5 Reasons Your Grass is Turning Brown (And How to Fix It)
Brown patches don’t always mean your lawn is dead. In most cases, the grass is just stressed, and with the right care, it can bounce back. Here are five common causes and how to fix each one.
1. Drought Stress
Hot, dry weather can cause grass to go dormant.
Fix: Water deeply 1–2 times a week in the early morning. Avoid shallow daily watering.
2. Overwatering or Poor Drainage
Too much water can suffocate roots and invite disease.
Fix: Let the soil dry slightly between waterings and improve drainage if needed.
3. Lawn Pests
Insects like grubs feed on roots, causing brown patches.
Fix: Check under the sod for pests and treat with appropriate controls.
4. Lawn Diseases
Fungal infections like brown patches or dollar spots spread in warm, wet conditions.
Fix: Improve airflow, avoid nighttime watering, and apply fungicide if needed.
5. Pet Damage
Dog urine contains high nitrogen, which burns grass.
Fix: Water the area immediately after pets go and reseed bare spots if needed.
Pro Tip: Before you water, treat, or seed, figure out the root cause; guessing can worsen things.