Lawn Browning spots - Ask Extension
Wondering if you have ideas for my lawn every year it usually turns out nice but this spring noticed this spotted areas on lawn. I usually use a Scott...
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Lawn Browning spots #928713
Asked April 17, 2026, 1:18 PM EDT
Wondering if you have ideas for my lawn every year it usually turns out nice but this spring noticed this spotted areas on lawn. I usually use a Scott’s winterizer every fall I aerate every other year so fall I will be doing it. Never treated for grub Please help
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
It is a bit early for grub damage and I am puzzled as to why the lawns to your right (facing street) look like yours but not the one to the left.
Dog urine does this but you do not mention a dog.
The dead grass to the right of the sidewalk could be salted snow but that would not explain the damaged lawn in front of the house on the left.
I do not see tunnels consistent with voles.
Snow mold can look like this--wait and it goes away. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/circular.html
Finally, your lawn could be nitrogen burned from the fertilizer. You do not mention how often you fertilize. I strongly suggest a soil test. See my signature note.
Core aeration every 3-4 years is enough.
Write me back with your soil test results and the complete fertilizer schedule for your lawn.
It is a bit early for grub damage and I am puzzled as to why the lawns to your right (facing street) look like yours but not the one to the left.
Dog urine does this but you do not mention a dog.
The dead grass to the right of the sidewalk could be salted snow but that would not explain the damaged lawn in front of the house on the left.
I do not see tunnels consistent with voles.
Snow mold can look like this--wait and it goes away. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/circular.html
Finally, your lawn could be nitrogen burned from the fertilizer. You do not mention how often you fertilize. I strongly suggest a soil test. See my signature note.
Core aeration every 3-4 years is enough.
Write me back with your soil test results and the complete fertilizer schedule for your lawn.
