If your lawn has brown patches right now, you are not alone. It is one of the most common calls we get from homeowners in Midlothian, Prosper, and Mansfield, especially in the heat of summer. We asked Kadie to break down what causes them, how to tell them apart, and the biggest mistake people make when they see them.
Brown patches can come from a number of different things. The most common causes are overwatering, underwatering, heat stress, grubs, and fungus. That wide range of possible causes is exactly why it is important to identify what you are dealing with before you do anything about it.
The appearance of the patch can give you a clue about what is going on.
If you see a brown patch with a dark ring around the edges, that usually points to fungus. Fungal issues have a distinct look and they need to be treated very differently from other causes.
If you are seeing irregular patches scattered all over the lawn without a defined shape or ring, that is more likely heat stress or a watering issue. Those tend to spread in an uneven, random pattern rather than a defined circle.
You might assume underwatering is the most common culprit, but Kadie says the biggest mistake she sees is actually overwatering. When homeowners spot a brown patch, the instinct is to water it immediately. More water equals green grass, right? Not always.
If the cause is fungus, watering it will make the problem significantly worse. Water feeds fungal growth, so what started as a small patch can spread quickly if you keep watering it without knowing what you are dealing with. Always identify the problem before reaching for the hose.
If you are unsure what is causing the brown patches in your lawn, give us a call. We are always happy to come out and take a look, assess what is going on, and help you figure out the right next step. Photos also help, so snap a few before you call and we can often point you in the right direction before we even get there.
Vista Lawn and Pest helps homeowners in Midlothian, Prosper, and Mansfield diagnose and treat brown patches the right way so the problem does not get worse. Call (469) 333-8873, click the link below for an instant quote, or scroll down and fill out the form to get started.
