Ask the experts "My lawn looks awful, what is going on?"

Summer should be the season when your lawn is looking its absolute best—thick, green, and healthy. But for many homeowners, it’s the opposite. The heat rolls in, and suddenly the lush green turns to crispy brown or patchy mess.

At Tuff Turf Inc, we see it every year. We have received several messages from our customers over the last two weeks, so let’s break down the top three culprits behind poor-looking summer lawns—and what you can do about them.

1. Drought Stress

What it looks like: Grass blades wilt, curl, and turn a bluish-gray before drying to a straw-brown. The lawn may feel crunchy underfoot and stops growing altogether.

What causes it: Prolonged periods without rain, high temperatures, and inconsistent or shallow watering can all lead to drought stress.

How to prevent or fix it:

• Water deeply and infrequently. Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

• Aerate your lawn annually to improve water penetration and root growth.

• Mow high. Keeping your grass at 3–4 inches shades the soil and reduces moisture loss.

• Use drought-tolerant grass blends if reseeding is necessary.

2. Leaf Spot & Melting Out Disease

What it looks like: Small brown or purple spots appear on grass blades and expand over time. Eventually, large areas thin out or “melt out,” leaving bare patches.

What causes it: High humidity, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, and poor air circulation contribute to this fungal disease, especially in Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.

How to prevent or fix it:

• Avoid over-fertilizing in late spring or summer.

• Mow with sharp blades and avoid cutting when grass is wet.

• Water early in the day so the lawn dries out quickly.

• Apply fungicides if the issue is persistent or widespread (we can help with that!).

• Overseed in the fall with disease-resistant grass varieties to improve lawn resilience.

3. Insect Damage

What it looks like: Brown or dead patches that spread quickly. If you can pull the turf up like a carpet, or spot grubs, chinch bugs, or other pests beneath the surface, insects are likely the cause.

What causes it: Grubs (beetle larvae), chinch bugs, sod webworms, and other pests feed on grass roots or blades, especially in hot, dry weather.

How to prevent or fix it:

• Keep your lawn healthy. A strong lawn resists pests better.

• Monitor for pests. Look for signs of damage early and dig a few inches into the soil to check for grubs.

• Use targeted treatments. Insecticides or beneficial nematodes can control pests—ask our pros for safe, effective options.

• Water regularly to help the lawn recover from damage.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

A damaged lawn is more than just an eyesore—it’s a sign your yard is under stress and may not bounce back without help. If you're seeing any of the signs above, give us a call. At Tuff Turf Inc, we specialize in diagnosing and restoring struggling lawns in the Vancouver, WA area. From customized treatment plans to seasonal lawn care services, we’ve got your grass covered.

📞 Call or text us at 360-254-3134 📧 Or email us at Tuffturf@tuffturf.com

Let’s bring your lawn back to life—greener, healthier, and tougher than ever.