Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it is not strictly necessary for the health of the plant. Use clean, sharp scissors.

Is my plant dying if it turns brown in July?

No, this is likely just summer dormancy. Sandberg bluegrass is adapted to dry out when it gets hot.

Sandberg bluegrass: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil two inches deep to see if it is completely dry.
Check the local weather to see if temperatures have been unusually high.
Observe if the browning is happening on all leaves or just the oldest ones.

Likely causes

Drought Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle while the rest of the leaf looks dull. This happens when the plant goes too long without a deep soak.
What to do: Give the plant a deep, slow watering to ensure moisture reaches the roots. Stick to a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat.
Excessive Heat
Possible
How to tell: The tips brown during the peak of summer even if the soil is moist. This is the plant's natural way of going dormant to survive high temperatures.
What to do: Do not overwater in an attempt to keep it green. Let the plant enter its natural summer dormancy and wait for cooler weather to see new growth.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sandberg 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

Browning is normal during the hot summer months as the plant goes dormant. You should only worry if the entire plant turns brown and brittle in the spring.

Stopping it coming back

Water deeply every 7 to 14 days during the active growing season to keep the roots hydrated.

Sandberg bluegrass: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sandberg 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 trim the brown tips off?: You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it is not strictly necessary for the health of the plant. Use clean, sharp scissors.
Is my plant dying if it turns brown in July?: No, this is likely just summer dormancy. Sandberg bluegrass is adapted to dry out when it gets hot.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are the tips of my Sandberg bluegrass turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your sandberg bluegrass?