Brown grass in a garden

Help! My Grass is Turning Brown in the Summer

Have you ever gone outside to enjoy a sunny day, only to find that your grass has turned brown? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this problem, especially during periods of hot, dry weather.

While it may be tempting to panic, there’s no need to worry. In most cases, brown grass is simply due to heat stress and will green up again once the weather cools down.

Lawn with spots of dead/brown grass.
Lawn with dead grass

Why Does Grass Turn Brown in the Summer?

Grass turns brown when it doesn’t have enough water. When the blades of grass lose moisture, they begin to turn brown and wilt. This can be caused by several factors, including extended periods of hot, dry weather; watering the lawn too little; or watering the lawn during the hottest part of the day.

How Can I Prevent My Grass from Turning Brown?

The best way to prevent your grass from turning brown is to water it regularly and deeply. During periods of hot, dry weather, your lawn will need extra water to stay healthy. Aim to water your lawn 2-3 times per week, using enough water to wet the soil 6-8 inches deep.

A sprinkler watering a green lawn.
Sprinkler on lawn

If you’re not sure how much water your lawn needs, check the manufacturers’ instructions on your sprinkler system or irrigation controller.

Another helpful tip is to avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, which is typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Watering during these hours can cause evaporation before the roots have a chance to absorb moisture. Instead, water early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

Conclusion

If your grass has turned brown due to heat stress, don’t worry. It will likely green up again once the weather cools down.

To prevent brown grass in the future, water your lawn deeply and regularly 2-3 times per week using a sprinkler system or irrigation controller. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), and try to water early in the morning or late in the evening instead.