“Why Is My Lawn Brown in June or July?” (Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon)

 “Why Is My Lawn Brown in June or July?” (Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon)

If your lawn is turning brown in June or July in the Chicago suburbs—especially Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, or Channahon—you’re not alone. Let’s walk through why it happens and what you can do about it.

1. Dry Weather in the Chicago Suburbs

May and early June 2024 brought below-average rainfall—about 1 to 2 inches short for most of Will County. That’s a big deal. When grass doesn’t get enough moisture, it goes dormant to survive, which causes the turf to brown. It’s not dead—but it’s definitely not lush.

Tip: Make sure you’re watering at least 1” per week during summer, ideally in the early morning.

2. Early Grub Damage (Unusual But Real)

We also saw earlier-than-normal grub activity this year. Grubs are beetle larvae that eat turf roots, leading to spongy, brown patches. Dry turf can make this worse—grubs either eat more or need to eat more to find moisture.

Test your lawn: Try pulling up on the brown turf—if it lifts like carpet and you see white C-shaped bugs underneath, it’s grubs.

3. Fungus: Patchy, Ugly, but becoming more Common

There are several common lawn fungi like:

• Dollar spot – small brown patches

• Brown patch – often larger areas in hot/humid conditions

• Red thread – looks pinkish on top of the grass

They all thrive in humidity and stress. Fortunately, most are treated the same way—don’t panic trying to ID them. What matters most is making sure it’s not an insect issue before applying anything. Despite our dry may, June is tracking for normal and its made worse by the light winters we have had

4. Other Insects

While grubs have been more active, other insects like chinch bugs or sod webworms can also be culprits—but they’ve been less common this season.

5. Mowing Burn & Improper Height

Cutting your grass too short or mowing during peak heat can stress the lawn. We call this “mow burn.” It removes too much of the blade, reducing shade on the roots and increasing water loss.

Our tip: Mow high, mow often, and keep blades sharp. Most lawns should be cut at 3.5–4”.

6. Fertilization & Weed Control Still Matter

Dry or stressed lawns still benefit from a smart fertilization program and targeted weed control. A strong root system and thick turf help resist fungus, insects, and drought. Our programs are tailored to this region, using both granular and liquid treatments based on the season.

Final Thoughts

A brown lawn isn’t always a dead lawn. Proper watering, mowing height, and staying ahead with a solid lawn care program (including fertilization and weed control) will keep your lawn in Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, or Channahon looking better—even in tough conditions.

---

📍 Fresh Cut Pros proudly serves the western Chicago suburbs. Let us help you diagnose and fix your lawn fast.

#LawnCare #BrownGrass #ShorewoodIL #JolietIL #PlainfieldIL #Fertilization #WeedControl #GrubDamage #LawnFungus #MowingTips #ChannahonIL #MinookaIL #FreshCutPros