Lawn Care – Repairing Bare Spots in your Lawn

Bare spots happen. They’re unsightly and discouraging, but fixable.

When

The best time, just like for starting a new lawn, is from August 20 to October 15. The second best time is in the spring.

How

• Remove plant debris with a hard rake or cultivator.

• Especially if your soil is clay, it’s helpful to spread some compost over the area.

• Smooth with a rake or smaller tool, like your hand.

• Sprinkle a grass seed over the spot.

• Tamp it down with your hands.

• Cover the seed with 1/8″ layer of Leafgro or compost, then cover with Seed Accelerator, which helps to retain moisture and contain fertilizer. Seed Accelerator also keeps the birds from eating the seed.

• Water at least daily to keep the seeds constantly moist for 2 weeks, as you would for a new lawn. If the weather is hot and sunny, you’ll need to water twice or even three times a day.

Patching with Sod Instead

• Remove soil to one inch or so below the level of the surrounding soil, so the sod will be at the same level as the existing lawn.

• Cut sod to fit the spot with a snug fit against the surrounding turf.

• Follow watering instructions that come with the sod – carefully.

Dog Damage

We love our dogs but they can be terrible on lawns, especially the females, and if you have one you already know that. They leave telltale dead spots with green growth around the edges. Always flush the area with water immediately after a dog has peed on it, if possible. Also remove feces as soon as possible to keep it from smothering and killing the grass. If damage has already been done, follow the instructions above for repairing spots.