Why Is My Grass Turning Brown?

When you’ve spent countless hours maintaining your property, few things are more frustrating than when your carefully-tended grass turns brown. A change in color is more than just an eyesore: when your lawn’s vibrant green fades to a dull brown, it may indicate an underlying problem that is compromising your grass’s health. Cutting Edge Landscaping helps clients keep their lawns beautiful even when the summer heat reaches its peak. Here’s what you should know if your grass is turning brown. 

Grass Has Stopped Growing

When the weather is hot and humid, grass often stops or slows its growth. This “dormancy” protects the grass from the harsh elements. That being said, if the grass continues to receive enough moisture, the growth slows but the blades still stay green. However, in times of drought, the grass will turn brown, especially if there is no irrigation to provide moisture. Once grass moves out of dormancy, the roots lack much-needed resources, leaving your turf at risk of further damage. 

The key is to prevent a newly-grown lawn from going dormant. Freshly planted seeds need to develop a strong root system. Keeping your lawn watered promotes growth, so consider installing an irrigation system to ensure all parts of your yard stay moisturized. 

Damage From Insects

Sometimes, a brown lawn can be caused by insect activity. Certain bugs eat grass’s roots and the blades, wreaking havoc on your yard. A grub infestation can lead to significant root damage and loss, causing grass to fall out of the soil easily. As a result, you’ll notice your lawn becoming brown in patches that grow. You will need to work with your local pest inspector to eliminate the insects. In the meantime, we can discuss various solutions to restore your lawn’s fullness and beauty. Consider planting new seeds or installing sod after the insect infestation is gone for good. 

Drought Stress

Grass is very susceptible to the high temperatures that arrive every summer. If you notice wilting, browning and other issues by the time summer’s over, it may be an issue of limited moisture and too much sun. Drought stress is very common and is caused by prolonged dry conditions. Test for drought stress by pressing the tip of a screwdriver into your lawn’s soil. If it’s hard to penetrate the soil, it’s dry. 

The simple solution for drought stress is to install an irrigation system. With an irrigation system, your grass will stay hydrated and fresh even in periods of little rainfall. We build custom irrigation systems to maximize watering efficacy. 

Mowing Too Short

Mowing is an important part of maintaining a tidy lawn. However, mowing too often or cutting the grass too low can cause it to turn brown, especially later in the summer when the sun’s intensity and heat are at their peak. While you may think it is more time-effective to mow the grass shorter, it’s important to leave length to prevent cutting into the crown of the grass. Your best bet is to let our team maintain your lawn. We provide dependable lawncare services and can ensure your lawn stays beautiful all season long. 

Call Cutting Edge Landscaping Today

Are you struggling to restore your lawn’s healthy, green appearance? Call our landscapers today to discuss possible solutions. We look forward to working with you!