Brown patches on your lawn can be a real pain. Not only do they look unsightly, but they also feel uncomfortable underfoot and could lead to further problems if left unaddressed. If you've been wondering what causes these brown spots, or how to treat them, this guide is for you. Here are four possible causes of brown patches on your lawn and some ways to eradicate each one.

1. Grubs

Grubs are small white pests that burrow in the lawn, damaging your grass by eating its roots. Since the damage is underground, many people don't even realise they have grubs attacking their lawn. To spot them, looking for ripples or circles on the surface of your lawn alongside brown patches. If they are the cause behind the unpleasant brown spots in the grass, there are several home remedies that can treat them. Grubs are small white pests that burrow in the lawn, damaging your grass by eating its roots. Since the damage is underground, many people don't even realise they have grubs attacking their lawn. To spot them, look for ripples or circles on the surface of your lawn alongside brown patches. If they are the cause behind the unpleasant brown spots in the grass, one great home remedy is to introduce nematodes into your garden. These microscopic parasites kill off the grubs naturally over time. Alternatively, you can hire a landscaping company that offers grub control services.

2. Lawn fungus

Fungus is another common cause of brown spots in your lawn. Brown patch lawn disease is caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani, which is particularly harmful to bentgrasses and ryegrass. To get rid of it, you should use fungicides if your grass is compatible with them. Nitrogenous fertiliser can also help attack the problem. However, prevention is the best form of cure for this type of brown patches. As with all types of fungi, you should avoid watering and mowing the grass when it's wet, as this allows the fungus to invade the lawn. 

3. Pet urine

If you have a pet who uses your garden as a bathroom, its urine may cause brown spots on the lawn. Dog and cat urine is very acidic, and that acid level damages grass, killing it off and creating brown spots. Naturally, if you suspect that your pet is the reason for the brown spots in your grass, the only remedy is to take your pet elsewhere to pee. If your cat or dog is determined to urinate on the lawn, look for a grass-safe repellent. 

4. Foot traffic

Natural foot traffic, especially during periods of adverse weather, can cause a lot of damage to your grass. Over time, footsteps wear down the grass and cause it to thin and dehydrate. On top of this, stepping on grass can break the blades, making them more prone to fungal and bacteria attacks. If you and your family use your garden heavily, consider adding paving stones or a patio area to reduce walking on the lawn itself. A landscaping company can help you design a yard space that suits your needs.

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