Disease and Fungus

• There are around 100 different diseases that affect turfgrass. Large dry patches, brown rings and irregular patterns in coloring are signs of a disease or fungus, though many of the symptoms could be the result another problem.
  
  

Mowing

• According to the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University, "mowing is one of the most abused and least understood turfgrass management practices." Mowing turfgrass too short may cause the grass to reach for food from its reserves to begin new growth and may cause negative long-term effects.
  
  

Insects

• Few varieties of insects will damage turfgrass. However, insects that do affect turfgrass may be uncontrollable with pesticides alone. Strict lawn maintenance is required.
  
  

Fertilizers and Chemicals

• Choosing the right fertilizer for turfgrass is essential to achieving bright green colors. Over fertilizing or fertilizing when grass is wet could cause grass to turn brown. A pale green turfgrass could mean nitrogen or iron deficiency. Application of a fertilizer with nitrogen or an iron supplement could fix this problem.