Dry Patch In Your Lawn

Mad About Lawns

Dry Patch in Your Lawn

Also known as “brown patch,” can be a frustrating problem for homeowners with a lawn. This condition is characterized by circular or irregular-shaped brown patches that appear in the grass. Usually during warm and humid weather. If left untreated, dry patch can cause significant damage to your lawn and make it difficult to maintain. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of dry patch and provide you with tips on how to treat it.

Dry patch is normally a condition caused by hydrophobic conditions. This is where the soil starts to repell water and can become dust like.  It sometimes starts to show up in hot dry conditions when the grass turns brown and becomes thin. All attempts at re-wetting the area stop working and the ground looks bone dry.

Causes

One of the main causes of dry patch is excess thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other debris that accumulates on top of the soil. When the thatch layer becomes too thick, it can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass. Causing the grass to become dry and brown. To treat dry patch caused by excess thatch, you will need to remove the thatch using a rake or a specialized thatch removal tool such as a heavy scarifier.

Another common cause of dry patch is poor drainage. If the soil in your lawn is compacted or has poor drainage, water can’t penetrate the soil and reach the roots of the grass. This can cause the grass to become dry and brown, leading to the development of dry patch. To treat dry patch caused by poor drainage, you will need to improve the drainage in your lawn by aerating the soil and adding organic matter.

Fungal disease is also one of the common causes of dry patch, especially in warm and humid weather. Fungal diseases can cause the roots of the grass to rot, leading to brown patches in the lawn. To treat dry patch caused by fungal disease, you will need to use a fungicide that is specifically formulated to treat the disease that is affecting your lawn.

Ferilization

Proper fertilization is also important to prevent dry patch and maintain a healthy lawn. Using the right fertilizer at the right time, and in the right amount, can help to keep your grass green and healthy. This can prevent the development of dry patch and other lawn problems.

The best treatment for dry patch is to use wetting agents and address and other contributing factors such as thatch and fungal activity.

In conclusion, dry patch can be a frustrating problem for homeowners with a lawn, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be effectively treated. Causes of dry patch can be various and range from excess thatch, poor drainage, fungal disease to improper fertilization. By understanding the causes of dry patch and taking the necessary steps to treat it, you can keep your lawn green and healthy all year round.

This blog covers these topics, dry patch, brown patch, lawn, thatch, drainage, aeration, organic matter, fungal disease, and fertilization.