Symptoms
- Circular or irregular brown patches in otherwise green grass
- Grass pulls up easily from the roots in the patch
- Patches appear after hot, dry weather or heavy rain
Likely causes
- CommonInconsistent or insufficient wateringSprinkler coverage gaps often create patches matching the dry zone shape.
- CommonPet urine spotsConcentrated nitrogen from urine burns grass, often leaving a green ring around a dead center.
- PossibleGrub damage to rootsGrass with grub damage pulls up like loose carpet since roots are eaten away.
- PossibleFungal lawn diseaseCertain fungi create distinct patterns like rings or irregular patches, often worse in humid conditions.
What to do
- Try to pull up grass in the dead patch; if it lifts easily with no roots, suspect grub damage.
- Check your sprinkler coverage by running a cycle and observing for dry zones matching the brown patches.
- For suspected pet spots, water the area thoroughly to dilute nitrogen and consider training pets to a designated area.
- For suspected grubs, use a grub-specific insecticide following label instructions and reseed the area.
- For suspected fungal disease, improve air circulation, avoid overwatering, and apply a lawn fungicide if patches spread.
- Reseed or lay sod in bare patches once the underlying cause is addressed, keeping new grass consistently watered while it establishes.
Tools and parts
- Garden trowel (for inspecting roots)
- Spreader (for treatments/seed)
Grub control insecticideSearch: “lawn grub killer treatment”
Grass seed matched to lawn typeSearch: “grass seed for lawn repair”
When to call a pro
A lawn care service can identify specific fungal diseases or pest issues with more certainty and apply targeted treatments.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.