Patches on Lawn? Causes and Expert Lawn Treatment Tips

Seeing patches on your lawn that look brown, dry or unhealthy? You may be dealing with Brown Patch lawn disease, a common fungus that thrives in hot, humid weather and can quickly turn healthy green grass into unsightly brown spots.

Brown Patch is most active during the summer in areas with high humidity and frequent rainfall. While it’s uncommon in arid regions like Southern California or the Mountain States, it’s a persistent problem for homeowners across much of the U.S. 

While any lawn can experience patches from Brown Patch, certain grass types are more vulnerable, including:

• Perennial Ryegrass
• Tall Fescue
• Bentgrass

Even Kentucky bluegrass can develop Brown Patch symptoms during mid-to-late summer when temperatures and humidity stay high. 

Brown Patch can look different depending on the type of grass you have, but there are common signs to watch for:

• Circular or irregular brown patches on lawn surfaces.
• A dark, smoky ring around the affected area (especially noticeable in the morning dew).
• Leaf blades with small brown spots that eventually merge, causing the entire blade to turn brown.

Appearance by grass type:

• Closely mown grasses (e.g., Zoysia): Circular brown rings with a gray outer edge, most visible when damp.
• High-cut grasses: Larger circular brown patches without visible gray rings.
• Tall Fescue: Scattered brown blades that give the entire lawn a dull, tan look instead of a healthy green. 

Brown Patch often begins when conditions are cool and moist, but spreads rapidly once temperatures rise above 80°F with high humidity. Nighttime dew, mist or rain can create the perfect environment for fungal growth.

Other factors that contribute to patches on the lawn include:

• Overwatering or watering late in the day.
• Poor air circulation in thick turf.
• Excess nitrogen fertilizer.
• Prolonged wet grass due to shade or poor drainage. 

While the fungus that causes Brown Patch is common, you can take steps to reduce the risk and restore your lawn’s health:

• Water early in the morning to let the grass dry before nightfall.
• Mow regularly to improve air circulation.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas.
• Apply fungicide treatments early in the season or at the first sign of brown patches.
• Maintain balanced lawn nutrition to promote strong, disease-resistant turf.

Proper lawn care and early intervention can make all the difference when dealing with brown patches on your lawn. 

If patches on your lawn continue to spread or your grass doesn’t recover, it may be time to call the pros.

TruGreen specialists have the expertise to identify Brown Patch and other turf diseases, delivering targeted treatments and tailored lawn care plans to bring your yard back to life.

Don’t let patches on your lawn take away from your home’s beauty. Contact TruGreen today for professional lawn treatment and enjoy a thick, healthy, green lawn all season long.