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Unsightly brown patches can pop up on your lawn quickly and for seemingly no reason. They’re an underlying sign that something isn’t right, and it’s essential to determine the cause so you choose the right solution. Improving your care regimen and sprinklers setup can make a big difference, so use the following guide to achieve a healthy, green lawn again.

What Causes Brown Patches?

1. Dog Urine

Is there a sidewalk in front of your home? If brown spots are forming along it, dogs may be urinating on your lawn. You may notice similar spots in the backyard along the fence line or trees if you have a dog. These spots occur because of the high nitrogen content in dog urine and require a fertilizer treatment.

2. Thatch

Thatch is decaying plant matter that forms naturally at your lawn’s base. If leaves are left to decay or mower clippings pile up, thatch will block water from reaching grass’ roots, causing them to dry out. This thatch layer will only thicken if unaddressed. Comb your lawn with a dethatching rake and aerate to reduce soil compaction.

3. Underwatering

sprinklersNot watering your lawn enough is a leading cause of dry patches. It may be because you’re not watering often enough or because you’re watering at the wrong times. The sun evaporates water later in the day, and watering at night may actually oversaturate your soil. Push a rod into the soil to determine if you’ve watered enough. At least 4 inches should be wet.

The ideal time to deeply water the lawn is between 4 AM and 10 AM. Installing a sprinkler system to do this daily allows more time for moisture to seep into the soil and feed the grass.

4. Compacted Soil

When soil becomes too compressed, moisture won’t be able to penetrate to the roots. This may be because of too much foot traffic or because you have a clay-rich soil. Resolve the issue by using an aerator. This machine removes plugs of soil from your lawn so that the remaining soil can shift and become uncompressed.

 

Adding a sprinkler system is a smart way to enhance your lawn care, and the team at Whittemore Sprinkler Company can help. Based in Lincoln, NE, these irrigation experts specialize in sprinkler system installation and repairs. They’ll outfit your home with top-of-the-line equipment and ensure it’s programmed to keep your landscaping healthy. Call (402) 476-8552 to get started or connect on Facebook for more lawn care tips. You can learn more about their products and services on their website.

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