How to Repair Brown Patches After a Hot Ontario Summer

Hot July and August weather in Oakville and Mississauga can leave even well-cared-for lawns with unsightly brown spots, drought dormancy, and chinch bug damage. Here is the exact 4-step recovery plan to restore green grass before winter freeze.

Step 1: Perform the Pull Test

Grasp a handful of brown grass and pull gently. If it holds firm, the grass is merely dormant and will recover with rain. If it pulls up like carpet without resistance, insects or severe drought killed the root system and re-seeding is mandatory.

Step 2: Core Aerate to Relieve Soil Hardness

Compacted summer clay prevents water from penetrating dead spots. Core aeration opens channels so fresh moisture and nutrients soak directly into the root zone.

Step 3: Overseed with Premium Seed Blend

Spread high-purity turf grass seed into the core openings and bare spots to establish dense growth before weeds take hold.

Step 4: Keep Soil Moist for 14 Days

Water lightly once or twice daily to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist until new seedlings reach 2 inches tall.