Dead Patches and Digging Animals Stump Lawn Owners

“Zone 9b - Phoenix, AZ Had a contractor removing some concrete with a Bobcat from my backyard and it ended up raining all morning while he was working, causing deep deep ruts and caked mud into the grass. I'm not sure where to even begin repairing or fixing the grass, I know I need to loosen up the soil and get the mud and rock out but having a very difficult time figuring out how to do that without destroying the grass worse. All the stolons get tangled in the garden fork or rake tines and f”

submitted by /u/Tooth-Exciting [link] [comments]

“You can’t see in the picture very well but there is a line running from bottom left to top right with dirt on the left and glass on the right. In the dirt section there are lots of clumped up pile almost like worm sign? Do I have a worm or grub colony or some other type of burrowing bug? Any suggestions would be great, I’m not sure who to call about this. Let me know if this shouldn’t be posted here submitted by /u/stillwaterbadger [link] [comments]”

“I’ve had this house on cape cod since sep 2025. Yard was a little neglected. I’ve got great grass growing now and have some much nicer garden beds now. The backyard was quite squishy after rains last fall and so I thought I had a drainage issue. So when I had a patio done, I had them dig drainage in the backyard. Didn’t have any issues after that til now. I noticed at the end of summer what looked like a mole tunnel in the side yard. I didn’t really have too much time to dig around and it didn’t”

“Are these holes from squirrels: https://imgur.com/qAv1YrQ ? I always see squirrels digging on my lawn and never on my neighbor's....their lawn is in a lot better shape than mine, so I wonder if squirrels are attracted to mine because it's easier to dig as I have a bunch of dry patches that are easy to dig up....but look at all these holes. this is pretty ridiculous? submitted by /u/Diligent_Board_172 [link] [comments]”

“We’re in SW Ohio, just bought an old house and haven’t moved in yet. This morning I saw this fresh hole in the mulch beds in the side of the house. It’s about 4” across. Any suggestions on what could have caused this? For reference, we do have a new mole friend in the back making tunnels (just got some of the Victor stakes to start there) and we also have smaller round holes under our maple that we think are chipmunks due to the size and that the holes are super clean. The hole in the picture is”

“What are these small dirt piles and web like things in my Bermuda yard? DFW area. submitted by /u/RemarkableChange8618 [link] [comments]”

“location: east tennessee yard is adjacent to woods in a rural area so fall is approaching and these piles of what look like either dirt or even wood shavings ? have come up all over our back yard. we frequently have ant hills but these look much different. my partner took these photos today, so i can’t comment what they look like much closer. he said he didn’t see any ants submitted by /u/sovserious [link] [comments]”

“I’ve seen them before but never to this extent, i woke up and there’s at least 20 in my yard (not kidding, i counted) though not super close to my raised garden bed. I’m in Central florida, each hole minimum 5 inches deep (some are literally a tripping hazard). In the last picture each little mound of dirt is a hole. submitted by /u/aimichann [link] [comments]”

“I have this new development of patches in my lawn. This after I added Fertilizer and over seeded. I also have crane flies. What could be the problem and how to go about fixing this! Location in Milton, Ontario. submitted by /u/Tight_Competition_78 [link] [comments]”

“What could this be? We see a few more of these small holes every morning. Location: Orange County, CA submitted by /u/user2353223355 [link] [comments]”

“Recently purchased a new home and trying to grow out my lawn (first picture is current progress). The second picture is a close up of that patch of grass but to the right is another patch growing but is lighter green and thicker blades (third picture) and the fourth picture is a spot where they are side my side. I’m pretty sure the third picture is st Augustine but is that also what my first and second picture are two or is that main patch of grass different? Sorry if that’s confusing lol”

“Location Chicago area: What could this have been? I was coming out here to pick up sticks and found a large section of my grass dug up. Doesn’t look like there’s holes, making me think that there’s moles. But it’s all dug up. submitted by /u/Cool_Permission_173 [link] [comments]”

“My dog dug up two spots in the yard (pic attached). I fenced them off so it can't happen again and filled the holes with Timberline top soil from Lowe’s. Lawn is majority St. Augustine, I'm in Austin, TX. Thinking about taking a plug from a healthier part of the lawn and putting it in the center of each fenced spot to help it fill in faster. Good idea, or is there a better approach? It's starting to cool down here but probably won't be under 80 for another month. Any advice is ap”

“Just notices these tiny holes in a small part of our lawn. Anyone knows what cause this? Hope its just earthworms submitted by /u/Some-Tension-9618 [link] [comments]”

“Not sure what's going on here, first time I've had dead spots like this. Thought maybe it was the heat reflection from the garden but it's not consistent across the entire yard, nor has it been that hot. It also seems to be spreading slowly outwards from the garden. No judgment on the garden weeds, they're not helping. submitted by /u/---Think--- [link] [comments]”

Septic?

