Is your lawn balding?
No one wants bare or thinning patches on their lawn as it can ruin the look and feel of the space. They can also reflect bigger problems; therefore, it is important to address the root causes of this issue to prevent it from happening again. Fortunately, the repair process is something you can do on your own!
Reasons for bare spots on lawns
There are many reasons why bare spots are appearing on your lawn. Most often, it is due to heavy foot traffic from kids or pets playing on the lawn but it could also be a product of drought, disease, chemical burn and weed or insect infestation.
What grass planting options are available?
Once you have determined the cause of the bare spots you are ready to repair the damage. The solution most people take is to plant new grass; however, there are several options such as:
- Applying grass seed and fertiliser separately. Use straw as a mulch after planting the grass seed to maintain its moisture and keep it safe from birds.
- Consider using lawn patch products to combine the grass seed. You can find bags of fertiliser and mulch blends which provide an easy fix to grass patches.
- Seed germination blankets are another great option as they allow light and water to reach the seeds underneath them - allowing them to sprout. Blankets also warm the soil which germinates the seeds quickly.
Solutions
Once you’re ready to start your lawn repair, consider these next few steps as a guideline.
Step 1: Dig up the area
- First, remove any dead grass from the area, then, using a rake, loosen the top 6 inches (15cm) in dirt. Loose soil makes it easier for seeds to absorb the water and for their roots to spread once they start growing.
Step 2: Mix in Topsoil
- Improve the soil quality with compost or topsoil. This will get new sod or grass seed off to a good start.
Step 3: Rake and Pack
- Rake and pack down the area to make it level with the surrounding lawn.
Step 4: Apply the Lawn Product
- Use a handheld or a push spreader to sow the seeds, then lightly rake them in.
Step 5: Water the Area Well
- Water the patch and ensure when using any lawn care products to always follow the package instructions regarding application procedures and safety precautions including proper clothing and protective equipment.
If you find that your grass is thinning due to constant activity on the lawn, consider ways you can keep traffic off that area. This could include installing stepping stones or a gravel pathway which will alleviate the soil compaction created from heavy traffic on the lawn.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about repairing bare patches on your lawn or need assistance determining what rejuvenation process suits your lawn get in touch with our friendly team today!
