Brown patches are a common problem for lawns. Fortunately, there are several solutions that you can use to fix them. The first step is determining whether the spot is actually a brown patch or something else.
Some spots on your lawn may just be bare soil due to over-watering or poor mowing techniques.
However, if the spot is flat with no obvious cause then it’s probably time to take action!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| What brown patches on the lawn are |
| Common causes of brown patches |
| Prevention tips for brown patches |
| Treatment options for brown patches |
| Additional resources for lawn care |
Aerate the Soil
Aeration is a process which involves removing plugs of soil from the ground and replacing them. The purpose of aeration is to increase the amount of oxygen in the soil, allowing nutrients and water to penetrate into it more easily.
This both helps your lawn grow better and makes it more resistant to disease by creating conditions hospitable for healthy microbes.
It’s also important to know that not all lawns need aeration, so if you think yours might be one of them (and even if you’re not sure), consult with your local lawn care professional before proceeding with this method.
If they recommend aerating your yard as part of regular maintenance services, follow these steps:
Rent or purchase an aerator from a local hardware store or garden center; these come in manual forms requiring some effort on your part, as well as motorized versions that do all the work for you.
Use either method according-to instructions provided with the equipment.* Be sure not to overdo it—if there are already holes present in your yard because of previous attempts at sod installation or tree planting etc., don’t try putting new ones into those areas!
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Reseed the Lawn
Another option is to reseed your lawn in the fall or early spring. You can purchase seeds at a local gardening store, but you can also get them online.
If you choose this route, make sure that the seed is mixed with soil and spread evenly over your lawn so it will germinate before summer arrives. If it doesn’t germinate right away, don’t worry; keep watering regularly until it does!
Remove Thatch
If you have a lot of thatch, it’s time to take action. Thatch is made up of dead grass, bits of leaves and other organic matter.
It forms at the base of your lawn and can be difficult to remove. Removing thatch is important because it can cause problems for your lawn if left alone–the thick layer prevents water from reaching the roots and keeps them from absorbing nutrients properly.
Thatch can be removed with an aerator or rake–just make sure you don’t damage any new growth while doing so!
Don’t let pooling water ruin your lawn’s health, follow our easy tips on how to add backyard drainage to improve your yard’s ability to handle water flow and prevent expensive damage caused by excess moisture.
Add Some Lime to the Soil
If you have brown patches of grass, adding lime to the soil can help. Lime is a mineral that helps grass grow and stay healthy. It also makes sure that your soil has the right amount of calcium and magnesium in it.
The best time to add lime is in either the spring or fall, when it won’t burn your lawn if you apply it during hotter months. Your best bet is to talk with a professional gardener about how much lime will be best for your yard based on its size, location, and other factors like water drainage.
If you decide to use this method for treating brown spots on the lawn, remember that it takes time: You should expect several months before seeing results!
Also keep in mind that once you add more calcium or magnesium through liming your lawns soil , they’ll need more nutrients (such as fertilizer) than usual while they adjust their nutrient balance back towards normal levels again — which could cause problems such as overgrowth if not done carefully enough; so make sure not put too much down all at once!
Water Properly
To keep your lawn looking healthy and green, it’s important to water it regularly. The amount of water each lawn needs depends on its type (grass, moss, etc.) and where you live (Colorado vs. Florida).
Watering in the morning or evening is better than midday because evaporation rates are lower then. When you do water your lawn, make sure that it soaks down deep into the ground instead of running off immediately after hitting the surface.
Watering should be done regularly throughout spring, summer and fall—and even during winter if there’s no snow cover to protect plants from frost damage!
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Add Fertilizer
It helps to use fertilizer that contains your lawn’s particular needs. For example, if your lawn needs more nitrogen, look for a fertilizer that lists it as an ingredient.
If you’re using a bagged product, pick up some gloves and grab the bag of fertilizer by its top edge. Then open it carefully so as not to spill any of the contents inside.
The bag should have instructions printed on it detailing how many pounds of fertilizer to add per 1,000 square feet of grassland (a common measurement).
Use these guidelines as a general rule when applying fertilizer but always check the label first since some products have different instructions (this is especially true with organic fertilizers).
When applying fertilizer in spring or fall, scatter granular material evenly on top of existing grass clippings after mowing but before watering; then water lightly so it stays moist until rain falls again. In summer months when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C) and humidity is high: water thoroughly before applying granular materials; sprinkle dry materials directly into moistened soil around tree trunks and at least 10 feet from all structures including buildings; repeat applications every six weeks until fall arrives again next year.”
Mow Properly and at the Right Height
The best way to avoid brown patches on your lawn is by mowing it properly. Mow at the correct height, which should be about 3 inches tall for warm season grasses (like Bermuda) and 2 inches tall for cool season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass).
You should also make sure not to mow when the soil is too wet or when temperatures are too high. This can damage the blades of grass and cause them to turn brown.
