
- Diagnose the Disease. Brown patch appears as irregular circular patches in the lawn that are brownish-yellow in color and range from 6 inches to several feet in diameter.
- Improve Air Circulation. Many cases of brown patch can be cured simply by improving air circulation in the lawn, which reduces the humidity that favors the fungus.
- Change Cultural Practices. Brown patch fungus thrives in wet, fertile conditions, so the response to ongoing lawn problems is to reduce feeding of your lawn and make sure watering practices ...
- Apply Fungicide. Lawn care experts say that fungicide treatment is appropriate only for high-value ryegrass and bentgrass turf blends; most lawns typically recover without chemical treatments.
- Reseed With Resistant Grass Varieties. Where all other efforts fail you may need to reseed with a turfgrass variety that has known resistance to this fungus.
How do you fix brown spots on Scotts lawns?
Damage can be repaired at any time, though fall is best. To repair existing brown spots, rake the affected area to remove the dead grass, then applying Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repairfor small areas or Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seedfor larger areas. With all of these products, be sure to follow label directions.
What should you do if your grass is brown?
Whatever the culprit, brown grass should be assessed and addressed ASAP: If the underlying problem is severe enough, the pesky patches could eventually destroy your lawn. So find out the cause early and treat your turf accordingly to restore it to its former green glory. Wait out drought—or water properly.
How do you fill in a brown patch in your lawn?
Apply fertilizer to the area when the seed starts to germinate and establish. This will encourage the grass to grow and fill in the brown patch quickly. Seeing your brown patch area start to flourish with little grass blades will be exciting.
What does a brown patch look like on a lawn?
With brown patch, they are likely to be roughly circular, though a bit irregular. Patch sizes can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter. If brown patch has been active for a while, the spots might also look like patches of good grass with rings of dead or thin grass around them.

Can a brown lawn be saved?
How to Revive Brown Grass. Naturally, rain will revive a brown lawn. However, if rainfall is insufficient watering the lawn deeply once a week will help your lawn to spring back to green. With Gilmour's Pattern Master Circular sprinkler, you can customize the spray area so you water only the lawn and not the sidewalk.
What causes brown grass?
There are a variety of reasons your lawn may develop Brown patch, including high heat and humidity, excessive nitrogen, moisture, poor soil damage, too much thatch, and compacted soil. In some cases, you can't prevent your lawn from developing Brown thatch—after all, you can't control the weather.
Can brown grass come back to life?
Dead grass appears brown and lifeless, no longer holding the green color or upright posture of healthy grass. Because it is dead, this grass can not be revived or brought back to health. Appearing almost exactly the same as dead grass is dormant grass.
How do I get my grass green again?
Test Your Soil. Roots depend on healthy, nutritious soil to grow green and lush grass. ... Fertilize Your Lawn. A big part of knowing how to make your lawn greener is choosing the right fertilizer. ... Kill Weeds and Unwanted Insects. ... Use Grass Seed. ... Water Your Lawn. ... Aerate Your Lawn. ... Replace Lawn Mower Blades.
What does overwatered lawn look like?
Signs of Overwatering the Lawn Dying patches of grass can also signal overwatering issues. Other symptoms include an abundance of weeds like crabgrass and nutsedge, thatch, and fungal growth like mushrooms. Runoff after irrigation is another sign, as well as yellowing grass.
Should I mow when grass is brown?
Well, if your grass tips are brown, go ahead and mow them down. That's right … By doing an early spring mowing and removing the brown tips off of your grass, this naturally brings out the greener grass blades, and it may even help to stimulate growth.
Does brown grass mean it dead?
The pattern of brown grass on your lawn can also tell you if it is dead or dormant. If there are various areas or circles of brown grass, that can point to these spots being dead. However, when your whole lawn is the same brown color, the grass is more than likely dormant.
How long does it take for brown grass to turn green?
two to three weeksIn two to three weeks, new green shoots should start to emerge.
Why is my grass brown even after watering?
If your grass is turning brown despite watering, it's possible that you may have a problem with disease, caused by microscopic living organisms. These include bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, among others.
What causes patches of dead grass in my lawn?
Underwatering and overwatering are both probable causes for brown or dying grass. Underwatering creates drought-like conditions when there isn't enough rain to keep roots alive, and causes grass to die off.
How long does it take for brown grass to turn green?
How to revive a dead lawn? Bad news: If the grass is totally dead due to drought, there's no way to bring it back. However, reviving brown lawns that are simply dormant usually occurs within three to four weeks of regular irrigation.
Why is my lawn turning brown?
Because there are so many different kinds of problems that can cause brown spots on grass, home diagnostics can be tricky, but there are a number of care items that help with brown lawn repair, even if you don’t know what’s really wrong with your lawn.
