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Yard guides / Problems and fixes

Fix bare and thin spots

Find the cause, then reseed or patch at the right time.

Best time: Fall (cool) or late spring (warm) 5 min read

Bare spots come back unless you fix what caused them: dog urine, heavy traffic, shade, grubs, disease or a spill. Find the cause first, then repair.

Timing

  • Cool-season grass: seed in late summer to early fall, when soil is warm and air is cooling
  • Warm-season grass: repair in late spring to early summer with seed, sod or plugs (St. Augustine is usually patched with sod or plugs)

Reseeding a patch

  1. Rake out dead grass and loosen the top inch or two of soil
  2. Mix in a little compost if the soil is poor
  3. Spread seed that matches your lawn at the rate on the bag
  4. Rake lightly so seed contacts soil, then press it down
  5. Keep the surface moist with light watering once or twice a day until it sprouts, then water less often and deeper
  6. Don't mow until the new grass is a little taller than your normal mowing height

General lawn care information. Grass, soil and climate vary; your cooperative extension office can give local advice. Reliable Service Crew isn't paid by any brand or lawn company.