Why Your Lawn Is Turning Brown (And How to Fix It)

A lush, green lawn is the goal of every homeowner, but when brown patches start appearing, it can be frustrating. A brown lawn can be caused by weather conditions, poor soil health, incorrect watering, or pest issues. The good news? Most of these problems can be fixed with the right approach.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top reasons why lawns turn brown and how to restore them to their healthy, green state.

Common Causes of a Brown Lawn & How to Fix Them

1️⃣ Lack of Water (Drought Stress)

🚩 Signs of Drought Stress:

Grass turns light brown or straw-colored.

Blades become crispy and brittle.

Footprints stay imprinted on the lawn.

💡 Solution:

✅ Water deeply but infrequently (2-3 times per week).

✅ Water early in the morning (5 AM - 9 AM) to reduce evaporation.

✅ Use a soil wetter (e.g., Seasol Super Soil Wetter) if water is running off and not absorbing.

2️⃣ Compacted Soil (Poor Root Growth)

🚩 Signs of Soil Compaction:

Water pools on the surface instead of soaking in.

Grass struggles to grow in high-traffic areas.

Lawn feels hard when pressed.

💡 Solution:

✅ Aerate the lawn using a core aerator to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

✅ Apply a slow-release fertiliser after aeration to support recovery.

✅ Avoid walking or placing heavy objects on compacted areas.

3️⃣ Overwatering (Suffocated Roots & Fungal Growth)

🚩 Signs of Overwatering:

Grass appears soggy or yellowish-brown.

Mushrooms or fungus start appearing in the lawn.

Soil remains wet for long periods after watering.

💡 Solution:

✅ Water less frequently but more deeply (only when needed).

✅ Improve drainage by aerating compacted areas.

✅ Check for fungal diseases (see below).

4️⃣ Lawn Diseases & Fungal Infections

🚩 Common Lawn Diseases That Cause Brown Spots:

Brown Patch Disease: Circular patches of brown grass.

Dollar Spot: Small, silver-dollar-sized spots on the lawn.

Rust Fungus: Grass blades turn yellow/orange before browning.

💡 Solution:

✅ Improve air circulation by mowing at the right height.

✅ Reduce evening watering—moisture overnight encourages fungi.

✅ Apply a lawn fungicide (e.g., Yates Mancozeb Plus).

5️⃣ Thatch Buildup (Dead Grass Blocking Growth)

🚩 Signs of Thatch Problems:

A thick layer of dead grass and debris prevents water from reaching the soil.

Lawn feels spongy when walked on.

Grass struggles to grow evenly.

💡 Solution:

✅ Dethatch the lawn using a metal rake or dethatching machine.

✅ Follow up with aeration to improve oxygen flow.

✅ Apply a light topdressing mix to boost soil health.

6️⃣ Poor Soil Health & Nutrient Deficiency

🚩 Signs of Nutrient Deficiency:

Grass is pale green or yellowing before turning brown.

Slow or weak growth despite watering.

Uneven patches of healthy and brown grass.

💡 Solution:

✅ Apply a slow-release fertiliser (e.g., Scotts Lawn Builder).

✅ Use liquid fertiliser (e.g., Seasol Lawn & Turf Booster) to speed up recovery.

✅ Consider a soil test to determine if your lawn is lacking nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium.

7️⃣ Pet Urine Damage (Nitrogen Burns)

🚩 Signs of Pet Damage:

Circular brown spots surrounded by dark green grass.

Affected areas die off quickly.

Usually found in areas where pets frequently relieve themselves.

💡 Solution:

✅ Rinse affected areas with water immediately after pet urination.

✅ Apply gypsum to neutralise excess nitrogen.

✅ Train pets to use a designated area or dilute urine with extra water.

8️⃣ Insect & Pest Damage

🚩 Signs of Lawn Pest Infestations:

Brown patches appear in random areas.

Grass lifts easily from the soil (grubs eat the roots).

You notice insects in the soil (e.g., lawn grubs, armyworms, black beetles).

💡 Solution:

✅ Inspect under the soil for grubs or insects.

✅ Apply a lawn insecticide (e.g., Yates Grub Kill & Protect).

✅ Encourage healthy lawn growth with proper fertilisation and aeration.

How to Restore a Brown Lawn (Step-by-Step Plan)

🛠️ Quick Fix for Brown Patches:

1️⃣ Identify the cause (dryness, disease, compaction, etc.).

2️⃣ Aerate compacted areas to improve airflow and root growth.

3️⃣ Apply a soil wetter to help with water absorption.

4️⃣ Use fertiliser to replenish nutrients.

5️⃣ Water deeply & consistently to encourage recovery.

6️⃣ Monitor growth over the next 2-4 weeks and adjust care if needed.

📅 Recovery Timeline:

• 1 Week: Soil absorbs nutrients, grass starts responding.

• 2-3 Weeks: Brown patches begin greening up.

• 4+ Weeks: Lawn should appear more even and healthier.

Preventing Future Brown Spots

✔ Water wisely – Deep watering prevents drought stress.

✔ Fertilise regularly – Keeps grass strong and resilient.

✔ Aerate yearly – Reduces compaction and improves oxygen flow.

✔ Dethatch when needed – Prevents excessive debris buildup.

✔ Monitor for pests and disease – Catch problems early before they spread.

Final Thoughts: Revive Your Lawn with the Right Care

A brown lawn doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right watering, fertilisation, aeration, and problem-solving techniques, you can bring your lawn back to life and keep it green year-round.

Need professional lawn care? Turf Brothers offers expert mowing, aeration, fertilisation, and weed control services to help your lawn thrive.

📞 Get a FREE quote today! Let’s transform your lawn into a lush, green space you’ll love.