Why Your Lawn Has Brown Patches (And How to Fix Them)

There’s nothing more frustrating than walking outside on a summer morning with your coffee in hand, only to spot a dry, crusty brown patch where vibrant green grass should be. Whether you’re maintaining a manicured showpiece or just trying to keep things respectable, brown patches can tank your curb appeal — fast.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my lawn turning brown in spots?” — you’re not alone. Lawn discolouration is one of the most common complaints from homeowners in British Columbia and beyond. But the good news? Brown patches are fixable. And more often than not, the solution starts with identifying the true cause.

Understanding the Root of the Problem

Lawn care isn’t just about mowing on Sundays and watering every other day. Your grass is a living ecosystem — and brown patches are its way of telling you something’s off. Could be fungi, pests, poor soil, or something as simple as how you mow.

Before we get into the fix, we need to decode the cause. Let’s dig in.

The Most Common Reasons Lawns Develop Brown Patches

Brown patches can look similar on the surface, but they don’t always come from the same issue. Here are the usual suspects

Fungal Diseases – Nature’s Silent Saboteurs

One of the top culprits? Fungi. Especially in damp, humid environments (like our Pacific Northwest climate), fungal diseases like Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) and Dollar Spot (Sclerotinia homeocarpa) can thrive.

What It Looks Like:

Circular or irregular patches
Grass looks dry or rotted in the middle
May have darker rings on the outer edges
Thrives during humid, warm weather

Fungal issues often go unnoticed at first. But once you spot them, they can spread fast — especially if your lawn has excessive thatch or poor drainage.

Drought Stress – When Water Isn’t Getting Where It Should

Even in a rainy climate, your lawn can suffer from localized dry spots. If your irrigation is uneven or you’re watering at the wrong time of day, patches of your lawn can dry out and die.

Signs of Drought Stress:

Grass wilts or folds in half lengthwise
Leaves have a bluish tint before browning
Patchy areas appear in spots that get full sun or wind exposure

It’s not just about how much water — it’s how well the soil holds it. Compacted soil or heavy clay can stop moisture from reaching the roots.

Compacted Soil – The Undercover Problem

You can’t see it from above, but compacted soil is like concrete to grass roots. Roots need air, water, and nutrients to move freely underground — and compacted soil stops all three in their tracks.

If you walk the same path across your lawn every day or if heavy machinery’s been used in the yard, soil compaction could be behind your brown patches.

Solution? Core aeration. We recommend doing this every spring or fall to give your soil room to breathe.

Lawn Grubs – Destruction From Below

If patches pull up like loose carpet and you spot white, curled larvae underneath? That’s grub damage. These pests chew on the roots of your grass, leaving the blades to die off and brown out.

Chafer beetles, European crane flies, and other root-munching larvae love our BC climate — especially if your lawn is a thick buffet of undernourished turf.

Tell-Tale Signs

Grass easily lifts from the soil
Raccoons and birds dig up areas at night
You can physically see the grubs wriggling beneath the surface

A single square foot can host dozens of these larvae, and the damage adds up fast.

Dog Urine – Your Furry Friend’s Footprint

That yellow-brown ringed patch in the middle of your lawn? You might not have a fungal disease — you might have a dog with a favourite bathroom spot.

Urine has high concentrations of nitrogen, which in small doses fertilizes grass. But when it pools in one spot repeatedly, it scorches it.

Want to learn more about how fertilizers (and nitrogen) affect your lawn? Check out what lawn fertilizer really does and how to balance it properly.

Blunt Mower Blades or Mowing Too Short

It might seem trivial, but how you mow matters. Dull mower blades tear your grass instead of cutting it, causing trauma that dries out the tips and turns your lawn brown. Mowing too short (aka “scalping”) also exposes roots to heat and sun, increasing the risk of patching.

Rule of thumb: Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height in one mowing session.

Location Matters – Climate and Soil in BC’s Fraser Valley

Here in the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver area, we’re working with a very specific set of lawn care challenges: high rainfall, mild winters, clay-heavy soil, and variable sun exposure.

This unique combo means our lawns are particularly vulnerable to:

Fungal blooms during rainy springs
Soil compaction from heavy foot traffic
pH imbalances and poor drainage

If you’re not treating your lawn with local conditions in mind, you’re always playing catch-up.

That’s why more homeowners are choosing Splendid Landscape Services for expert lawn care designed specifically for BC’s conditions.

Artificial grass requires very little maintenance. Occasional rinsing to remove dust and debris, and brushing to keep the blades upright, are usually all that’s needed. There’s no mowing, or watering required, which can save homeowners significant time and money.

In contrast, a natural grass lawn demands regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, aeration, and weed control. A typical real lawn can require thousands of gallons of water each year, especially during dry summers. For busy homeowners or those looking to reduce their environmental footprint, artificial grass offers a clear advantage in terms of upkeep.

