Why does grass turn brown in the summer? We will show you some common causes of brown spots and dying grass—like over-seeding, dog spots, and using a dull mower blade—and how to get rid of brown spots in your lawn.
Why Is My Grass Brown?
There are many reasons your lawn might be turning brown. The good news is that most of them are fixable. Here are the most common culprits and what you can do about each one.
1. Over-Fertilization
Recent fertilizer use could be one explanation. If you over-applied fertilizer, brown spots can appear, or your grass can turn a little brown.
| Sign of Over-Fertilization | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Brown patches appearing shortly after fertilizing | Soak the damaged area with water to dilute the chemical |
| Burnt-looking grass tips | Water deeply and frequently for a few days |
| White crust on soil surface | Reduce future fertilizer applications |
Best fix: Soak the damaged area with water to dilute the chemical. Then be on the lookout for new crabgrass sprouts—they will require more herbicide treatment. After that, be sure to seed those areas in the fall.
2. Dull Mower Blade
Dull mower blades rip through the grass blades instead of slicing them cleanly, and that stresses the plant. You can always tell a lawn that has been mowed with a dull blade because it looks brown on the top.
| Sign of a Dull Blade | Solution |
|---|---|
| Brown or frayed tips on grass blades | Sharpen your mower blade at least once per season |
| Ragged, torn grass edges | Replace the blade if it is damaged |
| Grass looks white or pale after mowing | Sharpen or replace |
Pro tip: Get on your hands and knees—you can actually see the damage. Be sure to sharpen your mower blade each season to keep your lawn in good shape.
3. Uneven Watering
If you are watering your lawn with a hose, you probably are not watering evenly. This leaves certain areas of your lawn thirsty while others are overwatered. This not only causes brown patches in your lawn but can needlessly increase your water bill.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Hand-watering creates uneven coverage | Install a sprinkler system or use oscillating sprinklers |
| Some areas dry out faster | Water early morning (4–6 a.m.) to reduce evaporation |
| Overwatering in some spots | Use a rain gauge to measure how much water you are applying |
Tip: With technology advancing, sprinkler systems can be programmed to deliver the right amount of water where it is needed.
