A lush, green lawn bolsters the curb appeal of a home. When brown patches appear on the grass, it can diminish the appearance of your property. These issues occur for a variety of reasons. Luckily, understanding the causes will help you determine the best lawn care techniques to eliminate any unsightly areas. 

What Causes Brown Spots on Lawns?

1. Lack of Water

Most lawns require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to prevent them from drying out and turning brown. A clear sign that your lawn needs water is if footprints remain on the grass after a half-hour or more.

If you’re using an irrigation system and only certain parts of the lawn turn brown and show signs of dehydration, make sure the sprinklers are positioned to provide thorough coverage of the entire property. Also, make sure they’re spraying properly and not leaking.

2. Poor Circulation

When a lawn hasn’t been aerated or is covered in thatch, water and air can’t reach the grass’s roots. This problem is apparent when there’s pooling water around the lawn after heavy rain.

A dethatching rake will remove the layer of organic material smothering the grass, and aerating the lawn will put small holes in the soil. These techniques allow the grass to receive the nutrients it needs to thrive again.

3. Pet Waste

The nitrogen in pet urine turns green areas into brown patches. If your furry friend has a favorite spot to take care of their business, fertilize that space less than the rest of the lawn to balance out the nitrogen levels.

There are also sprays that can be used to dilute the effects of their waste. Some pet owners choose to supplement their pet’s diet to make urine less harmful to grass.

4. Improper Mowing

After mowing the grass, ensure the cuts are smooth and clean. If they’re rough, the mower blade is too dull and will cause the grass to become damaged and turn brown.

Another mistake is setting the blade too low. Cutting the grass too short can also result in dead patches. If you see lumps in the yard after mowing, a simple lawn care solution is to raise the blade to about 2.5 inches.

5. Pest Infestation

If the lawn is brown and pulls up easily, it likely has a pest infestation. The insects eat away at the grass and inflict damage on the root systems, causing brown patches. Since pests prefer either overly watered and fertilized lawns or neglected ones, keep yours healthy to prevent any problems. 

 

Keep your home’s lawn green and healthy by contacting the professionals at Landscape Carolina. Based in Lancaster, SC, these lawn care experts have the experience and tools needed to ensure your lawn maintains its lush appearance year-round. Schedule an appointment by calling (803) 289-7888, or visit them online to learn more.