Nothing ruins lush, green grass like dry patches. Whether you have just a few spots of dead brown grass or a larger, more widespread problem, these unsightly patches are a sign that you have a stressed lawn. From pet urine to disease, dry patches have several potential causes. The first step to fixing the problem is to create a lawn care plan to prevent more damage.

The Common Causes of Dry Patches

A common cause of dry patches on your lawn is pets. If your dog urinates in the same spot, it will eventually kill the grass. Over fertilizing the lawn can also kill the grass. Applying too much fertilizer as part of your lawn care routine can actually burn the grass. In many cases, the damage is widespread, but if some spots get more fertilizer than others, you can cause dead patches.

Sometimes, the dry patches are a sign of a deeper issue with the soil under your lawn. Several different conditions can actually prevent water from being absorbed into the soil, causing the roots to dry out and die. It could be caused by compacted soil or excessive thatch, especially on older lawns.

In other cases, a fungal infection creates a water repellant layer around soil particles. Also, more common in older lawns, this problem can spread as the fungus feeds on organic matter in the grass, preventing the soil from getting wet even during the heaviest rains. 

How to Salvage Your Lawn

In most cases, you can fix the problem with some focused lawn care. Assuming that the dry patches are caused by a soil problem, the solution usually involves either aerating around the patch and adding a rewetting agent to eliminate the fungus. In extreme cases, you may need to replace the soil and turf in the dead areas. 

To prevent future dry patches, proper lawn care is a must. This includes removing thatch in the spring and fall, aerating the soil annually to prevent compaction, ensuring water and nutrients reach the roots of the grass, and mowing the grass properly to keep it from burning or drying out.

 

If dry patches on your grass have you frustrated, turn to Hoffman Turf in Beavercreek, OH, for expert lawn care. These experienced landscaping professionals offer a variety of services that will keep your lawn green and healthy. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and call (937) 260-9715 to request a free estimate.