Why does my lawn have brown spots?
This much thatch acts like a sponge, soaking up any water that would normally go to roots and holding onto it tightly. When the thatch is always wet, you prevent the grass from getting the water it needs and encourage the growth of several different lawn fungi that can cause brown spots. Dethatching the lawn helps prevent this.
Why is my lawn mower blade dull?
Check your mower blade. Incorrect mowing causes a lot of problems with lawns across America. A dull mower blade tends to shred grass blades instead of cutting them , allowing the tips to dry out completely. Cutting the grass too low, or scalping it entirely, allows the grass crown and soil below to dry quickly.
Why cut grass too low?
Cutting the grass too low, or scalping it entirely, allows the grass crown and soil below to dry quickly. If your grass is suffering from a disease rather than a care issue, cutting it too short will make things significantly worse. Test the soil.
Is fertilizing your lawn good?
Fertilizing your lawn is a good thing, but not until you’ve done a proper soil test. Ensure the pH is above 6.0 and that there’s ample nitrogen in the soil below your grass in the early spring, before the grass starts to grow, and any time your lawn looks sickly.
How to get brown patches out of grass?
Apply fertilizer to the area when the seed starts to germinate and establish. This will encourage the grass to grow and fill in the brown patch quickly. Wait to Mow. Seeing your brown patch area start to flourish with little grass blades will be exciting. However, this area is still in a vulnerable state.
How to get rid of brown patches in my yard?
Refresh the soil of the brown patch by taking a rake or a garden cultivator to till the ground in your summer yard. This will help ensure that the soil is loose and ready to take in the new seed.
What happens if you have brown patches on your lawn?
If brown patches return, you may have an underlying problem such as a lack of grub control or other insect infestations. Consider seeking help from a lawn service specialist.
Why is my lawn brown?
Brown patches are caused by factors including, but not limited to foot traffic, lack of fertilization, fungus, grub infestation, animal urine, chemical spills, and/or drought. Dead grass patches are also more likely to occur in older lawns than younger ones. Before you start repairing the brown patches on your lawn, ...
How long after sod is laid can you cut grass?
When the turf is bonded and actively growing, you can assume regular lawn treatment schedules. This will usually be around 14 days after the sod has been placed. However, be careful not to cut this new grass too short when you start mowing.
How to get rid of brown grass seed?
If you choose to sprinkle the seed on top without pre-mixing it in the soil, place a thin layer of straw over the area to prevent birds from eating the seeds.
How to add nutrients back to soil?
Using compost is a great way to add nutrients back into the soil. Add a 2 to 3-inch layer of compost or loamy soil and use the rake again to mix it with the existing soil.
Why is my grass turning brown?
There is a direct correlation between grass height and root depth, and the deeper the root, the more nutrients it can extract from the soil. We’re not saying you should let your lawn grow wild over summer, however, we would recommend increasing your mow height every time you cut the grass over summer so that when the colder months come in, your lawn will have healthier roots and be able to extract enough nutrients to avoid the dormancy phase.
Why is brown grass dead?
Dormancy is comparable to an animal hibernating over the winter when food is scarce, and it can be caused by drought, flooding, too much watering, extreme heat, extreme cold, or poor soil quality. However, brown grass could also mean dead grass.
How to tell if grass is dead?
Signs of dead grass 1 The tug test: Grab a handful of brown grass and pull – if it comes out easily with no resistance, then it’s dead. 2 The water test: Dormant grass will return to a green colour when watered. If you water your brown patches for a few days, it should regain its colour. If not, then it’s dead. 3 Is it patchy? If the whole lawn is a brownish or yellowish colour, this would suggest that the whole lawn has entered its dormancy stage. However, if there are small patches of discoloured lawn, that would suggest that those particular sections are dead.
What does it mean when your lawn is patchy?
Is it patchy? If the whole lawn is a brownish or yellowish colour, this would suggest that the whole lawn has entered its dormancy stage. However, if there are small patches of discoloured lawn, that would suggest that those particular sections are dead.
What to use to fix dead grass?
Fertiliser. For dead grass, fertiliser is often the best option, but only when used correctly. Improper use, uneven spreading, and over-fertilisation can sometimes make matters worse. Take a look at this comprehensive guide on how to correctly apply fertiliser when fixing dead grass.
Is artificial grass good for a lawn?
If you find you’re tired of your dry, dead grass; sick of mowing, weeding, watering, muddy puddles; or have pets constantly digging up clumps of your lawn, then artificial grass is an ideal choice for you.
Why is my lawn turning brown?
