Dry PAtch

Dry patch is just one of the many factors that can cause the appearance of dead patches in lawns. Other possibilities include insect pests, fungal diseases, spilt mower fuel, and dog or fox urine. Dry soil due to prolonged hot, dry weather causes the grass to turn brown and with dry patch there is no recovery after rain as the water cannot penetrate the soil to reach the roots. The causes of dry patch are complex and poorly understood, but a common cause is thought to be the coating of soil particles with water-repellent waxy coating due to the growth of fungi.
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Symptoms of Dry Patch 
You may see the following symptoms:
  • Patches or irregular areas of the lawn turn first a darker green colour, and then brown
  • The symptoms may develop during dry weather, but the problem does not improve with the return of rain or by watering the patches
  • The soil underneath the affected patches will be found to be completely dry. Any water applied will simply run off or sit on the surface of the soil
  • In extreme cases puddles may form on the surface following rainfall, as if the area is waterlogged, but the soil will still be bone-dry beneath
  • Occasionally (but by no means always) there may be an obvious white growth of fungal mycelium visible in, or a fungus-like smell, to the thatch layer or soil.
To help prevent dry patch:
  • Scarify the lawn to remove accumulations of thatch
  • Avoid soil compaction, and improve water and air penetration to the roots by aerating the lawn
  • Feed at the appropriate times to promote strong, healthy growth with a vigorous root system
If dry patch develops it can be very difficult to re-wet the soil, but the following methods may help:
  • Spike the area densely, and attempt to apply some water each day for a few days (don’t overwater as it will just run off)
  • Apply a wetting agent 
  • Repeat the treatment once a month for 3-4 months
  • In severe cases that do not respond to treatment, the affected turf plus three or four inches of soil may need to be removed, and the soil replaced before re-seeding.