Brown patches in lawns can be a common issue for many homeowners, affecting certain grass types more than others. These patches often begin as small spots and can spread significantly if not addressed. Bermuda, Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipede Grass, Bent Grass, St. Augustine, and Ryegrass are among the grasses most prone to these issues.
John Mojica from SAO Group Land Maintenance in Buford, Georgia highlights dull mower blades as a frequent cause of brown patches. “Improper mowing can cause a lot of problems with your lawn,” he states. He advises sharpening mower blades every 25 hours of use and following the 1/3rd rule to prevent this issue.
Another potential culprit is pet urine, according to Will Cagle from Cagles Cuts in Pevely, Missouri. “Our 4 legged friends are probably the culprit for some of the brown spots or urine spots that show up in our lawns,” says Cagle.
Chemical misuse is also noted by Kristen Burnsed from the K Company in Orlando, Florida as a possible reason for these patches. She warns that fertilizers and pesticides can burn grass if not applied correctly: “Fertilizer…can burn the grass…Some insect repellents can also burn your lawn.”
Other factors contributing to brown patches include snow mold, grubs, thatch build-up, and drought conditions. Sean Fitzpatrick of Sean’s Lawn Care in Nashville recommends regular lawn care practices like dethatching and aerating to combat these issues effectively.
Chance Rosenberger from Curb Appeal Landscape in Charlotte suggests appropriate watering techniques: “All lawns are different…One inch per week is plenty but if your lawn is starting to dry out in some spots, increase your watering efforts just a little.”
Addressing brown patches requires identifying their causes accurately and applying targeted solutions such as proper mowing techniques or hiring professionals for chemical applications.