Thatch: If your lawn turns brown in spots when summer rolls around, you may have a problem with thatch – a thick layer of decomposed plant matter, roots and partially decomposed stems, that builds up under the roots. Thatch usually isn’t caused by clippings, which decompose quickly and add healthy nutrients to your lawn.
What causes brown spots on my lawn?
Keep your lawn healthy, but don’t pamper it. Grubs are the most prevalent lawn pest. Salt damage: Salt damage may be the reason if the brown lawn is adjacent to a street, driveway, or sidewalk. A good soaking should help dilute the saline concentration, but you may have to reseed the lawn if the damage is too severe.
Why is my lawn dying?
Drought: This a big problem across much of the country these days, and drought is one of the primary reasons for dying grass. Many people opt not to water their lawns during the summer, but this may be a mistake when there isn’t enough rain to keep the roots alive. Grass naturally goes dormant after two to three weeks without water, and most lawns can tolerate drought for four to six weeks, although they will turn brown. However, extended periods of hot, dry weather may kill the lawn. How to revive a dead lawn?
How to tell if you have too much thatch?
To determine if you have too much thatch, dig a 2 inch (5 cm.) deep chunk of grass. A healthy lawn will have about ¾ to 1 inch (2-2.5 cm.) of brown, spongy thatch between the green grass and the surface of the soil. If you have more than that, you may have to take steps to control it.
How long does it take for a lawn to revive after a drought?
However, reviving brown lawns that are simply dormant usually occurs within three to four weeks of regular irrigation.
Can dogs potty on brown grass?
Pet spots: If your brown grass is limited to small areas, a dog may be going potty on your lawn. Water the grass thoroughly to bring it back to health and teach your puppy to relieve himself in a better spot.
How to get rid of brown patches on lawn?
Since wet conditions help promote brown patch, make sure your lawn has good drainage and air flow, and consider pruning overgrown trees to prevent too much shade and increase air movement for faster drying.
How to fix brown spots on grass?
A simple way to do this is to use an three-in-one patch and repair mix like Scotts® EZ Seed®. Formulated to absorb water to keep the seed moist and protected, it has everything you need to patch and repair bare spots. Just be sure to choose the formula designed for your grass type, follow the directions on the bottle, and apply during early spring or fall for best results.
What causes brown patches on grass?
Brown patch thrives when it is hot and humid, and can affect your lawn in late spring, summer, or early fall, depending on what type of cool-season grass you have, where you live, and recent weather conditions. Prolonged wetness from dew, rain, nighttime or evening watering, or poor drainage —or any other activity that keeps grass blades wet during weather in which temperatures are above 80 degrees F during the day and 65 degrees F at night—create ideal conditions for developing this serious fungal disease. In addition, grass that has been over-stimulated with nitrogen fertilizer just before or during hot, humid weather tends to be more susceptible to brown patch.
What does a brown patch on my lawn look like?
If your lawn has begun to yellow rapidly, take a closer look at the size and shape of the affected areas. With brown patch, they are likely to be roughly circular, though a bit irregular. Patch sizes can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter. If brown patch has been active for a while, the spots might also look like patches of good grass with rings of dead or thin grass around them.
Why is my lawn turning yellow?
Hot, humid weather can trigger this common lawn fungus. Here's what to do. One day your cool-season lawn is green. Then you have a hot, humid night and the next day the grass shows some yellow patches. The day after, the yellow turns to brown. What’s going on?
What temperature does grass get wet?
Prolonged wetness from dew, rain, nighttime or evening watering, or poor drainage—or any other activity that keeps grass blades wet during weather in which temperatures are above 80 degrees F during the day and 65 degrees F at night —create ideal conditions for developing this serious fungal disease.
When to apply a patch for bare spots?
Just be sure to choose the formula designed for your grass type, follow the directions on the bottle, and apply during early spring or fall for best results.
What to do if your lawn has brown spots?
When the birthday party bouncy castle deflates or the baby pool is picked up, you might be left with a dead patch underneath. Even leaving the hose out on the lawn can cause a brown spot. Not to worry, though. Simply clear away the dead grass and apply a Scotts® patching product, such as Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair, to the resulting bare spots. Choose the variety based on your grass type and follow label directions.
Why is my lawn turning brown?
When thatch build-up is high, grass plants can actually start to grow roots up in the thatch layer. Because that layer won’t hold water, the plants begin to dry out, causing brown spots in the lawn. To solve the problem, follow the steps in this article to dethatch your lawn. If your lawn develops brown patches, don’t panic.
Why does my lawn have thatch?
