1501
Brown tracks & wheel marks
When brown wheel tracks or footprints show in a lawn during the warm summer months, the grass is drought-stressed. The grass will turn a dull bluish-green color and footprints won't "bounce back" within a few minutes. 
Drought-stressed grass should be watered before any mowing, fertilizing, or play on the grass is allowed. Then, continue with normal or slightly increased watering. Mow often enough so that no more than an inch of grass is removed at any single mowing.
The grass will recover within 10 to 21 days. Extra fertilizer will not significantly help the recovery process.
During the spring and late fall, brown stripes and footprints are usually from traffic on frosted grass. Frost should be allowed to melt off of the grass before foot and mower traffic is allowed on the grass.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension fact sheet(s).
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