I have random brown patches in my lawn. After thatching & reseeding, they have returned. I live in Pa.?

Question

I have been told the brown patches are possibly where insect eggs are laid, like Japanese Beetles, which were been rampant in the begining of the summer, especially on my pear tree or eating anything else they found tasty. I also have slugs which could be a clue. Help! Should I rethatch & reseed now?

Answer 1

Do you have a problem with raccoons or other animals digging in your yard? If you do, I would say it is grubs. I say that because usually grubs are trying to get to the grubs because they eat them. If you do not have a problem with raccoons, then it is probably not grubs.

Slugs on the other hand would not be a problem, but tells me that you may have a problem with moisture, which means you may have a problem with a fungus. Those brown patches are caused by a fungus which usually come back in the same spot every year. Thatching will help, but by seeding, you are giving the fungus more food.

Do not apply fertilizer as this will feed the grass, hence providing more food for the fungus. Do not overwater your lawn. Water will ensure the survival of the fungus. I would take a sample to your local extension office and see if they can ID the pathogen for you. They can also recommend a fungicide for you too.

Here's more info for you:
http://www.american-lawns.com/problems/diseases/brown_patch.html

Answer 2

Could be grubs. Put some grub control on your lawn and see if that helps.

Answer 3

Here is a site that may help..... I've found quite a bit of info there...

http://www.turfgrass.com

Answer 4

dogs or grubs, both are hard to get rid of

Answer 5

do you own a dog, female dog urine kills grass in seemingly random patches.

Answer 6

Grubs, gotta kill em.