How to get rid of brown patches on your lawn - common causes and remedies
BROWN patches can spoil the appearance of your stunning green lawn. When it comes to getting rid of them, the key is understanding the cause in the first place.
Garden tips: How to maintain your lawn
Patches of brown, dying grass turning into bare soil can appear over time and spoil the appearance of your green lawn. While there are ways to cure brown patches, you must first understand what is causing them to appear. Brown patches can develop due to weather, disease or even because of your pets.
Key causes of brown lawn patches and how to get rid of them
Irregular brown patches during dry weather
These types of patches tend to be caused by a lack of soil moisture.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) the best way to tackle these is by treating your lawn for drought-related problems.
It advised tackling brown patches in the autumn months.
The RHS said: "This will help the lawn to recover from recent drought but will also make it more drought resistant the following year."
During this time, over-seed any sparse areas using an appropriate mixture and refrain from using lawn weedkillers or feeds on patches.
If the lawn is in a particularly bad state, you may need to repair or relay your lawn.
READ MORE: How to get rid of Japanese knotweed - cheapest methods
Circular patches with bright green margins on lawns to which dogs have access
The RHS explained that dog urine, and in particular female dog urine, can damage your lawn.
It advised: "Water affected areas immediately.
"Consult your vet before feeding your dog any of the products that are claimed to prevent damage."
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Patches appearing after feeding the lawn
The RHS explained that patches can, in some cases, appear as a result of applying too much fertiliser.
To avoid this, make sure to apply the correct amount of fertiliser evenly to your lawn.
The RHS added: "Ideally, spread fertiliser before rain, or else water the lawn just after feeding.
"Controlled release lawn fertilisers may be less likely to cause scorch."
Patches appearing after applying weedkiller
Gardeners likely know the consequences that can come as a result of applying chemical pesticides to their garden, but brown patches could be a sign you are using too much or spreading it across your lawn unintentionally.
The RHS said: "Take care to deliver the correct dose evenly.
"If walking on the grass after spraying is unavoidable, carry two carrier bags with you to place over your shoes."
Patches appear after mowing
According to the RHS, patches after mowing might mean you have been "scalping" your lawn.
Scalping is a sign of a high spot in your garden or a low spot causing the mower wheel to drop and cut the grass too short in that area.
The RHS recommended raising the mowing height of your lawnmower.