How to Patch Dead Grass
No matter how much water or fertilizer you give it, dead grass will not rejuvenate and grow back. Once you've allowed a patch to turn brown and coarse, you need to repair it with new grass seed. Ground preparation is essential because grass seed needs soil to adhere to and root. It will not germinate if it does not have direct contact with the ground. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Rototiller
- Sand
- Compost
- Starter fertilizer
- Grass seed
- Mechanical or hand spreader
- Rake
- Sprinkler
Instructions
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1
Till the dead grass with a rototiller. Loosen up the soil and remove as much of the dead grass as possible. Work to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.
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2
Lay down 1 inch of sand on the dead patches to improve drainage at the site. Till it to combine it with the local soil.
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3
Add 1 inch of compost to the amended soil to add nutrients. Mix it in with the ground and sand. Make sure the top inch of soil is combined well.
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4
Spread a starter fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Set the broadcast spreader to the rate specified on the package.
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5
Load a hand spreader up with grass seed. If you are patching a large area, use a mechanical spreader. The goal is to spread an even amount of grass seed. Too few seeds leaves gaps and too many forces competition for nutrients.
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6
Rake the top of the spread seed gently with the back side of a metal rake. Mix the seed into the very top of the soil mixture to give it some protection as it roots.
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7
Water the seed with a sprinkler set to the oscillating setting. Keep the water running for 5 to 10 minutes two or three times daily. Stick to this routine for the first 10 days. Once the seeds root, reduce watering to once a day for 15 to 30 minute intervals.
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Tips & Warnings
Water grass seed in the morning because less water will evaporate.
Wait until the grass is 3 inches high before you mow it.
Stay off patches until the grass is fully grown.
Avoid watering in the evening, because it can cause fungi to grow.
References
- Photo Credit grass image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com
