Hot Spots in Your Lawn: When Grass Throws Shade at Itself
Let’s talk about that one awkward patch in your otherwise green lawn. You know the one—dry, crusty, a little too brown. It’s like the lawn equivalent of a bald spot. You water it. You whisper encouraging words to it. Nothing.
Welcome to the world of hot spots. These are the problem children of Florida lawns, and yes—they’re as dramatic as they sound.
But don’t worry. At Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control, we speak fluent “lawn drama,” and we’re here to break down what’s really going on with your grass and how to bring peace (and green) back to your yard.
🌡️ What Is a Hot Spot?
A hot spot is a dried-out area of turf that looks like your grass gave up halfway through summer. While the rest of your lawn is channeling “Florida golf course,” the hot spot is stuck in “Arizona desert.”
It can be caused by:
Underwatering or uneven irrigation
Heat stress from full sun exposure
Fungal disease
Chinch bugs (those tiny jerks)
Pet potty zones (Yes, we’re looking at you, Mr. Fluffy.)
Basically, hot spots happen when your grass can’t keep up with stress—and in Florida, that’s a full-time job.
💧 It’s Not You… It’s Your Sprinklers
The first step in controlling hot spots? Check your irrigation system. In Sarasota and Manatee counties, your sprinklers are like your lawn’s personal hydration coach. But if one head is out of alignment or blocked by a rogue palm frond, your grass is left high and dry—literally.
Pro tip: Run your system early in the morning and do a quick “sprinkler dance” (also known as watching where the water actually goes). Is it reaching the hot spot? Or is it just watering your driveway?
🐜 Chinch Bugs: The Backyard Villains
If your hot spot keeps growing despite regular watering, you may have an infestation. Chinch bugs love Florida grass, especially St. Augustine, and they thrive in—you guessed it—hot, dry areas. They suck the life out of your turf like tiny lawn vampires.
The good news: Westfall’s has chinch bug control that tells them to bug off, fast.
🍄 Sometimes It’s a Fungus Among Us
Not all hot spots are caused by heat or bugs. Sometimes it’s fungal disease—think brown patch, dollar spot, or fairy ring (which sounds adorable but isn’t). These can start as small discolored circles and quickly spread.
Fungus loves:
Overwatering
High humidity (hello, Florida!)
Poor air circulation
You know what it doesn’t love? Westfall’s targeted fungicide treatments and proper lawn care guidance.
🐶 The “Dog Did It” Dilemma
If the hot spot is oddly circular and always in the same place, you may be dealing with... canine contributions. Dog urine is high in nitrogen, which is great in fertilizer—just not all at once in one spot.
Solutions?
Train your pup to go in one area
Flush the area with water right after
Plant a “pee-friendly” zone with more resilient ground cover
And no, we can’t train your dog, but we can recommend a good vet or obedience class.
🛠️ Fixing the Damage: What You Can Do
Once you’ve addressed the cause, it’s time to nurse that spot back to health:
Rake out the dead grass
Aerate if the soil is compacted
Apply a soil amendment or starter fertilizer
Lay sod or overseed the area (we can help!)
Water consistently until it establishes
It’s like a spa day for your lawn, minus the cucumber water.
💚 The Westfall’s Way
Look, hot spots happen. Florida lawns take a beating from sun, pests, pets, and homeowners who maybe forgot to set the irrigation timer (we won’t judge). That’s why Westfall’s offers full-service lawn care, pest control, and fertilization programs designed specifically for Sarasota and Manatee yards.
We diagnose, treat, and maintain your lawn so it stays green, lush, and Instagram-worthy—even in August.
Final Thought: Don’t Let One Bad Patch Ruin the Party
A single hot spot doesn’t mean your whole lawn is doomed. With a little attention—and the right help from Westfall’s—you can bring that grass back from the brink.