How to Tell Which Problem You're Dealing With

Every brown patch tells a story — you just need to know how to read it. Here’s a simple diagnostic guide:

Symptom	Likely Cause
Circular spots with a dark edge	Fungal disease
Patch lifts easily, grubs visible	Lawn pests
Yellowing with a central dead spot	Pet urine
Thin grass, water runoff	Soil compaction
Patch in sunny, windy area	Drought stress

Still unsure? Start by cutting a small square of the patch and examining the roots and soil. Better yet, call in a lawn pro for a quick assessment.

How to Fix Brown Patches in Your Lawn — For Real

Now that you’ve identified why those brown patches are showing up, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and do something about it. The good news? Most lawn issues are totally fixable — if you match the right treatment to the right problem. Generic “weed and feed” solutions won’t cut it here.

Let’s get into the strategies, broken down by problem type.

Fungal Diseases – How to Fight the Invisible Enemy

Fungal problems need to be treated with precision. If caught early, many can be reversed without having to reseed or replace large sections of turf.

Your Action Plan:

Improve air circulation: Rake out heavy thatch and avoid overwatering.
Adjust watering times: Water in the early morning so grass dries during the day.
Use fungicides wisely: Choose an organic or synthetic fungicide based on the type of fungus. Follow all label directions — more is not better.
Avoid mowing wet grass: This spreads spores.

And once you’ve treated the area? Overseed it with a disease-resistant grass blend to keep future fungi in check.

Fixing Drought Stress and Poor Irrigation

Dry, crispy patches often point to watering issues — either too little, too infrequent, or hitting the wrong spots altogether.

Here’s how to recover:

Deep, infrequent watering: Water twice a week for longer durations instead of short daily sprinkles.
Use a screwdriver test: Can you easily push a screwdriver 6 inches into the soil? If not, the ground is too dry or compacted.
Check sprinkler coverage: Uneven zones are often the result of poor irrigation design.

For a full breakdown of brown patch causes related to moisture and stress, this UK lawn care guide offers a useful perspective — especially when comparing cooler climate strategies to BC’s coastal conditions.

The Grub Battle Plan

Grubs may be tiny, but they do massive damage underground — and fast. If you’ve spotted them, timing is everything.

What to do:

Apply beneficial nematodes: These microscopic worms eat grubs without harming your soil or grass.
Use a grub control product: Choose either a preventative or curative formula depending on the time of year.
Repair the damage: Remove dead grass, loosen soil, and reseed with a quality mix.

Bonus tip: Apply a topdressing of compost to encourage root regrowth and enrich the soil.

Dealing with Dog Damage

We love our furry companions, but their urine? Not so much.

Quick fixes:

Dilute urine spots: Pour water over the area immediately after your dog goes to dilute nitrogen concentration.
Train your dog: Set up a designated bathroom spot and reward them for using it.
Patch with hardy seed mix: Choose a blend specifically designed for high-traffic or pet-damaged lawns.

Want to prevent future damage before it happens? Feed your lawn properly and keep the soil healthy. A well-fed lawn can handle more stress, including pet pee.

Combatting Soil Compaction

Compacted soil is a silent lawn killer. It suffocates roots, prevents drainage, and invites diseases. The best solution? Give your lawn some breathing room.

Your toolkit:

Core aeration: Rent a machine or hire a pro to pull small plugs from the soil. This boosts oxygen, water, and nutrient flow.
Topdress with compost: After aerating, spread a thin layer of compost to enrich soil structure.
Overseed the area: Grass loves growing in loosened soil. Overseed with the right mix for your climate and sun exposure.

This one-two punch will have your lawn bouncing back within weeks.

Repairing Mower and Fertilizer Mishaps

Scalping and over-fertilizing are two of the most overlooked causes of brown spots. Fortunately, they’re also among the easiest to fix.

Your lawn recovery checklist:

Sharpen mower blades: Torn grass tips lose moisture quickly and are more prone to disease.
Raise your mowing height: Most BC lawns do best at 2.5–3 inches during summer.
Avoid chemical burns: Apply fertilizer at the recommended rate and water it in thoroughly.

If you’ve overdone the fertilizer? Flush the area with water to dilute the salts — then monitor for recovery.

Spot Treatments vs. Full Lawn Renovation

Sometimes a brown patch is just a patch. Other times, it’s a symptom of a bigger problem. Here’s how to decide what approach to take.

Go Spot-by-Spot If:

Damage is under 30% of total lawn area You know the exact cause (grubs, pet urine, etc.) The surrounding turf is healthy and dense

Consider Full Renovation If:

Multiple causes are overlapping (fungus + poor soil + pests) Your lawn is more brown than green It's been more than five years since your last aeration or reseeding In these cases, a pro-level overhaul might be the most time-efficient (and long-lasting) solution. That’s where a trusted lawn care service like ours comes in — with soil testing, custom seed blends, and real horticultural expertise.

How to Prevent Brown Patches from Coming Back

You’ve done the dirty work: diagnosed the issue, patched the problem, and maybe even reseeded a few rough spots. But here’s the truth — the best cure is prevention. A healthy lawn isn’t just about reacting to problems; it’s about building long-term resilience.

