No, frequent shallow watering creates weak, shallow roots. Stick to deep watering every 2 to 4 days to build a resilient lawn.
Does this mean my grass has a disease?: Usually, curling is a sign of thirst rather than disease. If you see white powdery growth or small bleached spots, that would indicate powdery mildew or dollar spot instead.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Kentucky bluegrass blades curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your kentucky bluegrass?