brown spots on lawn - Ask Extension
Since mid July I noticed these brown spots on the lawn. In the past few weeks they have spread throughout most of the backyard. It is spots of dead ...
Knowledgebase
brown spots on lawn #942445
Asked August 14, 2026, 4:39 PM EDT
Since mid July I noticed these brown spots on the lawn. In the past few weeks they have spread throughout most of the backyard. It is spots of dead grass. I pulled a few spots to see if the roots come out with the grass, (I read that happens due to grubs) but the roots do not come out, the grass breaks off near the soil. I have no pets nor are there any neighbors pets in the yard. disease? fungus? Rabbits? Any ideas? I live on a residential lot in Woodbury. I have a sprinkler system and water on designated days unless the rain sensor is triggered. I have it set for about 30 minutes per zone. No spots like this in the front yard at all. The back yard is on the south side.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Its hard to say definitively, but well done on eliminating grubs and pets. Rabbits are unlikely. Disease fungus is possible. See these web pages.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/discolored.html
https://turfdisease.osu.edu/sites/turfdisease/files/imce/Turf_Dis_Chart%20EXPANDED%20LAWN%20Dec.%202%202015.pdf
Or submit a sample to the WI Plant Disease Clinic. UMN does not test turf at this time. https://tdl.wisc.edu/
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/discolored.html
https://turfdisease.osu.edu/sites/turfdisease/files/imce/Turf_Dis_Chart%20EXPANDED%20LAWN%20Dec.%202%202015.pdf
Or submit a sample to the WI Plant Disease Clinic. UMN does not test turf at this time. https://tdl.wisc.edu/
