1) Regular brown stripes or patches that appear after feeding the lawn
Cause: An overdose of fertiliser
Remedy: Always follow the dosage instruction on the packet carefully – using too much can not only harm the environment, it can also scorch the plants you are trying to help. Consider whether it is really necessary to feed your lawn. If you do decide to feed, take care to apply the correct dose evenly. If using a mechanical distributor, calibrate it carefully before use. Ideally, apply fertiliser before rain, or water after feeding if no rain is forecast. Controlled-release lawn fertilisers may be less likely to cause scorch. See the following guides for more advice on fertiliser use:

2) Regular stripes or patches that appear after applying weedkiller or mosskiller
Cause: An overdose of lawn weedkiller or mosskiller. Alternatively, if you have used a weedkiller nearby, it can be carried onto the lawn on footwear and appear as footprint-sized dead patches
Remedy: Avoid using weedkillers; consider removing weeds by hand or using other non-chemical control methods, or opt for a species rich lawn. If you do use a weedkiller, always follow the instructions on the packaging. See the following guides for more advice:

3) Dead patches on raised areas of uneven lawn after mowing
Cause: Cutting raised areas too short, which can weaken or kill the grass
Remedy: Adjust the cutting height of your mower to avoid scalping the grass – see our guide to mowing for advice on this. Level out bumps and dips in your lawn to ensure a more even cut – see our guide to repairing lawns for how to do this, along with how to repair the bare areas

1) Dead patches that spread rapidly, often in conjunction with birds pecking the lawn surface
Cause: This suggests that insects are feeding on the grass roots
Remedy: Leatherjackets and chafer grubs are the most likely culprits

2) Circular patches with bright green margins on lawns that dogs have access to
Cause: Dog urine – particularly female dog urine – can damage grass
Remedy: Water the affected areas immediately. Before feeding your dog any products that claim to prevent damage, consult your vet

1) Dead or discoloured patches that spread rapidly, often during damp weather
Cause: Fungal diseases and moulds mainly strike in wet weather, particularly in late summer, autumn and winter
Remedy: See the following advice pages on common lawn diseases: lawn rust, red thread, fusarium patch or snow mould, fairy rings, take-all patch and slime moulds on lawns

2) Dark green followed by brown patches with no recovery after rain
Cause: These are a bit of a mystery, but the presence of water-repellent fungi appears to be a major factor
Remedy: Rewetting the soil, although this can be tricky – see our advice on dry patch