We’ve all been there—you step outside expecting a lush, green lawn, and instead you’re met with crispy brown patches that look anything but healthy. Whether it’s caused by drought, pests, or poor maintenance, a brown lawn can be frustrating and even a little embarrassing. The good news? It’s usually fixable with a little time and the right care.
Let’s walk through the most common causes and how you can bring your lawn back to life.
First things first—make sure your lawn is damaged and not just dormant. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia go brown in colder months but bounce back in spring. If it’s summer and your lawn is still brown, there’s likely an underlying issue that needs attention.
Both overwatering and underwatering can cause brown patches. If the soil feels dry and crumbly, you’re probably not watering enough. On the flip side, soggy soil and yellowing grass could point to overwatering. Your lawn generally needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall—ideally applied in deep, infrequent sessions.
Grubs, chinch bugs, and fungal diseases can all cause sections of your lawn to brown and die. Pull up a small section of turf—if it lifts easily or you spot white larvae underneath, you’ve got a grub problem. Treating the lawn pest issue quickly with the right method can save your lawn from further damage.
Poor soil health can lead to nutrient deficiencies that show up as brown or thinning grass. A simple soil test can tell you if your lawn needs lime, fertilizer, or better aeration. Healthy grass starts with healthy soil, so don’t skip this step if your lawn’s been struggling for a while.
Read, “How to Test Soil pH with Test Strips.”
Once you’ve addressed the underlying problem, it’s time to repair the damage. Reseed thin areas, patch larger bare spots with sod, and keep the area moist until new growth takes hold. If the damage is widespread or you’re not sure where to start, this is a great time to consider professional sod installation services to help restore your lawn efficiently.
Read another one of our articles titled, “How to Repair Bare Spots in Lawn.”
Start by identifying the cause—brown lawns can result from drought, pests, poor soil, or disease. Once the issue is diagnosed, adjust your watering schedule, treat any infestations, and fertilize if needed. Aerating the lawn and overseeding bare spots can also help encourage new, healthy growth. With proper care, your lawn can bounce back over time.
Yes, if the grass is still alive, it can turn green again with the right care. Dormant grass, for example, often goes brown in extreme heat or cold but will revive once conditions improve. However, if the grass blades are brittle and the roots are dead, you’ll need to reseed or lay new sod to restore those areas.
If your entire lawn is turning brown, it may be due to extreme heat, insufficient watering, a fungal disease, or even a widespread pest problem like grubs. Poor soil conditions or compacted soil can also contribute to widespread browning. A soil test and a lawn inspection can help pinpoint the root cause so you can treat it effectively.
First, remove dead grass and loosen the soil in the affected area. Then reseed or patch with sod, depending on the size of the damaged section. Water consistently and avoid foot traffic while the grass establishes. For best results, address any underlying issues—like pests, soil problems, or poor drainage—so the browning doesn’t return.
Fixing a brown lawn takes time, patience, and a bit of know-how. If you’re overwhelmed or just want it done right the first time, Ryno Lawn Care offers full-service lawn care to get your grass green and thriving again. From diagnosis to treatment and ongoing maintenance, we’ve got your yard covered.
A brown lawn doesn’t have to be permanent. With a little detective work and the right strategy, you can revive your grass and enjoy a healthy, vibrant yard once again. And if you’d rather hand it off to the pros? Ryno is always ready to help.
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