Finding brown patches in your lawn can be frustrating, especially when you’ve been putting in the work to keep it green. In Connecticut, our lawns face unique challenges—from humid Litchfield County summers to local pest cycles.
If your grass is losing its luster, it’s usually one of these five culprits. Here is how to diagnose the problem and get your curb appeal back on track.
1. Summer Dormancy vs. Dead Grass
In the heat of July and August, many CT lawns (typically cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue) go into “dormancy” to protect themselves.
- The Test: Tug on a handful of brown grass. If it resists, it’s likely dormant. If it pulls out effortlessly like a wig, it may be dead.
- The Fix: Increase your watering depth or wait for cooler temperatures. If your lawn needs professional hydration, check out our Lawn Care Services.
2. Grub Infestations
White grubs are a major headache for New England homeowners. These beetle larvae live in the soil and feast on grass roots.
- The Sign: Irregular brown patches that feel “spongy” when you walk on them.
- The Fix: Preventative grub control is key. Once damage is visible, curative treatments and re-seeding are often necessary to restore the turf.
3. Fungal Diseases (Brown Patch)
Connecticut’s high humidity often leads to fungal outbreaks like Brown Patch or Dollar Spot. This usually happens when the grass stays wet overnight.
- The Sign: Circular brown patches, sometimes with a “smoke ring” appearance around the edges.
- The Fix: Water early in the morning so the sun can dry the blades. Avoid evening watering at all costs.
4. Improper Mowing Heights
Mowing your grass too short (scalping) is one of the fastest ways to turn a lawn brown. Short grass has shallow roots and can’t handle the CT sun.
- The Fix: Keep your mower blade high—at least 3 to 3.5 inches. This shades the soil and keeps roots cool. Need a pro to handle it? See our Mowing & Maintenance options.
5. Poor Soil Drainage or Compaction
If your soil is hard and compacted (common in our rocky New England terrain), water can’t reach the roots.
- The Fix: Core aeration is the best solution. It opens up the soil to let oxygen and water reach the root zone. Learn why Fall Aeration is a must for CT lawns.