Thatch can build up when the lawn is not properly watered, fed, or mowed. It’s an accumulation of dead and decaying plant material between the plant leaf blades and the root system that prevents water and food from getting to the roots. When thatch build-up is high, grass plants can actually start to grow roots up in the thatch layer. Because that layer won’t hold water, the plants begin to dry out, causing brown spots in the lawn. To solve the problem, follow the steps in this article to dethatch your lawn.
What causes dead spots in lawns?
Dead spots can also occur in the lawn when annual weeds like crabgrass, annual bluegrass, and foxtail begin to die back. This is a natural cycle that can be avoided with proper lawn maintenance and quickly patched with Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair. As always, be sure to follow the directions on the label.
Why do GRUB patches roll up?
Patches caused by grubs will feel sponge-like and roll up when raked because of the root damage. To kill existing grubs and prevent future grub damage, use Scotts®GrubEx®1 every spring. Damage can be repaired at any time, though fall is best.
Can you control fungus in rain?
Extremely rainy or humid weather can encourage fungal outbreaks, as can lack of sunlight and poor air circulation. Although you can’t control the weather , there is something you can do to protect against fungus.
Why is my lawn turning brown in the spring?
Cool-season grasses may turn brown and look dead in summer if they're forced into dormancy due to heat and drought. When they're brown in spring, that can signal a tough winter just passed, especially if low snowfall left grass without much insulation. Either way, your cool-climate lawn needs help.
How to get rid of dead grass?
With weeds eliminated, mow your grass to 1 inch tall; then rake to remove any dead grass or debris. Raking loosens and bares soil so it's ready for the next step. Short-tined metal rakes, called garden or bow rakes, work best.
What is Pennington lawn booster?
When you choose Pennington Lawn Booster, your lawn reaps the benefits of a tradition of innovation and integrity, backed by premium ingredients and the Pennington guarantee. You can take your lawn from "dead and dying" to thriving and green. Pennington is committed to providing you with the finest in grass, seed and lawn care products, and the information you need to succeed confidently.
What is an all in one lawn booster?
All-in-one Lawn Booster combines everything your "dead" lawn needs to spring to life: premium seed, fertilizer and soil enhancer. The choice is easy: you buy one, premixed, ready-to-use product instead of three.
How long does nitrogen stay in lawn booster?
Stabilized nitrogen in Lawn Booster means less nitrogen is lost to the environment and more of this essential stays around to feed your grass, immediately and for up to eight weeks. You'll see and feel the difference, from improved germination to better color and texture under your bare feet. Premium soil enhancer.
How long does a non-GMO lawn stay green?
Plus, these non-GMO varieties stay green for up to three weeks without watering. With a Smart Seed lawn, you reduce water consumption and that utility bill. That's year after year, for the life of your lawn, not just for a single season. Professional-grade fertilizer.
When does grass go dormant?
If you live in a warm climate and your lawn turns brown every winter season , you may have a warm-season grass that naturally goes dormant during winter months. What looks dead should be green again by late spring or early summer. Lawns in cooler climates are a little different.
How to get rid of brown patches on lawn?
Standing dew can be removed by dragging a water hose over the lawn, which will lower the humidity that causes brown patch disease. Improve air circulation. The best way to do this is to aerate and dethatch the lawn annually. Improved air circulation will reduce the humidity that causes brown patch.
Why is my lawn turning brown?
Air temperatures and humidity levels may cause a lawn to develop brown patch no matter what a homeowner does. But you can minimize the chances for a brown patch with a good lawn care regimen. Do not over-fertilize, and avoid feeding your lawn during hot and humid weather. Use proper watering practices.
What causes brown patches on grass?
Brown patch disease is a condition caused by a Rhizoctonia fungus usually Rhizoctonia solani. The fungus often appears in mid- to late-summer when the weather is hot and humid. Brown patch is a foliar disease, meaning that it harms the blades of grass but not the crown of the plant or the root system. 1 Grass plants affected by brown patch may recover on their own, without chemical intervention.
What grasses are affected by brown patches?
Brown patch can also affect a variety of warm-season grasses, including St. Augustine grass and zoysiagrass. Featured Video.
What is brown patch?
Brown patch is a foliar disease, meaning that it harms the blades of grass but not the crown of the plant or the root system . 1 Grass plants affected by brown patch may recover on their own, without chemical intervention.
What is the color of mycelium on my lawn?
The affected leaves usually remain upright, and close inspection shows lesions on the leaves that are tan in color and irregular in shape with a dark brown border. White, cottony, mycelium can be found on dew-covered turf in the early part of the morning. The ring itself is typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and is most visible in the morning.
Can you use fungicide on ryegrass?
Lawn care experts say that fungicide treatment is appropriate only for high-value ryegrass and bent grass turf blends; most lawns typically recover without chemical treatments.