If you already have brown patches on your lawn, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do:
Lawn Mowing Tips
| Lawn Mowing Tips |
|---|
| Mow at the proper height for your grass type |
| Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing |
| Keep your mower blade sharp for a clean cut |
| Mow in different directions to prevent grass from leaning in one direction |
| Don’t mow a wet or excessively dry lawn |
| Remove grass clippings or leave them on the lawn as a natural fertilizer |
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Check for Mushrooms in Your Lawn
Mushrooms can be a sign of an unhealthy lawn. They are not good for the lawn, and should be removed from your lawn as soon as possible.
To remove mushrooms by hand, pick them up with your hands or pull them out by the stems. You may need to use a gardening tool such as a spade or trowel to loosen their grip on the soil if they’re deep-rooted in it.
You can also use fungicides to treat mushroom patches on your lawn. Fungicides contain chemicals that kill fungus but don’t harm humans or pets when used properly according to instructions on their labels
Check Soil pH Levels
Before you get to the point of having to use chemicals on your soil, it’s important that you test the pH level. This is one of the most important things for a healthy lawn! There are several ways to check pH levels:
Take a soil sample and send it to a lab for testing. This will tell you exactly what the pH level is and which kind of fertilizer should be used.
Use a home test kit from your local garden supply store. These kits are inexpensive, easy-to-use, and accurate within about three points on either side of what they say (so if they tell you 7.2, don’t freak out if after applying fertilizer your number comes back at 7 or 8).
Whether you’re dealing with soggy soil or erosion issues, our guide on how to achieve better yard drainage outlines practical solutions to enhance your lawn’s drainage capacity and maintain a healthy landscape.
Practice Proper Pest Control
Pests can damage your lawn and make it look unhealthy. Using pesticides to control pests is a critical part of lawn care, but it can also be harmful to the environment if you don’t do it right.
There are natural alternatives to pesticides, such as predatory insects or organic weed killers (like vinegar). Make sure you use the right product for your lawn so that you’re not doing more harm than good!
Tips for Proper Pest Control
| Pest Control Tips |
|---|
| Keep your home clean and tidy to reduce pest hiding places |
| Store food in airtight containers and promptly dispose of garbage |
| Seal cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors |
| Keep outdoor spaces free of debris and standing water |
| Use pest deterrents such as citronella candles or essential oils |
| Hire a professional pest control service for ongoing maintenance and treatments |
Treat It Like a New Lawn
The best way to get rid of brown patches, or any other lawn problem, is to treat it like a new lawn. That means fertilizing it properly and watering it regularly. If you have pets or kids who play on the grass regularly then you may want to consider mowing your lawn more often than usual as well.
Maintaining your lawn in good condition will help prevent brown patches from forming in the first place, but sometimes even preventative maintenance can’t keep up with all the things that can go wrong during the growing season.
When this happens, it’s best for homeowners not to panic; just keep an eye out for pests and brown patches so that they don’t become more widespread issues later on down the road!
Conclusion
If you have brown patches in your lawn, don’t panic! There are many things that you can do to help improve your lawn. From aerating and reseeding to removing thatch, there are plenty of options for keeping your yard green and healthy.
But before you start treating the problem areas in your yard, it’s important not to overlook any underlying issues that may be causing them.
This is especially true with fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals being used elsewhere on the property which could be leaching into the soil via runoff water runoff.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about lawn care and treatment for brown patches, check out these resources:
The Spruce: Brown Patch Lawn Disease – this article provides an overview of brown patch disease, including how to identify and control it.
Scotts: How to Identify and Control Brown Patch – this guide from Scotts breaks down the causes of brown patch and offers tips for how to prevent and treat it.
Gecko Green: How Do I Get Rid of Brown Patches on My Lawn? – this article provides step-by-step instructions on how to address brown patches on your lawn, including watering and fertilization tips.
FAQs
What is brown patch disease?
Brown patch disease is a fungal infection that commonly affects lawns during periods of hot and humid weather. It causes circular patches of dead grass with a dark brown or reddish tinge.
How do I identify brown patch disease?
You can identify brown patch disease by looking for circular or irregular patches of brown grass that are roughly 6 inches to 2 feet in diameter. The edges of the patch may appear darker or straw-colored, and the grass blades may have a slimy or greasy look.
How do I prevent brown patches on my lawn?
To prevent brown patches on your lawn, make sure you’re not overwatering or fertilizing too much. Ensure that your lawn has sufficient drainage, as standing water can encourage the growth of brown patch disease. Additionally, avoid mowing your lawn too short, as this can increase the risk of infection.
How do I treat brown patches on my lawn?
To treat brown patches on your lawn, you can use a fungicide or remove the affected area and reseed. In some cases, simply adjusting your watering and fertilization practices can help promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of the disease.
Can brown patch disease be spread to other plants?
Brown patch disease typically affects grasses, although it can occasionally affect other plants as well. However, it is generally not a significant risk to most garden plants.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
