Fixing bare spots

Fixing Bare Spots

If your only problem is a bad spot or two, spot seeding can do the job. For patching or repairing smaller area, there are prepackaged mixes available that have seed, fertilizer and mulch all in one bag. Make sure you get the same variety of grass seed to match the rest of your lawn.

1. Make sure the damage is not from a pest.

2. Remove dead grass and loosen the soil.

3. Spread grass seed and rake it in.

4. Mulch with a thin layer of weed-free straw, such as wheat straw. As an alternative, you can use a seed starter mat or seed blanket to help keep the seed and loose soil from washing or blowing away.

Repairing or Renovating a Lawn

If 50% of the lawn is still good (not bare of grass or full of weeds), repair. If not, start a new lawn. Follow these steps in the area you’re repairing or restarting:

1. Mow lower than usual.

2. Apply nonselective herbicide.

3. Wait 10 to 14 days (or as directed by the product label).

4. Seed as a new lawn.