Why Does My Lawn Have Dry Patches? Understanding Localized Dry Spots and Hot Spots

Nothing’s more frustrating for a homeowner or landscaper than seeing a lush, green lawn suddenly develop ugly, brown patches—especially when everything else looks healthy. These brown areas may be signs of localized dry spots or hot spots, two common but misunderstood lawn issues. While they might look like disease or under-watering, the cause is usually a bit more complex.

In this blog, we’ll break down what’s going on beneath the surface, what causes these spots, and how to treat and prevent them.

What Are Localized Dry Spots?

Localized dry spots are patches of turfgrass that become dry and brown even when the rest of the lawn is well-watered. The grass in these spots resists moisture—it’s hydrophobic, meaning water beads off instead of soaking in. Even heavy irrigation won’t help unless you fix the underlying issue.

Signs of Localized Dry Spots:

Circular or irregular patches of brown grass
Soil in the area feels dry and hard
Water seems to run off the area rather than soak in
Grass may appear wilted or stunted

What Causes Localized Dry Spots?

Localized dry spots and hot spots can be triggered by several factors, often working together:

Hydrophobic Soil
Over time, organic matter can break down into a waxy residue that coats soil particles, especially in sandy soils. This repels water and causes dry areas.
Thatch Buildup
Excessive thatch (a layer of dead grass and roots) acts like a sponge, preventing water from reaching the soil and roots.
Compacted Soil
Heavy foot traffic, machinery, or poor soil structure can cause compaction, reducing pore space and restricting water movement.
Uneven Irrigation
Sprinklers may not be delivering uniform coverage, leaving some areas dry even if they’re receiving "enough" water overall.
Root Stress
Insect activity (like grubs), fungal pathogens, or heat stress can weaken roots, making them less able to take up water—even if it's available.

How to Fix Localized Dry Spots

Apply a Wetting Agent
Surfactants help water penetrate hydrophobic soil. They also help with water retention in the soil, depending on the type of surfactant. Hydra Charge® 4-2-0 has both types of surfactants and should be applied regularly in problem areas or during the summer.
Improve Irrigation Practices
Audit your sprinkler system to check for clogged or misaligned heads. You might need to increase frequency or duration in hot spots, or add extra heads.
Aerate and Dethatch
Core aeration reduces compaction and thatch, letting water and air reach the roots more effectively. This should be done at least once per year for most lawns.
Topdress with Compost or Apply Carbon Soil Amendments
Adding a thin layer of compost or applying carbon soil amendments, such as BioChar DG™ and Humic DG™, helps rebuild soil structure, increase microbial activity, and improve water retention.
Re-seed or Re-sod Damaged Areas
Once conditions improve, overseed the area to encourage recovery—or lay new sod if needed. Check out The Andersons seed options.

Hot Spots vs. Localized Dry Spots—What’s the Difference?

They’re closely related and often used interchangeably, but hot spots usually refer to areas of turf that dry out more quickly due to increased heat, sun exposure, or soil conditions. They often occur next to sidewalks, driveways, or slopes where water evaporates faster.

Localized dry spots, on the other hand, is more about water-repellent soil. It may or may not be hotter than other areas, but it definitely resists absorbing water.

Preventing Future Problems

Regularly aerate and dethatch to maintain healthy soil structure
Use a smart irrigation controller or rain sensor to avoid over- or under-watering
Mulch around trees and edges to reduce heat stress
Fertilize appropriately, but avoid overfeeding which can lead to thatch and shallow roots

If your lawn has brown spots that don’t seem to improve with watering, it’s likely more than just dehydration. Hot spots and localized dry spots are common but manageable issues when you understand the root causes. With the right maintenance, you can turn those dry patches green again—and keep them that way.

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