Preparing your lawn for the summer months can be exhausting, but the effort doesn't cease once warmer weather arrives. Maintaining garden turf throughout the summer and into the colder months remains equally crucial for ensuring a thriving lawn, though problems can still emerge despite best efforts.

Discoloured, brown patches serve as a clear indicator of grass requiring additional care and may develop due to numerous factors. However, during the shift from summer to autumn, there are merely a handful of potential causes, according to horticultural specialists. Phil Catron, president and founder of NaturaLawn of America, disclosed that during summer months, drought conditions and excessive moisture typically cause grass damage.

Speaking to Martha Stewart, he explained that fungal infections commonly result from "warm, humid weather", leaving lawns susceptible to root-attacking ailments.

These problems frequently manifest as discoloured brownish patches connected to three prevalent diseases.

Brown patch disease creates irregularly-shaped areas of discoloured grass blades that appear prominent when turf becomes waterlogged. Meanwhile, summer patch manifests as dying or sparse grass that initially yellows before deteriorating to an unattractive brown shade.

Pythium blight, alternatively called "grease spot" or "cottony blight", represents a devastating condition affecting lawn grass during warm, moist conditions.

This disease can produce sunken, brownish zones across lawns, accompanied by a slimy coating on grass stems. Regarding the most effective treatment, Phil observed that there's no single solution.

Nevertheless, he encouraged gardeners to consider enhancing air circulation and soil drainage as an excellent starting point.

He cautioned against excessive fertilising and recommended the application of fungicides. A local gardening specialist can identify the type of fungus and suggest the most suitable fungicide.

Phil said: "Keep an eye on lawn conditions and be proactive about addressing any signs of disease to minimise damage and improve recovery chances."

In instances where brown patches are fungal, it's crucial to address the issue as quickly as possible. If the infection remains untreated, the grass may perish.

Guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society recommends repairing damaged or bare lawn areas gradually.

Diseased sections can be treated with fungicide and reseeded or patched.

Simply utilise a section of turf excavated from another part of the lawn, or fresh turf if obtainable.

The RHS explained: "The latter gives instant results, but sowing seed may be easier and cheaper if you have no spare turf to use as a patch."

It is possible that the cause of brown patches on your lawn is non-fungal.

Lucie Bradley, gardening expert from Easy Garden Irrigation, told David Wilson Homes that cat and dog urine can kill grass due to the high nitrogen content.

"This can act as a fertiliser in small amounts but can burn when concentrated and create dead patches on the lawn", said Lucie.

While you can reseed and patch areas affected by pet urine, the