How to fix brown lawn patches this spring: Expert tips with gypsum
As the snow melts, brown lawn patches appear. An expert shares common causes and a simple fix for healthy grass
Spring marks the end of snow-covered yards, leaving many homeowners facing unsightly brown patches on their lawns.
According to Matt McFarland, a Landscape Consultant with Growing Season Inc., these patches can result from factors like pet urine or salt from winter road treatments.
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To address this, there’s a simple solution McFarland suggests: gypsum.
"You can find it online or at big-box stores. Sprinkle it on the affected area to reset the pH," he explains. However, it’s essential to understand that gypsum is not a fertilizer or a grass-growing agent—it's a soil conditioner that helps prepare the lawn for regrowth.
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For areas damaged by pet urine, gypsum works by neutralizing the soil's high acidity.
"A dog’s pH is very acidic. When you apply gypsum, it balances that acidity. Once the pH is even, add topsoil and grass seed," McFarland recommends.
With this straightforward lawn care tip, homeowners can help restore their yard’s health and prepare the groundwork for a lush, green lawn this season.