Identifying Lawn Damage: Pests vs. Disease vs. Drought

How To Find & Control The Different Causes Of Lawn Damage

Correctly identifying the cause of lawn damage is an absolute must for preventing further deterioration. Though all browning and thin grass looks generally the same, there are some subtle but important differences that can provide clues to the source of the distress. 

Keep reading to learn how to spot the differences between the most common causes of lawn damage and prevent them from destroying your turf!

Identifying Lawn Damage From Pests

Pest infestations in a lawn can cause serious damage, often leading to thinning grass, brown patches, and signs of physical disturbance. Unlike drought or disease, which may cause more uniform damage, pest-related issues typically appear in irregular patterns across the lawn. One of the most obvious signs of a pest problem is the presence of insects or larvae, either on the grass itself or in the soil beneath. Grubs, for example, feed on grassroots, which weakens the turf and causes it to detach easily; if you can pull up a section of grass like a loose carpet, a grub infestation is likely. 

Other pests, such as armyworms and sod webworms, chew on grass blades, leaving ragged and thin leaf tissue behind. Chinch bugs and billbugs suck the juices out of grass blades, leading to yellowing and death in affected areas. Unlike diseases that spread in more predictable patterns, pest damage can appear suddenly and worsen rapidly, especially during the warmer months when insect populations thrive.

Treating & Preventing Lawn Pest Damage

Once you've identified pest damage, swift action is necessary to prevent further destruction. Maintaining a healthy lawn that is thick and durable is the best defense against pests, as they are often attracted to lawns in poor health with nutrient deficiencies or compaction issues. Here’s how to control and prevent lawn pests:

• Apply targeted pest control: Depending on the pest, you may need insecticidal treatments. Grub control products work well for root-feeding larvae, while surface-feeding insects like chinch bugs and armyworms may require broad-spectrum insecticides.
• Encourage beneficial predators: Birds, beneficial nematodes, and predatory insects such as ladybugs and ground beetles help control harmful pest populations naturally.
• Maintain proper mowing and watering habits: A thick, healthy lawn is more resistant to pests. Mow at the correct height (usually around 3 inches) and water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
• Aerate and dethatch regularly: Excess thatch can harbor pests, so aerate and dethatch the lawn periodically to improve air circulation and reduce insect-friendly environments.

Identifying Lawn Disease

Lawn diseases are primarily caused by fungal or bacterial infections that attack grass blades, roots, or soil. These diseases often create distinct visual symptoms that differentiate them from pests or drought-related damage. One of the most common indicators of lawn disease is the presence of circular or irregularly shaped patches of discolored grass, which may range from yellow to brown. Some fungal infections, like brown patch and dollar spot, form rings with a clearly defined edge separating healthy grass from the affected area. Unlike pest damage, which is often sporadic, lawn diseases tend to spread in more predictable patterns and can persist even if the lawn is watered properly. 

Fungal diseases often leave behind telltale signs such as powdery mildew, slimy coatings, or reddish threads on the grass blades. If individual blades develop lesions, spots, or irregular color changes, it is a strong indication of disease rather than pest activity. The timing and environmental conditions can also provide clues; fungal diseases thrive in warm, humid conditions, while bacterial infections may worsen during wet periods. In contrast to drought stress, diseased lawns may not respond positively to increased watering, and in some cases, excess moisture can even make the problem worse.

Treating & Preventing Lawn Disease

Fungal diseases can spread rapidly if left unchecked, so prompt intervention is essential. If disease is severe, applying a targeted fungicide can help stop the spread. However, many fungal issues can be resolved with proper lawn care. Here’s how to treat and prevent lawn diseases:

• Improve drainage and airflow: Poor drainage and compacted soil contribute to fungal growth. Aerating the soil and improving airflow by trimming surrounding shrubs and trees can reduce humidity levels.
• Water early in the morning: Evening watering leaves grass damp overnight, encouraging fungal growth. Watering in the early morning allows the lawn to dry during the day.
• Avoid over-fertilization: Excess nitrogen promotes rapid, weak growth that is more susceptible to fungal infections. Use balanced fertilizers and avoid overfeeding during humid months.
• Reseed with disease-resistant grass varieties: Some grass types are naturally more resistant to disease. If disease is a recurring problem, overseeding with resistant cultivars can help.

Identifying Lawn Damage From Drought

Drought stress is one of the most common reasons for lawn discoloration, particularly during the summer months or periods of low rainfall. Unlike pest or disease damage, which can occur in patches or spreading patterns, drought-related stress usually affects large sections of the lawn uniformly, particularly in areas with full sun exposure. When a lawn is suffering from drought, the grass blades may curl inward, become brittle, or take on a grayish or dull green appearance before eventually turning brown. A simple way to test for drought stress is by walking across the lawn; if your footprints remain visible for an extended period rather than springing back up, the grass is not receiving enough moisture. 

Soil in drought-affected areas tends to be hard and compacted, making it difficult for water to penetrate. If you attempt to push a screwdriver or stake into the soil and encounter resistance, it likely lacks sufficient moisture. One of the key differences between drought stress and disease is the lawn’s response to water; a drought-stressed lawn will usually recover and regain its color after a deep watering or rainfall, whereas a diseased lawn may continue to decline regardless of irrigation efforts. 

Treating & Preventing Drought Damage

Lawn recovery from drought is possible with the right approach. Rather than frequent shallow watering, apply about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week in one or two deep sessions. This encourages deep root growth, making the lawn more drought-resistant. Below is a list of other useful ways to revive and prevent drought-stressed lawns:

• Adjust mowing height: Mow at a higher setting (around 3 to 4 inches) to provide shade to the soil and reduce evaporation. Avoid mowing during extreme heat.
• Apply mulch or compost: A thin layer of compost or mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce heat stress.
• Aerate compacted soil: Aerating the lawn improves water penetration, allowing moisture to reach the roots more effectively.
• Choose drought-tolerant grasses: If drought damage is a recurring issue, consider planting drought-resistant grass species such as Bermuda, buffalo grass, or tall fescue.

Call For A Healthier Lawn In Salt Lake City!

Lawn damage can be frustrating to deal with, especially when you have trouble pinpointing the source of the damage. Lawn care professionals like us know how to spot these subtle differences, and we have the knowledge and equipment needed to treat such ailments. If you are in the Salt Lake area and you spot any of the warning signs mentioned in this post, call Holmes Lawn & Pest today to get your lawn looking great again!