How to Re-turf Bare Patches in a Lawn

Bare spots in lawns are unsightly but very easy to repair. The key is to prepare the new soil foundation for the transplanted sod. The better the soil preparation, the faster the roots will grow.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Compost Makers
• Cultivators & Forks
• Fresh Potting Soil
• Garden Rakes
• Shovels
• Spades

1. Purchase a roll of sod from a garden supply center. Make sure it matches the type of lawn you have growing in your yard (you wouldn't use a cool-season sod to repair a warm-season lawn).
2. Store the roll of sod in a shady area and keep it moist until you're ready to plant.
3. Cut around the perimeter of the bare spot using a spade, digging 1 to 2 inches deep into the soil.
4. Lift and remove the entire dead patch, including the roots. Unless the area was damaged by insects, you can toss the dead patch into your compost pile.
5. Loosen the remaining soil with a garden fork or cultivating tool.
6. Use compost or fresh potting soil to fill the hole. Don't fill the hole all the way to the top; leave an inch or two so that the finished patch of sod will be level with the surrounding turf.
7. Rake the new soil so that it's level, and water lightly.
8. Cut the new sod to fit the prepared area. Use a shovel or spade to trim the edges.
9. Lay the sod in place and fill any gaps between it and the surrounding grass with fresh potting soil or compost.
10. Keep the new sod moist, watering at least once a day and making sure the seams don't dry out.
11. Keep off the grass until the new sod has become established.

Tips & Warnings

• If the bare patch is due to a gasoline spill or dog urine, flood the area with water to dilute the offending fluid.
• Do lawn repair in the early morning or late afternoon hours so that the sod doesn't dry out while you're working. It's very important to keep the roots moist at all times.
• Bare patches in new lawns are usually caused by poor weather, birds, old seed, uneven seed germination and poor preparation of the site.
• Don't use fertilizer until you see new growth.

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