Some spend a lot of time maintaining their lawns and trying to grow lush green grass. But despite the hard work, they encounter brown, dying patches of grass. These brown grass patches can develop overnight and for multiple reasons, such as humidity, pet urination, or fungus growth. While there are ways to remove brown grass and restore the lawn’s color, one may notice results only after following these strategies consistently for some time.
Ideal conditions for brown patches
Before learning how to fix brown grass patches, one must know what leads to the problem in the first place. Only when one knows the cause will they be able to devise strategies to remove brown grass quickly.
- Generally, brown patches thrive when it is hot and humid outside. So, one can expect the issue to pop up in the summer, spring, or even early fall.Â
- Sometimes, brown patches can appear when the grass is wet for several hours at a stretch. The dampness can encourage the growth of fungi, which can cause the grass to turn brown in certain areas.
- If the grass has been treated with chemicals like nitrogen fertilizer, it can react and be susceptible to the formation of brown patches.
Tips to remove brown grass
The best ways to remove brown grass are inexpensive but require one to invest a lot of time and effort.
1. Prevent fungal growth
Fungal infections often lead to brown grass, spoiling the appearance of the lawn. Since fungus is relatively easy to spread, it must be addressed immediately. A good way to start is to dethatch the affected grass and aerate it. After that, one can add fungicides and reseed the patch in the fall season. It is important to note that the fungicide may not work immediately. To see results, one would have to use two to three different treatments and incorporate this method into the normal lawn care routine for some time.
Fungicide powders used to treat this issue are generally less toxic to pets than pesticides and herbicides. Still, any exposure to harsh chemicals should be limited. This is why one should also wear protective gear, including masks and gloves while using the product.
2. Adopt proper watering practices
Any kind of grass needs water to grow and maintain its natural color. But it’s important to adopt the right watering practices. Getting this step wrong can make the grass turn brown.
- It is ideal to water deep, even if not frequently. Doing so ensures the water reaches the roots of the grass and remains available for longer.
- The time of day when one waters the lawn is important. Some experts suggest watering early in the morning can avoid fungal growth.Â
- Using an in-ground sprinkler can guarantee full coverage. The sprinkler’s nozzle should be changed to a dual-spray model for a better range.
3. Aerate the soil
One may sometimes face problems providing adequate moisture to the soil due to poor availability of water. In such cases, a good way to ensure hydration is to aerate the soil. Aeration involves digging small holes in the soil. The holes help the water circulate below the surface, ensuring the roots are thoroughly nourished. It is a fairly simple task that one can do on their own or by renting an aerator. The tiny holes also help create space for air to circulate within the soil. Compacted soil can cause brown patches as there is not enough space for air circulation.
4. Prevent pets from urinating on the lawn
Some pet owners train their dogs to use the lawn as a designated bathroom space. This is a mistake because dog urine contains nitrogen, which can harm the roots of the grass, leading them to turn brown. So, instead of encouraging the dog to use the lawn, one should train them to use the bathroom or a sandbox. It might seem like a time-consuming task, but it will eventually contribute to a lush green lawn.
5. Use compost
Although nitrogen-based fertilizers can make the lawn turn brown, the grass needs some amount of this ingredient to produce energy and retain its green color. Applying compost is an eco-friendly solution to this problem. Many compost varieties available in the market have just the right amount of nitrogen to help the grass grow. They also have phosphorus and potassium in the right proportions, which is crucial for lawn maintenance.
6. Consult a lawn maintenance expert
Sometimes, the brown patches may not go away despite how hard one tries. In such cases, one can consult a lawn maintenance expert. Some companies offer curated maintenance plans based on the lawn’s size and the extent of the brown patch issue. One can compare these plans and choose the right option depending on their needs and budget.
Lawn maintenance is crucial in keeping the grass green and free from unsightly brown patches. Regular care and attention prevent common problems like drought stress, fungal diseases, and soil compaction, all of which can lead to brown spots. That said, maintaining a lawn requires consistency and patience. One must be gentle while maintaining the lawn and not do anything that will harm the grass growth.
