Identifying Brown Spots in Lawns

Understanding the Problem

Brown spots in lawns are a widespread and often frustrating issue for Texas homeowners. They can appear without warning, sometimes overnight, and quickly spread if left untreated. In addition to detracting from your lawn’s visual appeal, these discolored patches are often a sign that your turf’s overall health is declining. Once they develop, brown spots can create an uneven, patchy appearance that diminishes curb appeal and can lead to costly repairs if the underlying problem isn’t resolved.

The causes of brown spots are varied and can be complex. They may result from fungal diseases, insect infestations, improper watering practices, nutrient deficiencies, pet urine damage, or extreme environmental conditions like heat and drought. In many cases, multiple factors work together to weaken grass and allow discoloration to take hold.

Identifying the exact cause requires close observation and sometimes professional assessment. Homeowners can start by looking for telltale signs—such as the shape and spread of the patch, the condition of the grass blades, and soil moisture levels—to narrow down potential culprits. Acting quickly is critical; early diagnosis can stop the problem from worsening, reduce treatment costs, and speed up the recovery process. Whether through simple lawn care maintenance adjustments or targeted treatments like lawn fertilization and weed control, taking prompt action ensures your lawn has the best chance to regain its lush, green appearance.

For complex cases involving pests or recurring diseases, partnering with a trusted local expert such as Conroy’s Lawn and Landscape can ensure accurate diagnosis and effective, long-lasting solutions.

Common Causes of Brown Spots

Fungal Diseases

Diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, and rust are frequent in Texas, thriving in warm, humid conditions or overwatered lawns. Brown patch often appears as large, roughly circular areas of tan or brown grass with a darker edge. Dollar spot presents as smaller, silver-dollar-sized spots that can merge into larger areas, while rust appears as orange or reddish dust on grass blades. Prompt application of appropriate fungicides and adjusting watering practices can reduce their impact.

Lawn Pests

Insects like chinch bugs and grubs can cause severe lawn damage. Chinch bugs feed on grass blades, injecting toxins that block water movement, leading to yellowing that turns brown—damage usually starts near paved areas and moves inward. Grubs feed on grassroots, causing grass to wilt and pull up easily. Regular inspections and integrated pest management can control outbreaks before they cause significant harm.

Irrigation Issues

Water stress from overwatering, underwatering, or uneven sprinkler coverage can cause irregular brown patches. Overwatering suffocates roots and promotes disease, while underwatering leaves grass dry and brittle. Poor irrigation coverage can leave some areas lush while others dry out. Regular irrigation audits and sprinkler adjustments ensure even water distribution.

Pet Urine Damage

Dog urine contains concentrated nitrogen, which in small doses can fertilize grass but in excess burns it, creating small brown spots surrounded by a ring of dark green grass. Flushing spots with water immediately after pets urinate and training pets to use specific areas can minimize damage.

Heat and Drought Stress

Intense Texas summer heat and prolonged drought can stress grass, causing brown areas, especially in full-sun locations or on south-facing slopes. Increasing watering frequency during peak heat, mulching to retain soil moisture, and avoiding mowing too short can help lawns withstand these conditions.

For persistent or severe issues, contacting Conroy’s Lawn and Landscape ensures expert diagnosis and targeted solutions that protect your lawn year-round.

How to Diagnose the Cause

• Check Soil Moisture: Use a soil probe or screwdriver to test several spots across the lawn, checking how deep moisture penetrates. Grass roots need water 4–6 inches deep for optimal health. Shallow moisture indicates inadequate watering, while soggy soil may point to overwatering or poor drainage.
• Inspect Grass Blades: Examine individual blades for specific signs—chewed edges may signal caterpillars, lesions or slimy patches suggest fungal infection, and yellowing tips could mean nutrient deficiency.
• Observe Patterns: Circular patches with defined edges often indicate fungal disease, whereas irregular shapes that follow sun exposure or irrigation patterns may indicate environmental stress or sprinkler issues. Damage concentrated along sidewalks or driveways is often pest-related.
• Lift the Sod: Gently pull at the turf in affected areas. If it lifts easily without roots, grubs are likely present. Check for white larvae beneath the soil surface to confirm.

Effective Solutions

• Fungal Treatment: Identify the specific fungus, then apply an appropriate fungicide at the recommended rate and timing. Improve airflow by pruning surrounding plants and avoid watering late in the day to reduce humidity.
• Pest Control: For chinch bugs, use targeted insecticides and reduce thatch buildup where pests hide. For grubs, apply grub control products during their active feeding stage for maximum effectiveness.
• Irrigation Adjustment: Conduct a sprinkler audit to ensure even coverage. Adjust watering schedules seasonally, providing deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth.
• Pet Spot Repair: Flush pet-damaged areas with water immediately after urination to dilute nitrogen. Reseed or sod damaged areas and consider training pets to use gravel or mulch zones.
• Heat Stress Relief: Raise mowing height slightly during peak summer to shade roots, water early in the morning to reduce evaporation, and use mulch to retain soil moisture

For persistent or severe issues, contacting Conroy’s Lawn and Landscape ensures expert diagnosis and targeted solutions that protect your lawn year-round.

Prevention Tips

Preventing brown spots starts with building a resilient lawn through consistent, year-round care. Maintain a regular schedule of fertilization and weed control to supply essential nutrients and suppress invasive plants. Mow at the proper height for your grass type to encourage deeper root systems, and avoid removing more than one-third of the blade length at a time. Incorporate seasonal aeration to improve soil oxygen levels and water penetration, and address thatch buildup to prevent disease harboring. Regular lawn care maintenance inspections can catch early signs of stress before they develop into widespread damage.

When to Call a Professional

If brown spots persist or worsen despite treatment, it’s time to seek expert help. At Conroy’s Lawn and Landscape, we offer comprehensive lawn evaluations to pinpoint exact causes, whether fungal, pest-related, or environmental. Our team provides tailored solutions, from targeted disease control to irrigation system optimization, ensuring long-term lawn health and beauty.

Conclusion

Brown spots in Texas lawns can result from a variety of issues, including disease, pests, and environmental factors. Accurate diagnosis, combined with timely, targeted action, is key to restoring your lawn’s appearance and preventing recurrence. With consistent professional care and proactive maintenance strategies, your lawn can recover fully and thrive through every Texas season.