How To Patch a Lawn

*Cost information in this article sourced from Angi.

A lush, green lawn is the pride of many homeowners, but bare spots and damaged areas can quickly mar its appearance. Whether caused by pet damage, foot traffic, or fungal diseases, these unsightly patches require attention to restore your lawn’s beauty. 

Fortunately, patching a lawn is a straightforward process that most homeowners can tackle with the right tools and techniques. In this article and accompanying video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates patching a lawn and discusses common causes of bare spots.

Understanding Lawn Damage

Before starting the patching process, it helps to understand what causes lawn damage and how to identify various culprits.

Common Causes of Lawn Damage

• Fungal diseases
• Heavy foot traffic
• Insect infestations
• Pet urine burns
• Poor soil conditions

Identifying the Problem

Determining the cause of lawn damage is necessary to choose the best treatment. Look for signs such as:

• Circular patches of dead grass (often indicative of fungal diseases)
• Thinning grass with visible soil (may indicate poor soil conditions)
• Worn paths where foot traffic is heavy
• Yellow or brown spots surrounded by green grass (potential pet damage)

Preparing To Patch Your Lawn

Before you begin patching, you’ll need to gather the right tools and materials.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Garden rake
• Grass seed or sod (matching your existing lawn)
• Shovel
• Topsoil mixture (a blend of topsoil, compost, and sand)
• Utility knife
• Water source and sprinkler
• Wheelbarrow

Choosing Between Seed and Sod

When patching your lawn, you have two main options: seeding or laying sod. Each method has its advantages:

Seeding

Seeding is more cost-effective for larger areas and allows for a wider variety of grass types. However, it takes longer to establish, between two and three weeks for germination and 14 to 16 months to blend fully. 

Sod

Sod provides instant green coverage and is ideal for smaller patches of yard. Furthermore, it blends more quickly with the existing lawn. However, sod is more expensive than seeding, and laying it is more physically taxing than seeding. For quick results in smaller areas, sod is often the preferred choice, as demonstrated by Roger Cook.

Steps To Patch Your Lawn

Follow these steps to patch your lawn and restore its lush appearance.

1. Remove Damaged Grass and Soil

Begin by digging out the damaged section of the lawn, including about 6 inches of soil beneath it. This step helps address the underlying issues that may have contributed to the damage. Poor soil conditions or drainage problems often lurk beneath the surface.

2. Improve Soil Conditions

Replace the removed soil with a high-quality topsoil mixture. A blend of topsoil, compost, and sand provides excellent drainage while retaining moisture for root growth. This mixture promotes healthy grass growth and helps prevent future issues.

3. Level and Compact the Soil

Use a garden rake to spread and lightly compact the new soil mixture. Add more soil as needed, compacting each layer until you reach about 1 inch below the surrounding grade. This slight depression allows room for the new grass or sod to sit flush with the existing lawn.

4. Apply Grass Seed or Lay Sod

For seeded patches:

1. Spread grass seed evenly over the prepared soil
2. Lightly rake the seed into the top layer of soil
3. Cover with a thin layer of straw or mulch to retain moisture

For sod patches:

1. Lay sod pieces tightly together, staggering the joints between courses
2. Use a utility knife to trim sod to fit the patched area
3. Press the edges firmly against existing grass to eliminate gaps

5. Water and Maintain the Patched Area

Proper watering is crucial for establishing your newly patched lawn. For the first two weeks:

• Water the patched area twice daily
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Reduce watering frequency as the grass establishes, typically after 2-3 weeks

Tips for Successful Lawn Patching

To ensure the best results when patching your lawn, keep these tips in mind:

• Address underlying issues: Correct drainage problems or soil deficiencies to prevent future damage.
• Avoid foot traffic: Keep people and pets off the newly patched area until the grass is well-established.
• Follow up with proper lawn care: Regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering will help maintain your restored lawn.
• Match the grass type: Use seed or sod that matches your existing lawn for a seamless blend.
• Time it right: Early fall or spring are ideal times for lawn patching in most regions.

Preventing Future Lawn Damage

Once you’ve successfully patched your lawn, take steps to prevent future damage and maintain a healthy, lush yard.

Implement a Regular Maintenance Schedule

• Fertilize according to your grass type and local climate
• Mow regularly at the proper height for your grass type
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth

Address Common Lawn Stressors

• Apply fungicides or insecticides as needed to prevent disease and pest damage
• Create designated paths to reduce foot traffic on grass
• Train pets to use specific areas for bathroom needs

Improve Overall Lawn Health

• Aerate annually to minimize soil compaction
• Overseed thin areas to maintain grass density
• Test soil periodically and amend as needed to ensure optimal growing conditions

How To Fix Patches in Lawn: Our Conclusion

Patching a lawn is manageable for most homeowners, requiring only basic tools and some effort. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing preventative measures, you can restore damaged areas and maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn year-round. Remember that consistent care and attention to underlying issues are key to long-term lawn success.