What to Do if Your Sod is Turning Brown

There’s nothing more frustrating than laying down fresh sod, only to watch it turn brown and lifeless. You’ve invested time, money, and effort into creating a lush, green lawn, so seeing it struggle can feel like a punch to the gut. But don’t give up just yet—brown sod isn’t always a death sentence. In most cases, it’s a sign that something’s off, and with a little detective work, you can usually figure out the problem and fix it. Let’s break it down.

Why is Your Sod Turning Brown?

Before you can fix the issue, you need to understand why your sod is turning brown in the first place. There are a few common culprits:

1. Lack of Water: New sod needs a lot of water to establish its roots. If it’s not getting enough, it will dry out and turn brown.

2. Overwatering: On the flip side, too much water can drown the roots, leading to rot and browning.

3. Poor Soil Preparation: If the soil underneath the sod wasn’t properly prepared, the roots might not be able to take hold, causing the sod to die off.

4. Heat Stress: Sod is vulnerable to extreme heat, especially if it’s not getting enough water.

5. Disease or Pests: Sometimes, browning is caused by fungal diseases or pests that attack the grass.

Step 1: Check Your Watering Habits

Watering is usually the first place to look when your sod starts turning brown. New sod needs to be watered frequently—sometimes twice a day—for the first couple of weeks. But here’s the tricky part: you need to find the right balance. Too little water, and the sod will dry out. Too much, and the roots will rot.

To check if you’re watering correctly, lift up a corner of the sod and feel the soil underneath. It should be moist but not soggy. If it’s dry, you need to water more. If it’s waterlogged, cut back on watering and make sure your lawn has proper drainage.

Step 2: Inspect the Soil Underneath

If watering isn’t the issue, the problem might lie in the soil. Before laying sod, the soil should be loosened and amended with compost or other organic matter to help the roots establish. If this wasn’t done, the sod might be struggling to take root.

To check, gently lift a section of the sod and examine the soil. If it’s hard and compacted, you’ll need to aerate it. Use a garden fork or aerator to create small holes in the soil, which will allow water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. You can also top-dress the area with compost to improve soil quality.

Step 3: Look for Signs of Disease or Pests

Sometimes, browning sod is caused by something more sinister, like disease or pests. Fungal diseases, such as brown patch or dollar spot, can cause patches of grass to turn brown and die. Pests like grubs or chinch bugs can also damage the roots, leading to browning.

Inspect the affected areas closely. If you see irregular brown patches with a yellowish ring around the edges, it could be a fungal disease. If the sod pulls up easily and you notice chewed roots or insects, pests might be the problem. In either case, you’ll need to treat the issue with the appropriate fungicide or pesticide.

Step 4: Protect Your Sod from Heat Stress

New sod is especially vulnerable to heat stress, particularly during the summer months. If your sod is turning brown and the weather has been hot and dry, heat stress could be the culprit. To protect your sod, water it early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This gives the water time to soak in before the sun evaporates it.

You can also use a shade cloth to protect the sod during the hottest part of the day. Just be sure to remove it once the temperature drops so the grass can get enough sunlight.

Step 5: Be Patient and Give It Time

Sometimes, browning sod is just part of the establishment process. When sod is first laid, it goes through a period of shock as it adjusts to its new environment. During this time, it’s normal for some of the grass to turn brown. As long as you’re watering correctly and the soil is healthy, the sod should recover on its own.

Give it a couple of weeks and keep an eye on it. If the browning spreads or doesn’t improve, revisit the steps above to rule out other issues.

Step 6: When to Call in the Pros

If you’ve tried everything and your sod is still turning brown, it might be time to call in a professional. A lawn care expert can assess the situation and determine if there’s an underlying issue, such as poor soil quality or a hidden pest problem. They can also recommend treatments or adjustments to help your sod recover.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up on Your Sod

Brown sod can be disheartening, but it’s usually fixable with a little effort and attention. Start by checking your watering habits and the condition of the soil. Look for signs of disease or pests, and take steps to protect your sod from heat stress. Most importantly, be patient—new sod needs time to establish itself.

Remember, every lawn is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different solutions until you find what works best for you. With a little care, your sod will bounce back, and you’ll have the lush, green lawn you’ve always wanted.