What is this? Grubs? Fungus? - Ask Extension
I have these brown patches ion my lawn. I think it may be grub’s but I haven’t seen any. There are no roots present. I water regularly approximate...
Knowledgebase
What is this? Grubs? Fungus? #941899
Asked August 08, 2026, 5:25 PM EDT
I have these brown patches ion my lawn. I think it may be grub’s but I haven’t seen any. There are no roots present. I water regularly approximately 1/2 inch twice weekly. How can I get rid of these patches? Thank you!
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
This could be due to a variety of causes, including grubs. It may be due to heat stress given our recent high temperatures or may be caused by a fungal disease. To see if it's grubs, Take a sharp shovel and cut a square out of the turf, going down about 3 inches. Peel it back and see if grubs are present. If not, your browning is likely due to heat stress. That can happen even when you water because the grass can lose moisture faster than it can replace it. Continue to water, but it's better to add 1" once a week and our current lower temperatures should help. For more information, see https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/conserving-water-drought-affected-lawns
