Animal Damage

• Animals such as raccoons, moles, voles, armadillos, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, pocket gophers and even birds can do quite a bit of damage to your grass. Moles and voles do their damage by either digging furrows or pathways through the grass. They are easy to spot because they look like little roadways. Raccoons, armadillos, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks and gophers do their damage to the grass by digging and rooting around in it. They can leave large spots looking tilled up from their search for food. Birds leave the grass with more of fluff look, tearing at the top portion.
  
  In most cases, ridding yourself of the problem entirely can be tiresome, frustrating and might not work. You can purchase mole traps and there are a dozen homespun remedies dealing with the removal of these pests. There are safe wildlife traps that capture the animal alive. Relocation of the animal is possible, but it's probable there's more from where they came from. There are products that are suppose to repel certain animals and you could give this a try. Many times these animals are searching for food scraps that have been discarded outside.
  
  

Unsuitable Lawn Grass

• When selecting a grass to install into your lawn, make sure you choose one that's right for you. Grass damage can occur by simply choosing the wrong grass for your particular area. A grass that is not suited for your climate and conditions is more prone to diseases. For instance, a non-shade-tolerant grass will be weakened and stressed if forced to grow in a shady environment. Check with a reputable turf dealer to find the best grass suited for your conditions.
  
  

Mowing Damage

• It's best to keep your grass mowed at the recommended height for its variety. When grass is repeatedly mowed too short, it becomes susceptible to disease and the food reserves are depleted. The grass will then have a harder time recovering and will lose its vigor. Keeping the mower blades sharp will reduce injury and the possibility of fungal infections. Keeping your grass mowed regularly and at the correct height will cut down on the chances of it catching a disease.
  
  

Insects

• Many times it's difficult to diagnose an insect problem in the grass until the damage is done. Insect damage causes the grass to become yellow, brown or to completely die. These areas start off as small patches but can turn into a very large spot in no time at all. Many times insect damage can be mistaken for lack of water. Once proper watering has resumed and the grass looks no better, the damage is more than likely caused by insects. Check with your local nursery for the best product for your situation. Most of the time insect damage is caused by using an inappropriate grass variety and poor care.
  
  

Irrigation

• It's essential to give grass a proper amount of water, considering its variety and your weather conditions. It's better to deeply water your grass several times a week than shallowly watering every day. This will promote deeper roots and the grass will be more resistant to drought and diseases. Over-watering grass restricts the growth of the grass as well as the roots. It also leaves the grass susceptible to diseases. Over-watering usually leaves the grass yellowing and can lead to its death.
  
  

Fertilization Problems

• To have problem-free and healthy grass, it's necessary to apply the correct amount of fertilizer. Grass lacking fertilizer is prone to diseases such as rust, spot and red thread disease. By applying too much fertilizer, you can burn the grass and open up the possibility of diseases such as blight, leaf spot and brown patch. Check with your local nursery if you are unsure of the amount and how often you should fertilizer your lawn.