Dead patches on lawn
These are many reasons why these may occur and the most likely are not usually due to pests or diseases. The most common causes are:
Petrol spills or leaks from the mower
Uneven application of weed killer
Uneven application of fertiliser
Inadequate preparation before sowing grass seed may mean there is buried debris or an uneven surface
Badly laid turf or uneven surface
Uneven surface is 'scalped' while mowing
Waterlogging/Bad Drainage
Drought
Excessive thatch
Overuse
Bitch marks (Dog Urine)
Diseases
Newly sown grass: seedling blights, similar to 'damping off'.
Established lawns:

Fusarium patch or snow moulds are prevalent in cold weather.

Brown and yellow patch, take-all patch and red thread are prevalent when conditions are warm.

Leaf spots and other fungi may also cause dead patches.
Pests
Chafer grubs cause problems between autumn and spring. These fat C-shaped grubs are creamy white with brown heads.
Leatherjackets (grubs of the crane fly) are at their most damaging in midsummer.
< Back to Lawn & Grass Care Advice <<