August is usually when homeowners start asking the same question: "Why is my lawn turning brown?"
The good news is that brown grass doesn't always mean your lawn is dying. Our lawns here in Georgia go through a lot during the hottest part of the summer, and there are several reasons you might notice patches of brown showing up. The key is figuring out what's causing it before you start watering more or applying products that may not solve the problem.
Heat Stress and Drought Stress Aren't the Same Thing
When temperatures stay high for days or weeks, your lawn naturally experiences heat stress. Even if you've been watering, the grass may still look dull, wilted, or slightly brown because it's working hard just to survive.
Drought stress is a little different. It happens when the lawn simply isn't getting enough water. Grass affected by drought often leaves footprints that stay visible after you walk across it, and the blades may begin to curl or fold. A deep watering once or twice a week is usually much better than a light watering every day. Deep watering encourages stronger roots that can better handle Georgia's summer weather.
Brown Spots Could Be a Sign of Disease
Not every brown patch is caused by the heat.
Warm, humid weather can create the perfect conditions for certain lawn diseases. If the brown areas continue to spread, have unusual shapes, or don't improve after watering, disease could be the culprit.
The sooner lawn diseases are identified, the easier they are to manage. Waiting too long can allow the damage to spread and make recovery more difficult.
If you'd like to learn more about common lawn diseases, check out our blog, Spring Lawn Care Mistakes That Lead to Summer Fungal Diseases in North Georgia.
Don't Forget About Insects
Some insects feed on grass roots or blades, causing damage that looks very similar to drought stress. If watering isn't helping and sections of your lawn pull up easily, insects may be to blame.
Armyworms, grubs, and other lawn pests can become active during the warmer months, so it's worth taking a closer look before assuming the weather is the only problem.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If your lawn has stayed brown for more than a couple of weeks despite proper watering, it's probably time for an inspection. At AgroPro, we look at the whole picture—including soil conditions, insects, disease, nutrient levels, and environmental stress—before recommending a treatment plan. Sometimes the fix is simple, and sometimes it's a combination of services that helps your lawn recover before fall arrives.
Late summer is also a great time to start preparing your lawn for the next season. Addressing problems now often leads to healthier, greener growth once cooler weather returns.
If your lawn isn't looking its best this August, we're happy to help. Contact AgroPro Lawn Care Specialists for a free estimate or give us a call at 678-445-9990 to schedule a lawn evaluation.