Lawn Problems: What Are These Brown Spots?

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Debunking Common Lawn Problems

You put a lot of effort into maintaining your lawn so it looks lush and has that emerald green color everybody wants. In addition to the ordinary weeds that sprout and cause an eyesore, you also have to be concerned when brown spots make an appearance. Before you automatically assume you need to water your yard, take a look at these common lawn problems and see if one could be the culprit.

Culprit #1: Grubs

Grubs are white beetle larvae that feed on the roots of your grass. If you notice multiple brown patches in your yard, they may be the cause. Test the brown patch by pulling on it to see if it is easily removed. You may also notice an increase in other pests including birds or skunks that feed on grubs. To get rid of grubs, you need to apply a pesticide treatment in late spring or early summer.

Culprit #2: Fungus

If brown spots appeared in your backyard quickly (less than 24 hours), the lawn fungus is likely the problem. There are many types of lawn fungi in New Jersey that are caused by temperature changes, ,too much watering, or unseasonal rainfall. Typically adjusting watering and fertilizing techniques will help get rid of the fungus, but sometimes it requires special treatments.

Culprit #3: Animals

If your furry family members spend a lot of time outdoors, they may pick a favorite spot in the yard to spend their time. Excessive use of the same spot can dry out the yard. Keep your animals away from these areas. Try frequently watering the sports to bring them life.

Culprit #4: Sod Webworm

Sod Webworms are another pest amongst typical lawn problems. These creatures look like tiny caterpillars. You can identify them by their double row of black or brown spots and their ability to fly. Webworms lay their eggs in the grass overnight and feed on the grass which causes brown spots. You can check for sod worms by soaking a small area your yard in soapy water which brings the worms to the surface after ten minutes.

Getting rid of sod worms is a multi-step approach that requires properly aerating the yard and applying a pesticide.

Culprit #5: Human Error

From mowing to simply living in our backyards, there are a lot of things that can go wrong and cause unwanted lawn problems. Make sure your mower blades aren’t set too low and that they are sharp to avoid killing the grass. A healthy amount of grass cutting when needed will help keep your yard looking fresh, but overcutting could harm the lifespan of the yard.

Culprit #6: Compacted Soil

If your grass isn’t getting the nutrients it needs, it will look less than stellar. The best way to allow nutrients and water to make their way to the roots is through core aeration. Core aeration is the process of removing patches of ground every four inches. When you remove these patches, it opens the heavily compacted areas and allows the grassroots to get what they need to grow.

A professional lawn care company can help you with any of these lawn problems. Perennial Lawn Care offers a lawn care program that is customized to your yards specific needs. Call us for a free estimate today.

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