Is your lawn turning brown, patchy, or thin? Many homeowners assume it’s a fertilization problem—but the culprit could be pests, disease, or both. Knowing the difference is essential to restoring your lawn without wasting money on the wrong treatments.

Pest-Related Lawn Damage

- Chinch Bugs: Cause irregular patches of dead grass, often spreading quickly in sunny areas.

- Grubs: Feed on roots, creating spongy turf that pulls up like carpet.

- Mole Crickets: Tunnel underground, uprooting grass and causing rapid decline.

Disease-Related Lawn Damage

- Brown Patch Fungus: Circular patches of dead grass, often in humid weather.

- Dollar Spot: Small, silver-dollar-sized spots that merge into larger areas.

- Rust Fungus: Leaves a powdery orange residue on shoes or lawn equipment.

How to Tell the Difference

- Pest damage usually starts in concentrated areas and worsens rapidly.

- Fungal disease often appears as spreading circles or spots.

- A professional inspection ensures the correct diagnosis.