Brown patches can be an unsightly blemish on a green and lush lawn. Fortunately, these can be tended to effectively with a little patience, the right knowledge, and a handful of gardening tools.
The cause of these brown patches can vary, from lawn diseases and pests to nutrient deficiencies or lack of water. Whatever the cause, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on identifying the root of the problem and bringing your lawn back to its vibrant, lush green state.
Identify the Cause
The first step in fixing your brown patch is to identify the cause. The most common causes are pests, fungal diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or drought.
- Pests – Inspect the area for signs of insects such as grasshoppers or grubs. If you can’t spot any bugs, try placing a board over the affected area overnight and check for bugs underneath in the morning.
- Fungal diseases – Look for signs of fungus, such as a white powdery substance or dark spots on the leaves. If you spot any, use a fungicide to treat the area.
- Nutrient deficiencies – Test your soil to check for nutrient deficiencies and fertilize accordingly.
- Drought – Check for dryness in the area. If it’s been too long since you last watered your lawn, water it more frequently to help bring back its luster.
Prepare the Soil For Repair
Once you’ve identified and addressed the cause, it’s time to prepare your soil for repair. Start by removing any dead grass or debris from the affected area. This can be done manually with a rake or shovel.
Next, add organic matter such as compost or manure to aerate and enrich the soil. This will help promote strong growth when reseeding.
Test the Soil pH.
The pH is a measure of the soil’s acidity or alkalinity. To ensure that your lawn can successfully absorb the nutrients it needs, you should test the pH level of your soil. This can be done with an easily attainable home test kit, or you can have professionals help. If you need professionals to help with your lawn, you can check them out here.
Aerate and Fertilize the Lawn
After you’ve tested the soil’s pH and made any necessary adjustments, it’s time to aerate and fertilize your lawn. Aeration involves punching small holes into the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn.
You can use a manual aerating tool or a mechanical aerator for larger lawns. After the lawn has been aerated, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients to help the grass grow.
Reseed
The final step in repairing brown patches in your lawn is to reseed the affected area. Start by selecting a grass seed that matches the existing lawn or one suitable for your climate and soil type.
Sprinkle the seeds evenly, ensuring approximately 16 seeds per square inch. Over-seeding can lead to resource competition, while under-seeding can result in bare spots.
After seeding, cover the area with a thin layer of compost or straw to protect the seeds from birds and to retain moisture. Water the newly seeded area gently to prevent washing the seeds away.
Conclusion
With patience and care, the once-brown patches in your lawn can be restored to a lush, green state. Remember that maintaining a beautiful lawn is an ongoing commitment – regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing are essential to keep your lawn looking its best.
Creating a schedule and sticking to it will help ensure that the brown patches in your lawn stay away for good. Additionally, addressing any pest or disease problems as soon as you notice them can help prevent more widespread damage.