10 Causes of Brown Spots on Your Lawn and How to Fix Them
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Many homeowners take pride in their lush, green lawns, but brown spots can quickly turn a vibrant landscape into a source of frustration. These unsightly patches may appear for various reasons, from environmental factors to maintenance oversights.
Identifying the cause of these brown spots is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 causes of brown spots on your lawn and provide tips on how to fix them.
Overwatering
While water is essential for grass health, too much can cause damage. Overwatering creates waterlogged soil, which can suffocate grassroots and promote fungal growth, leading to brown spots. Adjust your watering schedule to provide your lawn with 1–1.5 inches of water per week, spread over two or three sessions.
Underwatering
A lack of water during hot summers causes the grass to dry out and die, leaving brown patches in its wake. Water your lawn deeply but less frequently, ensuring the soil is moist at least 6 inches down. Pay extra attention during hot, dry periods to prevent grass from becoming dehydrated.
Pest Infestation
Lawn pests like grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms can cause significant damage by feeding on grass roots, leaving brown spots behind. Inspect your lawn for signs of pest activity, such as small holes or thinning grass. Treat the area with insecticide or apply natural remedies like beneficial nematodes to control the pest population.
Dog Urine
Dog urine is high in nitrogen, which can cause grass to burn and turn brown. These brown spots are often surrounded by a ring of bright green grass due to the concentrated nitrogen acting as a fertilizer in smaller amounts. Dilute the urine by immediately watering the area where your dog urinates.
Dull Mower Blades
Dull mower blades tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly. This tearing causes the grass tips to fray, turn brown, and become disease-resistant. To ensure a clean cut, regularly sharpen your lawn mower blades. Aim to sharpen the blades at least once or twice a year, depending on how often you mow.
Lawn Fungus
Brown spots can result from a fungal infection. Common lawn fungi, such as brown patches, dollar spots, or rust, can spread in warm, moist conditions, leading to discolored patches. Apply a fungicide to affected areas and water your lawn early in the morning to allow it to dry throughout the day.
Thatch Build-Up
Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that accumulates between the soil and the grass blades. Excessive thatch prevents water, nutrients, and air from reaching the roots, leading to brown spots. Remove thatch using a dethatching rake or a mechanical dethatcher.
Compacted Soil
Over time, foot traffic, lawnmowers, and heavy equipment can compact your soil, restricting the flow of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots. Aerate your lawn annually, especially in high-traffic areas. Aeration loosens the soil, improving airflow and allowing water and nutrients to penetrate the root zone more effectively.
Heat Stress
In hot, dry climates or during the peak of summer, grass can suffer from heat stress, especially if it doesn’t receive enough water. Water your lawn early in the morning to prevent evaporation and help the grass retain moisture throughout the day.
Fertilizer Burn
Applying too much fertilizer can burn your grass. High nitrogen concentrations in synthetic fertilizers can damage grass roots and cause discoloration. Water the area thoroughly to help wash away the excess fertilizer and dilute the nitrogen. Use a slow-release fertilizer and follow recommended application rates to avoid over-fertilizing.
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