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Bermuda Grass Turning Brown: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

Seeing brown patches, spots, or overall browning in Bermuda grass (incl. Tifway 419, TifTuf)? Use this guide to identify whether it’s dormancy, drought, scalping, disease (e.g., brown patch), thatch/compaction, pests, or nutrition issues—and apply fast, practical fixes.

Why Bermuda Grass Turns Brown (Quick Diagnosis)

Brown areas can be cosmetic or a sign of deeper stress. Match your lawn’s symptoms with the most likely cause below.

Winter dormancy: Uniform tan/brown when temperatures drop; returns green in spring.
Drought / hydrophobic soil: Irregular brown patches that resist wetting; footprints linger.
Scalping (after mowing): Brown/bronze right after a cut, especially on high spots; tips look shredded.
Brown patch disease (Rhizoctonia): Circular/irregular brown areas with possible darker margins in warm, humid conditions; leaves may show lesions.
Thatch + compaction: Spongy surface, poor infiltration; roots stay shallow and dry out.
Nutrient imbalance: Low N or salt stress; overall fade, slow recovery; iron/micronutrient deficiency can look yellow→brown.
Pests (armyworms, cutworms, grubs): Chewed blades or areas that lift easily; thinning that browns quickly.
Shade/traffic/pet spots: Localized brown patches in low light, wear lanes, or small bright-yellow→brown “burn” spots.

Tip: Always check basics first—sunlight (6–8+ hrs), mowing height (25–50 mm / 1–2″), deep but infrequent watering, and soil condition.

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Step-by-Step Fixes for Brown Bermuda (Fast Recovery)

1) If it’s winter dormancy: Browning is normal; avoid nitrogen until active growth returns. Keep light irrigation if extremely dry/windy to prevent desiccation.

2) For drought or hydrophobic soil: Apply a wetting agent and water in cycle/soak (short on/off runs) to push moisture deeper. Target ~25–38 mm (1–1.5″) total per week in season, split 1–2 sessions.

3) For scalping after mowing: Raise cutting height to 25–50 mm; mow more frequently (never remove >⅓ of blade); sharpen blades. Light topdressing can level humps that get shaved.

4) For suspected brown patch disease: Water mornings only; reduce leaf wetness; avoid heavy N in heat/humidity. If confirmed, use a labeled fungicide and rotate modes of action. Improve airflow and thatch control.

5) For thatch/compaction: Core-aerate late spring–summer when turf is actively growing; verticut if thatch >12 mm (½”). Follow with irrigation and modest feeding to speed recovery.

6) For nutrient issues: During active growth, feed modestly and consistently—many Bermuda lawns respond to ~0.5–1.0 lb N/1,000 ft²/month (≈0.25–0.5 kg N/100 m²). Use slow-release granular for even growth; “spoon-feed” with liquids for quick colour without surging. For iron-type fade (veins green, tissue pale), apply a foliar iron/micro and address pH after a soil test.

7) For pests: Confirm first (soap-flush for caterpillars; tug test for grubs). Spot-treat with the labeled insecticide and re-inspect in 7–10 days. Keep mowing/watering steady to speed fill-in.

Quick green-up helper: a hose-on liquid feed restores colour fast while your granular program repairs density.
Recommended: CompleteGrow Lawn Grow – Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser for even coverage and rapid cosmetic recovery on Bermuda.

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Prevent Brown Patches: Seasonal Plan, Targets & FAQ

Seasonal plan
• Spring: Soil test & pH adjust; balanced or P/K-supported feed; begin deep, infrequent irrigation; set mowing height and cadence; spot-treat weeds early.
• Summer: N-forward feeding (granular or liquid spoon-feeds); mow frequently with sharp blades; core-aerate if compacted; water 1–2×/week to 25–38 mm total; monitor thatch/disease.
• Autumn: Taper N; maintain K; verticut if thatch >12 mm; light topdress/levelling; clean up weeds before winter.
• Winter: Pause N during dormancy; minimal irrigation to prevent desiccation; plan spring renovation.

Keep these targets: 6–8+ hours sun; mow 25–50 mm (1–2″); steady N in season (avoid surges); deep/infrequent irrigation; maintain pH ~6.0–7.0; aerate compacted areas annually.

FAQ

Does Bermuda grass turn brown in winter?
Yes—dormancy causes uniform tan/brown colour. Resume feeding and normal care when active growth returns in spring.

Why is my Bermuda brown after mowing?
Likely scalping or dull blades. Raise height, mow more often, sharpen blades, and level bumpy areas with light topdressing.

How do I tell brown patch disease from drought?
Disease often forms circular/irregular patches and shows during warm, humid spells with extended leaf wetness. Drought areas feel dry and may resist wetting—use a wetting agent and cycle/soak irrigation.

Best fast fix for cosmetic browning?
A hose-on liquid feed for quick colour, paired with a slow-release granular program to rebuild density and resilience.