How to Make Your Pitted Lawn Beautiful Again.
With spring in full bloom, it’s hard not to notice the patches and weeds littering your yard. Plenty of things can cause a patchy lawn, but it doesn’t have to be that way forever.
Spring and fall are great times to try to rejuvenate your lawn. The temperatures are lower, so it’s great for seed germination and weeds won’t grow as quickly during this time. If you need to thicken your lawn, here are some things you can do.
Determine the Cause
The first step is determining the cause. Consider consulting with a certified professional in your state to diagnose the problem and help you come up with a solution. In the meantime, consider these common causes:
1. Compacted Soil:
When it comes to grass, soil plays a large role. Clay or rocky soil makes it difficult to grow anything. You might also have rich soil that’s been compacted, so the grass isn’t able to properly take root. Aerating the soil is the best remedy here.
2. Dry:
Dry, hot climates often result in patchy lawns because they haven’t been watered enough. Watering your grass more often is the best cure, although this can be challenging if you live in a drought zone with water restrictions. If that’s the case, you might consider other low-maintenance landscaping like rock gardens and native plants instead of grass.
3. Rodents:
Moles, gophers, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other burrowing rodents will dig holes in your grass and cause dead, brown patches. You won’t see healthy grass again until the animals leave. Consult an animal control specialist or pest inspector to learn the best way to safely rid yourself of these rodents.
4. Mold, Fungi, and Diseases:
Plants can get sick too, and mold, fungi, and other plant diseases are usually the culprit. These can ravage your lawn, leaving bald spots and dry grass. Depending on your climate and the kind of grass you have, it can be difficult to identify the problem. Consult a landscaper to diagnose the illness and identify a cure. In some cases, there won’t be a cure, and you’ll have to redo your lawn.
5. Insects:
Chinch bugs are a common pest in lawns when it’s especially hot and dry outside, and they’re a common cause of patches in your lawn. Caterpillars, ants, and other insects can also kill grass.
6. Mowing Problems:
You can ruin your lawn in a variety of ways, including mowing it too often. Your blades might also be too low. If grass is too short, it won’t grow properly. A dull mower can also tear out grass, causing gradual death. Have your lawn mower tuned regularly and set the blades at the right height for the type of grass you have.
7. Dog Waste:
Pets can also cause dry spots. Over time, urine can turn your grass yellow and kill it. Training your dog to use the bathroom in an inconspicuous part of the lawn is best.
8. Tree Roots:
Large trees and shrubs require lots of water and nutrients to grow, and they often take it away from your grass. Mulching or naturalizing areas under your trees and shrubs is a great way to provide enough nutrients for your trees that your grass won’t suffer.
Fixing a Patchy Lawn
Once you’ve identified the problem and applied the remedy to stop it, you’ll still be left with a patchy lawn that needs repaired. Here are the steps to take to improve your grass.
1. Identify Optimum Grass Height:
Look up the height at which your specific grass grows best. For example, Bermuda grass grows best at about 1 ½ inches. Mow it to this height. Use a lawn mower bag or pick it up afterward, as dead grass can hinder your grass’s growth.
2. Dethatch the Lawn:
Borrow or rent a dethatching machine, which will pull out any grass that has died. Rake up the dead grass and throw it away. You’ll soon replace the dead blades with fresh seed.
3. Aerate the Grass:
A grass aeration machine pulls out chunks of soil so grass can better absorb nutrients and water. This will prepare your yard for the next step of planting seed.
4. Add Compote:
This is super rich soil that will help grass grow. Sprinkle it all over your existing lawn.
5. Lay Down Fertilizer:
Next, use a fertilization distributor to spread fertilizer. It will absorb the fertilizer and boost your existing grass as well as prepare the ground for seed.
6. Plant Seed:
Finally, you’re ready to plant seed. Choose seed that matches your existing grass, which might be a blend of seeds. Distribute the seed across your lawn and use the back of a rake to gently work the seed into the soil. Water at least twice per day for the next couple weeks to encourage stronger, greener grass.
Also read: 5 Ways to Turn Your Deck into an Oasis
