Share
Dead spots in your lawn?
Unsightly brown patches can ruin the look of your yard, but there are simple solutions.
Learn how to identify the cause, repair the damage, and restore your lawn to its lush green glory in just 4 steps.
Identification Of Problem
This is crucial, it is important to identify the source of the problem before you can treat it!
Brown patches in a lawn can be the result of many things:
Mold,
Insect damage,
Even rodents.
Identifying the problem will allow you to specialize the treatment.
If you are experiencing patches in your St. Augustine Grass go here.
Local garden shops will carry supplies that will treat most of the causes of brown patches in the lawn. But if that doesn’t work, or doesn't seem like a viable option...
You may have to replace the lawn. Or at least the affected area.
Replacing The Lawn
If the treatment of the area is a failure or the area is too large for the treatment needed. It may be necessary to remove the damaged areas and start the lawn from scratch.
If that is the case, you will want to follow these steps.
Step #1: Prepare The Area
The best way to prepare for new grass or sod is to completely dig out the damaged area to a depth of 4". Don’t remove too much soil. Removing only a few inches will be all that is required.
Next you will want to fill this area with a quality compost and nutrient rich soil. The soil should be loose, and not full of air pockets and voids. Nor should it be too compact. You want to be sure that the new lawn isn’t going to sink and leave a dip.
Good news! There is an easy solution, water the soil. When the soil is watered, it will compact naturally.
Additional soil can be added after a light watering.
Now that you have prepared the area. You will want to use seeds or install sod to replace the lawn.
Step #2 Choose Your Method
Method #1: Sod
There are a few options when it comes to gaining a lush lawn. Installing sod is a more expensive way to gain a lush lawn, but it is instant and requires little additional care above watering.
If there is a problem with a sod yard, the affected area can be removed easily and replaced with a fresh and healthy piece of sod.
Sod comes in long thin rectangles that are rolled up like a jelly roll. Cutting the precise sized replacement piece is simple when using this method.
Benefits of Sodding: Fast application, instant results, less watering.
Cons of Sodding: More Expensive, grass type limited by local availability.
Method #2: Seeds
The other option planting seeds, takes longer and requires more daily care until the root system is established.
However, the cost of seed is measurably lower than sod. Best of all you can use nearly any variety of seed. Different seeds can be purchased in a variety of grass types. Grass seed can vary by purpose, germination period, and weather zone.
Spread grass seed lightly across the area which is being replaced and then water gently.
Comparison of Sod and Seed Methods:
| Method | Description | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sod | Instant lawn replacement with pre-grown grass. | Fast application, instant results, less watering required. | More expensive, limited grass types. |
| Seeds | Planting grass seeds that will grow over time. | Cheaper, wide variety of grass types. | Takes longer to establish, requires more daily care. |
For the best results, many people choose to lay a specialized cover or old straw over the newly seeded area. This is used to protect the vulnerable seeds from birds and the damaging effects of being exposed to the sun.
Most importantly, this cover also helps to keep the moisture in the ground, which helps the seeds to sprout and take root.
Benefits of Seed: Cheaper option. Nearly unlimited variety of grasses to choose from.
Cons of Seed: Takes longer to establish, requires more care and water.
Protect And Care For Your New Grass
After replacing damaged spots with either sod or seeds, it is important to protect the area until it is hearty and established.
Here are some tips to preserve your new lawn:
Stake off the area from foot traffic with wooden stakes and running a string around the area.
Do not cut the new grass until the root systems are securely and firmly in place.
Water often enough that the seed or sod does not dry out, but is not drenched or in a pool of water.
Do not use fertilizers with an NPK number.
Use an Eco-friendly and gentile fertilizer such as a natural seaweed fertilizer.
FAQ: How to Fix Dead Spots in Lawn?
What is the difference between dead grass and dormant grass?
Dormant grass is brown and dry but still flexible, and its roots are alive, stopping growth temporarily to conserve nutrients during extreme weather. Dead grass is brittle, brown, and dry, and comes up easily when pulled, indicating dead roots.
What are common fungal diseases that affect lawns?
Common fungal diseases include brown patches, dollar spots, and rust. These diseases thrive in moist conditions and can cause circular brown patches and thin, discolored grass.
How do grubs damage a lawn?
Grubs, the larvae of beetles, eat grass roots, which weakens and kills the grass. This damage often appears as spongy, irregular brown patches that can be easily pulled up due to the compromised root system.
Why are dull mower blades bad for my lawn?
Dull mower blades tear grass blades instead of cutting them cleanly. Torn grass blades can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to disease and less able to retain moisture.
How does heat and drought contribute to dead spots in the lawn?
Heat and drought stress the lawn by depleting moisture and causing the grass to enter a dormant state or die if the conditions persist. Prolonged dry spells lead to brittle grass that fails to recover, resulting in dead patches.
What type of grass seed should I choose for my climate?
Choose grass seeds based on climate adaptability:
- Warm-season grasses (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia) are ideal for hot climates as they thrive in summer and go dormant in winter.
- Cool-season grasses (e.g., Fescue, Bluegrass) perform best in cooler climates, growing vigorously in spring and fall and often struggling in high heat.
Is it necessary to fertilize when fixing dead spots?
While not always necessary, applying a small amount of fertilizer made for new grass can enhance seed germination and early growth, giving the new grass a better chance of establishing itself quickly and effectively
What’s the Bottom Line on Repairing the Lawn?
Repairing lawn dead spots involves:
- Identifying the problem
- Removing damaged areas
- Laying sod or planting seeds
- Protecting new grass until established
Follow best lawn care practices to prevent recurrence of brown patches. For professional help, contact a lawn care pro at GreenPal.
