Leatherjackets

• Leatherjackets can present a serious problem for lawns as they feed on the roots of grass during autumn and winter. They are they larval stage of crane flies, which are also called “daddy long legs” in the UK and Ireland. The first signs of plant damage occur in spring when the grass shows slow growth and patches of yellow turf.
  
  

Moles

• Mounds of earth on lawns are sign that moles are living beneath it. These burrowing creatures can be found across Europe and North America. They live on a diet of earthworms and tunnel upwards with their claws. According to lawn expert Dr. Gareth Evans, methods for encouraging moles to go elsewhere include placing mothballs down the tunnels.
  
  

Dogs

• Allowing family dogs to urinate on lawns can result in brown patches because the urine burns the grass. Water the affected patches regularly to restore moisture but if the brown patches remain, you may need to think about reseeding the damaged areas, advises Dr. Gareth Evans.
  
  

Dollar Spot

• This lawn disease is generally caused by a lack of moisture in the soil and a lack of nitrogen. It appears on lawns as silvery-gray spots ranging from 1 to 6 inches in diameter. Sometimes the spots intermingle and this can result in large areas of grass appearing damaged.
  
  

Red Thread

• Caused by the fungus Laetisaria fuciformis, red thread is a common disease on lawns sown with fescue and ryegrass blends. It is prevalent in cool, humid weather conditions and gives lawns a bleached, patchy appearance. Affected areas can range from several inches to several feet. In wet weather a pink fungus forms into red strands near the tips of leaves.