How to Repair Bald Spots on Grass

No matter what caused your lawn to turn spotty or partially bald, fixing the damage is simple. First, buy seed, sod or plugs of the same variety as your current grass (or a close match). Then proceed as follows.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Bulb Planter
• Shovel Or Trowel
• Spade Or Hoe
• Straw Or Other Mulch
• Wooden Board
• Grass seed, sod or plugs

1. 

   Remove weeds, dead grass, and other detritus from the injured area (see A).

2. In cases where dog urine, fertilizer burn, or a spilled substance such as gasoline caused the damage, flush the soil with water before you plant. Cultivate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).

3. Spread about a 1/2-inch (12-mm) layer of compost on the surface and work it in well.

4. If you're using grass seed, sprinkle the seed over the area. Then tamp it lightly with the back of a spade or hoe so that the seed just makes contact with the soil.

5. Top the seeded spot with straw or other mulch, and water lightly. The soil surface should be kept moist, but not wet, until the seedlings are growing strongly. Then revert to your normal watering schedule.

6. If you're using sod, cut a piece that fits the cultivated area and set it into place. Then tamp the sod firmly to ensure good contact with the soil below. Keep the sod moist to the depth of the grass roots until the blades show active growth.

7. To replant with plugs, use a bulb planter to make holes 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart in staggered rows. Then set in the plugs. As with sod, keep the site well watered until you see active growth.

8. 

   Whichever planting method you've used, lay a wooden board across the repaired spot to make sure the new grass is level with the rest of the lawn (see B).

Tips & Warnings

• Seed is inexpensive and easy to keep on hand for patching. Sod gives instant results but costs more. With grasses such as St. Augustine or hybrid Bermuda that spread by runners, you must use sod or plugs.

• Repair cool-season lawns in early fall. In warm regions, do the job in late spring.