How to Patch Grass

Maybe you dumped some chemical on the lawn, or there was a terrible mole eruption that damaged your sod beyond immediate repair. Whatever the reason, a damaged lawn is not only an eyesore but a vector for vermin to damage the sod around it. However, a simple grass patch will easily solve the problem, repairing the lawn and your lawn's appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-tooth rake
• Spade
• Wheelbarrow
• Loose topsoil (1 pound)
• Watering can (1 gallon)

Instructions

1. Rake around the damaged area to clear up any surface clutter or tangles in the grass. Make sure the sod is clear of surface debris for 2 feet around the damaged grass.

2. Cut a 1-foot square around the damaged area with the spade, then use the spade to lift up the cut sod out of the hole. You may need to slice beneath the grass at an angle to free the damaged grass from its entangling roots. The spade should cut at least 2 to 4 inches into the soil to be effective.

3. Remove the damaged sod, disposing of it in an appropriate manner. You may use the sod to replace the patch you are about to make.

4. Find a discreet area of your lawn where you can cut a matching 1-foot square plug. Often, sections of lawn along a forested area or behind a shed or along a vegetable garden are good places to look.

5. Cut the replacement sod in the same manner as the damaged sod. Place the sod plug in the wheelbarrow and bring it, intact, to the place you wish to repair. You can put the damaged sod in place of the undamaged sod, if you wish.

6. Place the fresh, undamaged plug in the space left by the damaged sod. Put the patch carefully into the hole and step down on it to press it into place. Sprinkle 1 pound of loose topsoil onto the patch and its seam to help fill the gaps.

7. Water the patch with a hose or with a 1-gallon watering can. Watering helps the soils to mix and nourishes the patch's roots.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding fertilizer to the patch will help the transplanted grass to take root more effectively in its new home.

• Make sure that the patch matches the type of grass in the new location--mixing Kentucky bluegrass patches with normal rye grass may look odd.

• Even a shallow dig can sometimes hit a pipe or buried wire, so be sure it is safe to dig before your spade hits the soil.

References

• Lawn Experts--Repairing Damaged Grass Patches