Resurrect your lawn: Complete guide to brown spot removal

Nobody likes brown spots or dry patches in their lawn. These annoying and unsightly areas can pop up quickly and ruin the uniform look of a yard. Even worse? If you have an in-ground irrigation system, this is usually signals a larger sprinkler issue.

What causes brown spots?

Brown spots in a lawn or grassy area are typically caused by poor irrigation coverage where some of the grass receives the water it needs and other parts are left out. This uneven application of water can be very tough to detect until after irrigation problems have already developed.

For those with in-ground irrigation, some common causes include: – Sprinkler heads too low in the ground

– Crooked sprinkler heads that don’t pop up as they should

– Broken or out-of-alignment sprinkler heads

– Stuck sprinkler heads that don’t turn as intended

– Blockages (like new plant growth, or landscaping materials like mulch) that get in the way of sprinkler heads

– Water pressure issues

– Plugged or worn-out nozzles

– Tree roots encroaching on irrigation lines, which can result in decreased water flow

– Valves opening partially or not at all

– Uneven or inconsistent water coverage

We suggest regularly checking in with your irrigation system and yard a few times a year to make sure your system is running well.

Inconsistent water coverage?

If you suspect your yard isn’t getting even water coverage, there are a couple tricks that can green the playing field, so to speak.

– Add a Smart Hose Timer to increase water coverage at any dry spots. You can pair a hose timer with a soaker hose to automatically apply water where you need it. Just snake the hose through your grass or plants and set watering schedules that make sense for your yard.

– Upgrade your sprinkler system to a Smart Sprinkler Controller for automatic, weather-responsive watering.

Other causes

Not all brown spots are caused by irrigation issues. Excessive sun exposure, animal urine, fungus and disease can also create dead spots or dry areas in your yard. Take note of the size and location of brown spots during your regular checks. Also be sure to note the location of shadows on your lawn at different parts of the day. One part of the yard could be shaded in the morning but receive full sun for the entire afternoon, creating a difference in water needs.

Still struggling to find a solution? It might be time to call a pro. You can request an irrigation audit through many landscaping and irrigation professionals.

DISCLAIMER: Remember, once the SOD is installed you must water it consistently with good water flow to keep it hydrated.