Garden Landscaping
Why Is My Grass Getting Brown Patches?
Quick Guide
- Fungal infections are the most prevalent factor contributing to the development of brown patches.
- Lawn maintenance, your pet, or your lawnmower could also be to blame.
- Observing birds could indicate the presence of insects.
- In most cases, matters pertaining to lawns can be resolved through routine maintenance.
- Perform a soil analysis to verify that your grass is receiving the proper nutrients.
You noticed brown patches in the grass on your property. Start by not worrying. Some dead grass is inevitable on your lawn. However, brown patches can indicate a problem.
Though general lawn maintenance tips can assist you grow lushest grass, you may need to take specific steps. Why are your lawn patches brown? Let’s look.
#1 Problem: Pet (Commonly Dogs and Cats) Urine
Your pet may be responsible for yellow patches or circular brown in your grass. Dog urine kills grass and causes brown spots.
Treatment Method
Rinsing the area and training your dog to leave is the best solution. For a pet-friendly area, consider buying a detachable and removable carton of turf or getting artificial grass.
#2 Problem: Lawn Fungus or Brown Patch Disease
Brown patch disease, or brown patch fungus, leads to brown spots of grass that has died on your lawn. The scientific name is Rhizoctonia.
Brown patch disease may occur if your grass is too wet or airless. Without bagging grass clippings and other organic matter, your lawn may thatch. Thatch blocks grass from resources and breeds fungi.
Treatment Method
Aeration (Highly Recommended): Aerate the grass to increase airflow and lower humidity.
Watering Schedule: Stay away from overwatering your grass. Grass typically requires 1 to 1½ inches of weekly water, including rainfall. Drinking your greenery for about 20-25 minutes, 3 times a week usually suffices.
Dethatch: Dethatch your lawn by employing a dethatching rake. This process provides sunlight and air circulation for the grass.
Lower the fertilizer: You will may need to reduce fertilizer since brown patch fungus likes fertile conditions. Only 1 or 2 feedings per year are needed. Test your soil to make sure you’re using the right fertilizer for your grass.
Lawn Fungicide (Try to Avoid): Although the majority of greenery recover from brown patches without the use of fungicide, spot-treat your brown areas with fungicide if your lawn does not improve after trying other solutions.
#3 Weed Killer or Fertilizer
Weed killers and lawn fertilizers may be causing the demise of your grass. Overapplication of weed killer and excessive nitrogen from overfertilization are two frequent causes of brown areas on grass. Although it may be difficult to revive extinguished grass, it is possible to mitigate the recurrence of the issue.
Treatment Method
It is imperative to consistently apply the appropriate quantity of weedkiller or fertilizer . Fertilize infrequently during hot days, and water immediately following fertilization. It is not advisable to traverse your grass after applying weedicide, as your shoes may easily transfer the herbicide to your lawn.
#4 Dehydration or Substandard Soil Quality
Insufficient provision of water and nutrients to a lawn can result in its premature demise. Greetings, brown spots! Residing in an area prone to drought conditions may render such an outcome unavoidable. Aside from that, sprinkler systems can facilitate watering.
Treatment Method
Hire a soil testing company to conduct a soil analysis in order to rectify poor soil quality. You may be required to amend the soil with fertilizer, organic matter (such as compost), or another substance if it is deficient.
Your lawn may develop brown patches due to degraded soil quality. For robust, verdant grass growth, sufficient quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are required in the soil. It must also have the proper pH level.
While the optimal pH range for grass growth is between 6 and 7, certain species can flourish in soil with a pH as low as 5.5 or as high as 7.5. Additionally, sandy soil or soil with a high clay content can hinder grass growth. You have the ability to alter the composition of your soil and gradually improve the health of your lawn.
#5 Insect Infestations
Brown patches are the result of grubs and leatherjackets feeding on the roots of your grass. These pests may also cause yellow patches to appear on your grass. Insects should impart a uniform appearance to the dead spots; otherwise, they should appear irregular. Birds may even be observed eating on your lawn, as larvae make an excellent food source.
Treatment Method
To apply insecticide, you may hire a local gardener. You can choose to implement milky spore disease, a natural pathogen that eliminates larvae without causing damage to your grass, or beneficial nematodes, which eliminate grubs, instead of chemical spraying. Inadequate dish soap will exacerbate your brown patches; however, you can make a do-it-yourself insect repellent by combining dish soap and water. Because insects prefer moist environments, proper lawn maintenance discourages their presence.
#6 Soil Erosion
Some lawns can dry out and brown from runoff. Heavy rainfall can wash away seeds and young shoots, leaving bare lawns.
Treatment Method
Your lawn can absorb more water and prevent soil erosion by aerating twice a year. An erosion-resistant blanket or regrading to prevent runoff may also halt soil erosion.