“Hi- I have a few of these clumps of dirt??? Maybe in my yard, it doesn’t look like there’s any holes with them - pic attached . What could be causing these- located in CT?? Thanks in advance! submitted by /u/kmajor9080 [link] [comments]”

“Just bought a house in central Florida and the builder left me with a lot of work to do. Whatever this is, is taking over my backyard and the months of neglect has my Augustine grass looking gross. Trying to eradicate the weeds and hopefully convince my lawn to start growing things that aren’t weed related. submitted by /u/A_rod24 [link] [comments]”

Be nice.

“I started seeing these mounds in the front and back yard. Mound is roughly 1/2 - 1 inch high. I initially put some ant poison down, but it’s not an ant mound. Any ideas what it might be? Location is in Central Texas Solved. Cicada Killer Wasp burrow. submitted by /u/Dallaswitten82 [link] [comments]”

“I used to get these guys all the time. Got my dog to start pooping near their area and they eventually left.”

“Hello hoping some one can guide. New Jersey here. So I am planning to re seed some sections and was removing weeds the soil being "sandy" very smooth. I am pretty sure it's not supposed to be like that. This section and some other sections had no growth last year just weeds. What can i do to have growth in the section submitted by /u/AnnualVacation716 [link] [comments]”

“These holes have been randomly popping up in my backyard and I have no idea how to stop it. My first guess was either a fungus or skunk holes but I am hoping someone here could help me figure out exactly what is happening. I’ve had skunk holes before but they don’t usually make the grass brown around it the same day they appear. I’m completely lost submitted by /u/Its_JaySea [link] [comments]”

“I did my best with google & chatGpt, it looks like raccoon digging up the lawn. Any suggestions that will actual work ? Thank you. This is Norther California. https://preview.redd.it/tx47k5n9jskh1.png?width=1008&format=png&auto=webp&s=fcc43a0ce7b0a79754265f540aecfc0353f6f1e1 submitted by /u/CauliflowerPopular46 [link] [comments]”

“Upstate SC. Started having several holes in the yard. Not deep and then I found this today. Its big enough to put my hand into. Im an average size guy. Thanks for any suggestions submitted by /u/DeadPigeon33 [link] [comments]”

“What’s tearing up my yard? Is it cottontails? I noticed it a few weeks ago, and it’s growing. There’s a burrow nearby, but I plugged it weeks ago. It appears to have not been used again. Living in Texas and first time homeowner so still learning the ropes. Any insight is appreciated! submitted by /u/Bayonate [link] [comments]”

“They are called moles. The reason why it’s there is because you take care of your lawn, and there is a shit load of earthworms. Not grubs or any other crap. Don’t waste money on any position, or ground vibrator/ beam stuff— all useless. Going forward, they will start to migrate to your lawn, and your nightmare begins. Solution: traps only. For those edges, I recommend the gopehawk or similar name one stick traps and place them. There are other traps but I had 100% success rate with them. This ye”

“What are these mysterious dirt piles? Appeared at the edge of the lawn. Thought maybe worms? Shoveled it off sidewalk and no worms inside. Today a new one appeared! Washington state submitted by /u/fishonmyside [link] [comments]”

“Im in ontario, never had this issue before but last couple of days something has been digging into our mulch bed and just straight into our lawn what could it be and what can i do to prevent/deter it submitted by /u/Jax2613 [link] [comments]”

“Queensland area. My lawn is struggling and I’m getting these sand ‘nests’ coming up. I’m assuming ants or some other insect are nipping off the grass roots and killing it… any ideas? Tips for fixing? Thanks a lot for any help! submitted by /u/kangareddit [link] [comments]”

“I live in California in the east bay. Found this when I came out to my front lawn. Need help. It’s under bricks near the house (4 feet from the house). Unsure if this is from a mole. 2 years ago my backyard had similar holes. When I would find a fresh one I would put an atlas smoke bomb in it. Cover it up. Did this for weeks. Traps never worked as I could not find visual signs of their tunnels in my small 5x50 ft back lawn. The battle continued, and I lost. The back yard eventually became patchy”

“This is exactly the reason the limestone drive base is under the dirt and sucks up all the moisture”

“These divots have appeared in my neighbors lawn, and he asked me if I knew what is was from. My guess is animals, but mine doesn't have this. Can anyone tell me what's doing this and how to stop it? Located in Utah submitted by /u/GeneralZOD24 [link] [comments]”

“Woke up this morning to several holes dug into my lawn and my mulch completely overturned. The mulch bed in my front yard had signs of something settling into it and rummaging, but nothing compared to the pictures I attached of a small mulch bed in the back yard. The holes are mostly dug around the foundation of my house which is why I’m concerned. They’re not tunnels, at most only a few inches deep. Diameter varying in size from 1-3~ inches. Pest control service I use wasn’t much help, just gav”

“Am in Southern New England. Found displaced soil in two different spots at the edge of the lawn. Is this from a tunneling insect or animal? (I had chipmunks in the past but their burrow entrances never had a mound of soul near them.). I appreciate any insights. Thanks. submitted by /u/InterstitialMan [link] [comments]”

