How to Fix Dead Spots on the Lawn

Dead patches within the yard cause more than an eyesore. It is a sign that your lawn is experiencing underlining health problems such as pests, fungal diseases, thick thatch, over watering, dog urine or too much nitrogen. Gardeners should address their lawn problems before reseeding these areas. Reseeding without spraying a pesticide or fungicide may result in future problems. Furthermore, soil preparation in these bare areas raises the success of your new grass seedlings.

Masonry trowel
Dethatcher
Rake
Screwdriver
Soil thermometer
Grass seed
Compost

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a triangular piece of turf out of your lawn to check the thickness of your thatch layer. A thatch layer over 1/2 inch thick should be removed, which will also remove the dead grass. Thatch is the brown spongy layer that exists between your soil and grass blades. Rent a dethatcher, and push it back and forth across the lawn to remove the thatch and dead grass.
- 2
  Rake up your dead grass if you have a thatch layer less than 1/2 inch thick. Throw the dead grass away if you suspect that your dead patches were caused by fungal diseases or pests.
- 3
  Till the bare areas to break up compacted soil for your grass seeds. Press a screwdriver in the lawn to make a small hole.
- 4
  Place a soil thermometer inside of the hole to test the soil temperatures. Seed warm-season grass if soil temperatures are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or plant cool-season grass seed if soil temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
  Broadcast grass seeds over the bare areas. Cover your grass seed with 1/8 inch compost, and water enough to moisten the soil.

How to Get Rid of Green Moss in the Lawn

How to Landscape a Dog-Friendly Yard

Lawn Basics