So let’s lock in that green, thick turf with a smart, seasonal lawn care strategy.

Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar for BC Lawns

Our Fraser Valley climate is a bit of a wild card — wet springs, dry summers, and mild-but-moody winters. Your lawn care routine needs to adapt accordingly.

Spring – Wake Up Your Lawn

Spring is your reset button. It’s the perfect time to repair winter damage and prep your lawn for the growing season ahead. Your Spring Checklist: Core aeration to relieve soil compaction Overseeding thin areas with cool-season blends Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer Spot-treat any remaining fungal issues This is also the ideal time to schedule a professional lawn health assessment — especially if your lawn’s coming out of winter with bald spots or moss invasion.

See Spring Lawn Care Checklist

Summer – Stress Defense Mode

Summer is when brown patches are most likely to strike. It’s hot, dry, and often when your lawn is under the most stress — from kids, pets, and UV rays. What to focus on: Water deeply but infrequently (early morning only) Mow high (2.5–3 inches) to protect roots from sun exposure Keep an eye out for early grub or fungal activity Avoid heavy fertilizer applications during heat waves One overlooked tip? Sharpen your mower blade every 4–6 weeks during peak cutting season.

Fall – The Recovery Season

Autumn is when smart lawn care pays off. Cooler weather and regular rain give your lawn one last chance to bounce back before winter dormancy. Your Fall Playbook: Fertilize with a high-potassium mix to prep for winter Reseed any persistent brown spots Apply preventative fungicide if you've dealt with disease before Rake and remove leaves to avoid smothering the grass This is also the time to get ahead of pests. Chafer beetle eggs hatch in late summer — fall grub treatments stop them before they do damage.

Winter – Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Watchfulness

Your lawn might be dormant, but don’t abandon it entirely. Avoid walking on frosty or snowy grass (it can break the blades) Keep heavy snow piles off the lawn if possible Monitor drainage — pooling water in winter can set the stage for fungal trouble in spring If you’re in a particularly soggy zone, consider amending with sand or compost in early winter to boost drainage.

How to Build Long-Term Lawn Resilience

Fixing brown patches is one thing. Preventing them year after year? That’s next-level lawn care. Here’s how to make your grass tough as nails — and green as envy.

Focus on Soil First

If your soil isn’t right, your lawn never will be. Healthy soil should be:

Loamy — not too sandy, not too sticky
Well-aerated — oxygen needs to reach the roots
pH-balanced — most grasses thrive around 6.0–7.0
Nutrient-rich — don’t guess; test!

If you’re unsure about your soil profile, invest in a professional test. It’s the foundation for everything else you do — including fertilizer choice, watering schedule, and grass variety.

Choose the Right Grass Type for Your Lawn

Not all grass is created equal. Some types are naturally more resistant to fungi, drought, or foot traffic. If you’re constantly battling brown patches, your current grass might not be a good fit for your conditions.

Tip: Overseed with a blend of grass types, so your lawn has multiple strengths. Fine fescues and perennial ryegrass do well in BC’s climate.

Reduce Lawn Stress Where You Can

Your lawn is tougher than it looks — but it has limits. Here’s how to reduce wear and tear:

Rotate play and pet zones to prevent overuse of one area
Use stepping stones in high-traffic paths
Keep mower blades sharp and mowing height consistent
Water deeply, not daily

A stressed lawn is a vulnerable lawn. Keep it resilient by minimizing unnecessary damage.

When to Call in the Pros

Some lawn issues are worth a DIY approach. Others? Not so much. If any of the following sound familiar, it’s time to bring in expert help:

Brown patches keep coming back despite your best efforts
Over 30% of your lawn is affected
You’re dealing with overlapping issues (grubs + fungus + compaction)
You don’t have the time or equipment to do deep soil work

Professional services bring the diagnostic tools, targeted treatments, and expert oversight that can turn a struggling lawn around fast.

Want a full-service solution with a local edge? The team at Splendid Landscape Services offers lawn repair, fertilization, aeration, and long-term maintenance tailored to Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver lawns. We don’t do guesswork — just lush, lasting results.

Your Brown Patch Game Plan — Recap

Let’s tie it all together. Brown patches can be annoying, but they’re also telling you something important. Learn to read the signs, act fast, and apply the right fix.

Your Quick Fix Checklist:

Diagnose the issue (fungus, grubs, soil, pets, etc.)
Treat with targeted solutions
Repair with aeration, overseeding, and topdressing
Prevent with seasonal care and smart lawn practices

And if you’re still unsure what’s going wrong — don’t wing it. Bring in the pros, get the facts, and give your lawn the care it deserves.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This (and We’ve Got Your Back)

Brown patches aren’t a death sentence. They’re just a sign your lawn needs a little attention — and now, you’ve got the knowledge to handle them like a pro.

Want help getting started? Ready for a hands-off solution that still delivers a magazine-worthy lawn? Reach out to Splendid Landscape Services for a free consultation and customized plan built for your yard.

Because your lawn shouldn’t just survive the season. It should thrive — year after year.