Brown patches in lawn - Ask Extension
Hello. I have had a few large brown patches appear in my lawn this year. The sod was put in about 3 years ago, and up until this spring, has been very...
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Brown patches in lawn #629799
Asked May 01, 2020, 1:38 PM EDT
Hello. I have had a few large brown patches appear in my lawn this year. The sod was put in about 3 years ago, and up until this spring, has been very green and lush. How do I determine what is causing these spots (grubs, fungus, or something else)? There are blades of green grads poking through, but the patches appear to be dried, dead grass.
Adams County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi,
Thanks for your question. Winter can be difficult for some of our lawns. If the area was cool and shady and had significant snow cover for over a month this winter it could have been snow mold, which grass will typically outgrow. If it's as sunny area, it could have been turf mites. Generally in warm winters turf mite damage is worse, although it is easily preventable, when we have long spells without precipitation, water your lawn when you water your trees. You can also read our fact sheet on turf mites: https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05505.pdf
I would definitely recommend aerating and overseeding, it's a great time of year to do it! https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07241.pdf
You can also check out our lawn care fact sheet which has basics of lawn care, mowing, watering, and fertilizing. https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07202.pdf
Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Best,
~ Cassey
Thanks for your question. Winter can be difficult for some of our lawns. If the area was cool and shady and had significant snow cover for over a month this winter it could have been snow mold, which grass will typically outgrow. If it's as sunny area, it could have been turf mites. Generally in warm winters turf mite damage is worse, although it is easily preventable, when we have long spells without precipitation, water your lawn when you water your trees. You can also read our fact sheet on turf mites: https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05505.pdf
I would definitely recommend aerating and overseeding, it's a great time of year to do it! https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07241.pdf
You can also check out our lawn care fact sheet which has basics of lawn care, mowing, watering, and fertilizing. https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07202.pdf
Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Best,
~ Cassey