“Last fall, we had holes like this and dug up a few spots to look for grubs and didn't find anything. This summer has been fine so never worried about them. Two nights ago, we had a big rain and the next day, there are these holes all over the yard with piles of dirt. Any suggestions other than grubs? They start mainly in the backyard but as we move into fall will move to more of the front yard and further back. Located in western upper peninsula of Michigan. submitted by /u/Holid”

“Anybody know what this could be? I assumed a skunk, but my yard is completely sealed off and the camera doesn't pick up on anything, I'm certain the motion detection would capture the skunk if it was one. Could it possible be a mole? Thanks for any advice! submitted by /u/Vedder2727 [link] [comments]”

“Located in Arkansas, USA. Purchased this house recently and there is a dead strip of grass that runs all the way down the driveway. My neighbor said he remembers it happening last year too, but that it doesn’t happen until around June. New to all this so hoping so some insight for what it can be. submitted by /u/ProfessionalRocket47 [link] [comments]”

“Never seen this before anywhere on my lawn before. Any thoughts? Huge racoon dump? Beats me. submitted by /u/bakedbeans-gas [link] [comments]”

“Some creature has started digging a large hole in my new zoysia grass. I get squirrels digging occasionally, but it’s never been a problem. This thing is almost a foot across. Any ideas what is doing this??? Northern Mississippi. Hot weather 90s daily. Thanks! submitted by /u/TroubleSam [link] [comments]”

“They say nothing ON the lawn there for years. Doesn’t infer anything being underneath. @OP id poke a metal rod down there and see how far it goes. My money is on a brick paver being underneath - could be part of an old flag pole with decorative pavers.”

“All my apps are telling me it’s st Augustine but I live in bucks county PA so I’m not too sure All I know is whatever company did the overseeding ariation last year put fescue and perennial rue and that’s definitely not what was already at this property when I moved in last year Any thoughts? submitted by /u/demarco5 [link] [comments]”

St Augustine I believe

“Just noticed these hole in lawn. They are located above first opening to septic tank. Don’t know how long they’ve been there. Soil very dry. Some holes have little mounds of dry dirt. Others have cobwebs or spider webs. We have bunnies, but only one type that digs burrows and I haven’t seen it. Eastern Washington submitted by /u/Stellar_Pygmy [link] [comments]”

“Are you home? Could it be sand? You might have accidentally got a lawn leveling service.”

“This past spring I removed a backyard garden and sodded over it. Sod has been taking root great, no problems there. But on Thursday I noticed a mole mound. Went to the hardware store and bought a box of those poison gummy worm looking things. Stuck two down there on Thursday. Checked the opening of the burrow Friday and they were gone. Stuck two more down there, and when I got home from work tonight those were gone too. So I just stuck two more down there. Any advice on how best to eradicate the”

“Here’s a lawn care novice. I have a lot of bald spots in my lawn. I think it’s St. Augustine and ChatGPT also said so. I tried to aerate using a hand tool but it doesn’t seem to work that well. What would do first now in summer and coming seasons? submitted by /u/Still-Wash-5259 [link] [comments]”

“Hey everyone, I was hoping for some insight, half my back yard is dead grass and the other type is this stuff. I was wondering if anyone knew what it is and how i could get rid of it? I live in eastern massachusetts. submitted by /u/Drankster9960 [link] [comments]”

“I have 50 of these about an inch deep in my backyard, appeared in a week, about an inch deep, like somebody is looking for something, what do you think is digging? This is central indiana. submitted by /u/IndependentGiraffe8 [link] [comments]”

“Location: north east Florida, Jacksonville area. St Augustine grass. I do my own lawn care including all chemicals and fertilizers. Yard is generally a 7 out of 10. Never yard of the month but always presentable and healthy. The mystery: I have lived here for 8 years. Every year the grass dies in this spot at this time of year (July) I have re-sodded the area probably 5 of the 8 years I’ve lived here in early spring. The sod does great every year until July. This year I just let it go, treated t”

“Wish I had specifically paid more attention to that. As far as I remember, no, the soil was excavated and backfilled from the same lot.”

“These dried out sandy patches that go deep suddenly began appearing after construction began on a new house next door. They appear in random spots around the property. I dug down into one of the older spots, nothing is there, just spent soil—gray, sandy, powdery. The lot nextdoor was vacant for years, but maintained. Could a pest have relocated to the yard? Located near Easton, MD. submitted by /u/Acceptable-Error356 [link] [comments]”

“Zone 6b Northern Massachusetts. Had this happen a couple times in other spots earlier this year. Always occurs once then never again (in the same spot). What’s doing the digging and how do I prevent it? Shoe for scale submitted by /u/CannibalOranges [link] [comments]”

“This is the view from my second story window. This half-circle of dead grass has slowly developed in my front lawn over the course of a few weeks. The lawn is treated monthly by a lawncare company. I water daily or every other day depending on weather/temperature. I haven't laid anything on the lawn (like a hose) that would solarize it. Any thoughts on what this could be? TIA. submitted by /u/dfwdesigner [link] [comments]”

“If it is St. Augustine, why is it in my location to begin with? submitted by /u/EddyMunny79 [link] [comments]”