When you lawn begins turning brown in summer, it can cause concern—but before you assume the worst, it’s important to understand why your grass is turning brown in the first place. In many cases, it’s a natural response to the heat and not a sign of permanent damage. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits and what you can do about them.
1. Summer Dormancy – A Natural Survival Mode
Many cool-season grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, will go dormant during periods of prolonged heat and limited rainfall. Dormancy is the lawn’s way of protecting itself by slowing growth and conserving resources. The lawn may look tan or straw-colored but is still alive beneath the surface.
Signs of Dormancy:
- Even, uniform browning across the entire lawn
- No signs of fungal growth or irregular patterns
- Turf bounces back once cooler temperatures and moisture return
What to Do:
Dormancy isn’t harmful, but it’s wise to water occasionally (even just ½ inch per week) during dry periods to keep the crown of the plant alive. Avoid fertilizing a dormant lawn—it can stress the grass even more.
2. Drought Stress – Your Lawn Is Thirsty
When lawns don’t receive enough water, the grass will start to show signs of drought stress. Unlike dormancy, drought stress can cause patchy browning, thinning, or wilting.
Signs of Drought Stress:
- Grass blades appear curled or folded
- Footprints remain visible after walking across the lawn (pictured)
- Browning occurs in sunny or high-traffic areas first
What to Do:
Consistent watering (1 to 1.5 inches per week, ideally in the early morning) will help bring your lawn out of stress. If irrigation is limited, focus watering on high-priority areas like front yards or around ornamental beds.
3. Lawn Disease – A Hidden Culprit
Some brown patches may be the result of fungal diseases like brown patch or dollar spot (pictured), especially during humid or overwatered conditions.
Signs of Disease:
- Circular patches with discolored borders
- Slimy or moldy appearance in the early morning
- Lawn doesn’t improve with watering
What to Do:
Disease diagnosis can be tricky. Avoid nighttime watering, mow regularly (but not too short), and call Brooklawn if the lawn shows signs of spreading damage. Our technicians can identify the issue and recommend treatment options.
If Your Lawn is Turning Brown, Call Brooklawn!
Our lawn care program is built to support your lawn through the highs and lows of the Indiana summer. We provide:
- Seasonal fertilization that strengthens root systems
- Monitoring for stress and disease at every visit
- Professional advice tailored to your lawn’s unique needs
If you’re unsure what’s causing browning in your lawn, don’t panic—we’re just a call away (888) 794-9555. With expert care and timely advice, most lawns can bounce back and thrive again. For additional reading topics, visit our blog!
