What Causes Bare Spots In Lawn? Piedmont Tips and Tricks for a Lush Lawn

You step outside, hoping for a lush, green lawn—and instead, you’re met with patchy brown spots that look like your yard gave up halfway through growing. What causes bare spots in lawn? It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve been watering, mowing, and doing all the “right” things.

Bare spots can sneak up on you for all kinds of reasons. Some are obvious, like heavy foot traffic. Others are harder to spot, like lawn disease or poor soil.

Let’s break down what’s really going on under the surface and figure out why those bald patches keep showing up—so you can fix them for good.

Bare Patches and Brown Spots: What Causes Them?

Brown patches and bare spots can make your lawn look more like a battleground than a relaxing green space. If you’ve ever asked, “What are these spots in my lawn?”—you’re not alone.

Soil Compaction and Excessive Foot Traffic

When soil gets packed down, grass roots can’t breathe or absorb nutrients. That’s why soil compaction often leads to dead spots, especially in areas with heavy or repetitive foot traffic.

If your lawn sees a lot of walking, playing, or even pets running around, the pressure can damage grass plants and leave the soil too dense. You’ll likely see brown patches in those worn-down areas.

You can help by:

• Rotating traffic paths when possible
• Aerating the lawn to loosen compacted soil
• Reseeding or using grass plugs in damaged areas

Pet Urine and Chemical Burns

Pet urine contains nitrogen and salts that can burn the grass, especially during hot weather. The result? Bald spots surrounded by unusually green grass where nitrogen overload occurs.

Fertilizer spills and misapplied treatments can do the same. Always follow label directions and avoid overdoing it.

Fungal Diseases and Lawn Fungus

Brown spots can also mean you’re dealing with a fungal disease. Many lawn fungi thrive in moist, humid conditions, especially in late summer.

Look for irregular patches that spread quickly or leave a smoky ring on the grass. Fungus often targets areas with poor drainage, compacted soil, or too much shade.

What helps:

• Watering early in the day to allow grass to dry
• Using fungicides as a last resort, following package directions
• Mowing regularly and keeping your lawn at the right height for your grass type

If you’re in Johnston County or nearby areas, we’re your go-to for seasonal mowing. Whether you’re looking for short-term help or full-season maintenance, we’ve got a plan that fits your yard.

Let your lawn thrive this season without the hassle.

Get in touch for your FREE Quote today, or call (919) 673-3956 to schedule your mowing service.

Insects and Other Pests

Some pests feed on grass roots, leaving large brown patches behind. Grubs are a common culprit, and other insects like chinch bugs and sod webworms can cause damage too.

Do a quick tug test: if the grass peels back easily like carpet, you might have a grub problem.

If pests are to blame:

• Apply pest control in early fall or spring, depending on the insect
• Consider beneficial nematodes or targeted treatments for long-term health

Dead Grass From Poor Growing Conditions

If grass never seems to thrive in a certain area, poor growing conditions could be the issue. Shade, poor drainage, and thin topsoil all contribute to dead grass and bare patches.

Most grasses need:

• At least 4–6 hours of sunlight
• Loose, fertile soil (get a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels)
• Water that drains well but doesn’t dry out too fast

In these cases, it’s better to adjust your approach rather than just patch the surface.

The Wrong Grass Type for Your Yard

Not all grass is built for every climate or condition. Bermuda grass, for example, thrives in full sun but struggles in shade.

If you keep planting the same grass seed in a trouble spot, but it never grows well, the problem might be your choice of grass.

Choose based on:

• Sun exposure
• Soil condition
• Local climate
• How much wear and tear your lawn gets

Timing and Technique With Grass Seed

Reseeding bare spots sounds easy—but timing and technique make a huge difference. If you throw down seed in the heat of summer or don’t rake out dead grass first, new grass won’t start growing.

The best time to reseed most lawns is early fall or spring. Be sure to:

• Remove dirt clumps and debris
• Rake thoroughly to loosen the soil
• Add grass seed at the recommended rate
• Follow-up with light watering until seedlings establish

Too Much Weed Competition

Weeds take up space, water, and nutrients—leaving grass struggling to survive. If you see bare or brown spots, check for nearby weeds choking out your grass.

To fix it:

• Pull or treat weeds early before they spread
• Fill in cleared areas with fresh seed or sod
• Keep your lawn healthy to prevent weed takeover in the future

Bare patches can have more than one cause, so take time to investigate before you patch things up. That way, the fix lasts—and your lawn gets back to looking lush and green.

Greening Up Your Lawn With Southern State Landscape

At Southern State Landscape, we’re all about helping you grow a healthy, beautiful lawn—without the stress of keeping up with the mower every week.

When grass grows fast in spring and early summer, it’s easy to fall behind. That’s where we step in.

Weekly Mowing During Peak Growth

North Carolina grasses love spring and early summer. They grow fast, thick, and tall, especially after a few good rains.

We offer weekly mowing during this time so your lawn never looks overgrown. Each visit includes:

• Mowing to the proper height for your grass type
• String trimming around obstacles
• Edging along driveways and walkways
• Blowing clippings off hard surfaces

You get a polished, neat look every single week—without lifting a finger.

Biweekly Mowing As Growth Slows

Once late summer hits, most grasses slow down. Over-mowing at this stage can actually hurt your lawn.

That’s why we shift to biweekly visits as needed. This keeps your lawn healthy while saving you time and cost.

Commercial-Grade Equipment and Reliable Scheduling

We don’t cut corners—just grass. Our team uses commercial mowers and well-maintained tools to deliver clean, precise results.

You get the same crew showing up on time, every time, so your yard stays consistent. No guessing when—or if—your lawn gets done.

Your Local Partner For Seasonal Lawn Care

If you’re in Johnston County or nearby areas, we’re your go-to for seasonal mowing. Whether you’re looking for short-term help or full-season maintenance, we’ve got a plan that fits your yard.

Let your lawn thrive this season without the hassle.Get in touch for your FREE Quote today, or call (919) 673-3956 to schedule your mowing service.