How to Fix Dry Grass & Brown Patches On Your Lawn

You’re sitting outside in your garden, admiring your beautiful space, when suddenly you spot it – a dry, brown patch on your lawn. It’s not what you want to see in your perfectly manicured turf, but unfortunately, it happens. The good news is, we can help with fixing it.

Brown patches in the middle of your lawn can be frustrating, especially if you’ve spent a lot of money on your turf and want it to look lush, green and healthy.

While it’s natural to assume your turf has died, it’s important to check whether it’s dead or just dormant. For the latter, the secret is knowing how to revive it!

Our team of turf experts has pooled all their knowledge on fixing brown patches in lawns into this guide. We’ve got tips, tricks, and advice on what to do and how to return your garden to a healthy green haven.

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What Causes Brown Spots in Your Grass?

Brown spots are areas of dry and unhealthy grass, where, over time, the soil in the area has begun to repel water rather than absorb it. This means the grass roots in that section can’t soak up the water and nutrients they need, eventually leading to the grass dying and the soil becoming dry as a bone.

There are lots of reasons for dry areas throughout your lawn. Some of these are caused by human intervention (unintentionally, of course) or nature.

Common causes of dry brown patches include:

The Difference Between Dead & Dormant Grass

Knowing the difference between dead and dormant grass is important, as this will determine how to repair your lawn. You also don’t want to waste your time on dead turf or completely right off sleeping grass.

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To spot dry grass, it normally has a straw-like colour and appears in different shapes and places across your garden. It may be a home for weeds, which, although annoying, is a good sign that there’s still some life in there.

If you regularly water the area, dry grass will also show signs of activity, such as water seeping into the soil.

Dead grass will not absorb any water, and you won’t see any regrowth, even after a couple of weeks. This is a clear sign that the grass is completely dead and needs to be replaced, which we’ll talk more about later.

How to Get Rid of Brown Spots in Your Grass

The good news is, once you’ve spotted the dry, dormant patch, there’s plenty you can do to bring your grass back to life!

Here are our 6 top tips to fix dry grass:

• Start scarifying: by removing the additional thatch on your lawn, water has a better chance to reach the soil.
• Aerate your lawn: Aeration involves spiking holes throughout your turf. This breaks up compacted soil, allowing water to move and reach the grass roots.
• Water your grass: once aerated, water your turf, particularly the dry spots, daily. Check that the water is being absorbed to avoid overwatering.
• Feed & seed: These are a good way to give your turf extra nutrients and encourage regrowth. The time of year will determine which feed and seed you’ll need.
• Watch your pets: Your dog or cat may have a favourite spot in the garden to relieve themselves. If that’s the case, protect the area and encourage them to pee elsewhere, like in a litter box or a separate area of your garden.

Note your mowing height: Check you’re not cutting your grass too short. Raise the height of your lawn mower, as longer grass blades will become stronger and more established.

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How to Spot the Signs of Dry Grass Patches

This may seem obvious, but there are many signs of dry grass. If you can spot these and treat the area early on, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, stress, and money later.

Symptoms of dry grass include:

• Dark green and brown spots
• Grass doesn’t regrow after rainfall or watering
• Dry, hard soil underneath the dry patch
• Water runs off the surface, rather than soaking in
• The surface becomes waterlogged
• There’s an unpleasant smell
• White growth on the surface could indicate fungal mycelium

What to Do If the Grass is Dead, Not Dormant

If the grass has truly died and is not just dormant, it’s essential to take action to restore your lawn. We recommend doing so with brand-new turf.

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Start by removing the dead grass. You can use a rake to pull it up, ensuring you remove all the brown, lifeless patches.

Once the area is clear, test the soil to determine if it needs amending. Dead grass might indicate underlying soil issues, such as nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, or compaction. Mixing in a healthy topsoil can help improve the condition of your soil and the success of your turf.

You’ll then need to follow our guide on prepping soil for your new turf to give yourself the best chance of a stunning, green (definitely not brown) lawn.

If you need help deciding which turf to choose, read our turf buying guide or contact our team for their expert advice.

When you reach the final stage, we also have an extensive turf laying guide with a video so that you can lay your new turf professionally with ease.

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Creating a Thriving Green Lawn You Can Admire

Achieving a lush, green lawn requires consistent care, attention, and the right techniques, but it’s definitely possible, even if it’s looking a little worse for wear at the moment.

Mow your lawn regularly, but never cut it too short. Keep an eye on animals, and remember,  aerating your lawn at least once a year will also improve soil health by allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper.

With these practices in place, and the ones we mentioned earlier, your lawn will flourish, providing a beautiful, inviting space for relaxation and enjoyment for your whole household!

If you need any more help and advice on caring for your lawn, please head to our knowledge hub, where you’ll find expert tips on creating a luxurious lawn.

And remember, if you think you need a new lawn entirely, please get in touch with our team here at George Davies Turf & Stone, and we’ll help you discuss your options!

FAQs

How Do I Prevent Brown Spots in Grass from Dog Urine?

Dog urine can cause brown spots on grass due to its high nitrogen content. This acts as a fertiliser in small amounts, but can burn the grass when concentrated.

To prevent this, keep your dog well-hydrated to dilute the nitrogen in their urine. You can also train your dog to do their business somewhere else, preferably in an area covered with rocks, mulch, or other materials that aren’t affected.

Watering the spot immediately after your dog urinates can also help to dilute the nitrogen and protect the grass.

Will Watering Dead Grass Bring it Back?

Watering dead grass (that’s actually dead, not just dormant) won’t bring it back to life.

If the grass has turned completely brown and dried out, it may indicate that the roots have been damaged or killed, making recovery seriously unlikely.

When is the Best Time to Fix Dry Patches?

Ideally, as soon as you spot them! They don’t look great dotted around your lawn, and they can become a tricky problem to resolve if left too long. When fixing dry lawns, aim for a cool, wet day – luckily, the UK has plenty of them!

Extreme weather conditions, such as freezing winters or scorching summers, won’t provide the best results. So, focus on spring or autumn and choose the right fertiliser for the season.

Why is My Grass Dying in Patches in the UK?

There are several reasons why your grass might be dying in patches. Common culprits in the UK include poor soil drainage, which can lead to waterlogging or compaction, making it hard for the roots to breathe and access nutrients.

It could be due to pests, which feed on the grass roots and cause visible damage. Fungal diseases are also frequent issues.