Why brown patches in my lawn?

We often get asked about “brown” patches in the lawn.

Typical customer comments are “it is as a result of poor fertiliser application”, in reality, when we examine the patches its normally down to animal damage.

What does it look like?

urine flush

And more concentrated

urine flush with concentrated centre resulting in brown scorch

What causes it?

The lush green patches which appear are created by the animal urine breaking down into an additional source of Nitrogen, this then creates a nice green flush, however, too much Nitrogen will burn and damage the grass plant creating a brown spot in the lawn.

What can be done?

  • Water in where the animal has urinated, buts that may not always be possible, especially if its a wild animal.
  • Train your pet to use other areas in the garden.
  • Feeding the lawn will help mask the rest of the lawn.

Why use a Lawn Treatment Service?

  • The controlled release feeds they use will last 10-12 weeks giving a gentle release of nutrient and longer lasting masking.
  • Soil improvers are available which contains natural ingredient to help neutralisation and lawn recovery.
  • Products are professionally and safely applied for you.

How do I repair damaged areas?

We recommend over seeding with Miracle-Gro Patch Magic Dog Spot Repair
This product contains a calcium-rich mineral which neutralises and repairs urine burns in lawns.

You can also rake the affected burn and overseed with Green Velvet All Rounder mixed with a little top soil.

Both methods will require regular watering to enable the seed to germinate and establish.

What else could I do?

You could also explore natural aids to help prevent the burning, examples include:

Inclusion in water bowls:
Dog Rocks – view web site
The original 100% natural solution for dog urine burn marks

Peterals – view web site
An all-natural solution to grass burn patches created by your dog’s urine

To be included with your pets diet:
Green Peeze – view web site
Green Peez is a totally safe, natural way to neutralise lawn burn caused by dog wee.

Greenum – view web site
Green-UM® Lawn Burn Solution will help prevent unsightly yellow spots appearing on your lawn.

Treat Safe® Your Questions answered is written by John Draper of Greener Gardens, Nottingham’s local independent BASIS Lawn Assured specialist and Chairman of the UK Lawncare Association.

Our office

32 Mowbray Gardens

West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6JN

24 hours / 365 days

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri 9.00 - 17.00

Out of hours telephone service

Where we operate

We operate North and South of the River Trent and East towards Newark. Many of our customers are located in: West Bridgford, Radcliffe on Trent, Bingham, Cotgrave, Tollerton, Keyworth, Ruddington and North of the River: Beeston, Chilwell, Wollaton, Bramcote, Nottingham, Mapperley and Arnold.