Why Is My Lawn Turning Brown?

By Jorge Melo

"A well-kept lawn is the foundation of a beautiful home."

Here’s a wild stat: Americans spend over $40 billion a year on lawn care. Yet every summer, thousands of lawns still end up patchy, dry, or flat-out dead. If you're watering consistently but still seeing brown spots, you're not alone—and you're not helpless either.

In this post, I’m breaking down the most common reasons your grass is turning brown even when you’re watering it. You’ll learn how to diagnose the problem, fix it, and prevent it from happening again. Let’s dive into it and get that lawn back to green.

Why is My Grass Turning Brown Despite Watering

Lack Of Water

Even if you’re watering regularly, your grass may not be getting what it needs. Lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week in summer, ideally spread out over 2–3 sessions. Watering too shallowly can result in thirsty roots and brown blades.

Pro tip: Water early in the morning (between 4–8 a.m.) and check soil penetration by sticking a screwdriver into the lawn. It should slide in easily if the soil is well hydrated.

Disease

Brown patches could be signs of fungal diseases like brown patch, dollar spot, or rust. These often thrive in humid conditions and overwatered soil.

Look for: Circular brown patches, reddish or yellowish grass, or powdery textures on blades.

Prevent Fungus With Aeration

Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and improve drainage. It creates space for oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach roots—boosting your lawn’s resistance to disease.

Tip: Aerate cool-season grasses in fall and warm-season grasses in late spring.

Lawn Pests

Insects can do serious damage without being seen. If your lawn looks dry but feels spongy, you might have uninvited guests.

White Grubs

These beetle larvae chew on roots, weakening grass and creating irregular brown patches. Peel back a square of turf to inspect. 10+ grubs per square foot? You’ve got a problem.

Chinch Bugs

These pests suck the life from grass blades and inject toxins. You’ll first see yellowing, followed by browning and dead patches.

Control Tips: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial predators like birds and ground beetles.

Pet Waste

Dog urine contains concentrated nitrogen, which burns grass and leaves dead patches. If you notice brown spots ringed with lush green, your pet may be the culprit.

Fix it: Soak the area with water immediately after your dog pees. Train pets to use a designated area, and avoid fertilizing pee zones.

Acidity

If your soil’s pH is too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline), grass can’t absorb nutrients effectively.

Solution: Test your soil. Use lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Ideal range? 6.0–7.0.

Weather And Mowing

Scorching temps and mowing too short can send your lawn into stress. Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it clean, leading to browning.

Mowing Tips:

• Follow the 1/3 rule: never cut more than 1/3 of the blade.

• Keep blades sharp.

• Let grass grow taller during dry spells to conserve moisture.

Neave Can Get You Green Again

If you’ve tried it all and your lawn still looks rough, it might be time for professional help.

Contact NETL

NETL offers free lawn analysis to identify what’s harming your grass. From soil testing to pest control, they tailor a plan to restore your lawn.

5 Reasons Why Your Grass is Dying

There’s a Water Problem

Too much or too little—it matters. Adjust watering to your soil type and climate.

There’s a Bug Problem

Grubs, chinch bugs, and billbugs love to snack on your turf. Inspect and treat accordingly.

There’s a Disease Problem

Fungi thrive in wet, warm conditions. Use preventative care like aeration and proper mowing.

There’s a Weed Problem

Weeds steal nutrients and water. Use natural or selective herbicides and keep mowing regularly.

There’s a Pet Waste Problem

Dog urine burns grass. Dilute with water and train pets to use one area.

How to Prevent Grass Problems from Happening

• Pick the right grass.

• Fertilize in early spring or fall.

• Set mower height to 3 inches.

• Water deeply and less often.

• Test and adjust soil pH.

• Aerate annually.

• Clean up pet waste promptly.

FAQ About Lawn Care

Why is my grass turning brown?

Likely causes include water issues, pests, diseases, soil compaction, or pet waste. Pinpointing the issue is key to solving it.

Should I remove dead grass?

Yes. Dethatching helps air and water reach the soil, encouraging new growth.

Will grass come back if it dies?

If roots are alive, yes—with the right care. If the roots are dead, you’ll need to reseed.

Additional FAQs for Landscaping Clients

Will lawn lime hurt dogs?

Lime can irritate paws or stomachs if ingested. Water the lawn after application and keep pets off until dry.

Will lawn fertilizer hurt chickens?

Yes, synthetic fertilizers can be toxic. Keep chickens away for at least 48 hours after treatment.

What lawn fertilizer to use in spring?

Look for one with a high nitrogen ratio (e.g., 20-5-10). Apply when soil temps hit 55°F.

Can lawn fertilizer go bad?

Yes. Moisture or improper storage can degrade its quality. Store in a dry, cool space.

How lawn aerator works?

It punches holes into the soil, loosening compaction and allowing better air and nutrient flow.

When lawn aeration?

Fall for cool-season grasses, late spring for warm-season.

Will lawn fertilizer hurt plants?

If it runs off or is overapplied, yes. Be precise in application.

Will lawn fertilizer kill weeds?

Only if it’s a "weed and feed" product. Otherwise, no.

How lawn irrigation systems work?

They distribute water through underground pipes and sprinkler heads, usually on a timer.

How do lawn sprinklers work?

They spray water over an area in a set pattern. Adjustable heads and timers optimize coverage.

Citations

"5 Reasons Why Your Grass is Dying." Accessed 24 June 2025.

"Why Is My Grass Dying Even Though I Water It?" LawnStarter, Accessed 24 June 2025.

"Why Is My Grass Turning Brown Despite Watering?" Neave Group Lawn Care,