Fall is a great time to repair bald spots and overseed the lawn. Cooler temperatures are optimal growing conditions and it allows your lawn to have a healthy head start in the spring. Barren spots or thinning of the lawn can have various causes.
Repairing Lawn Spots
Lawn spots can be caused by heavy foot traffic (soil compaction), pet damage, drought, chemical burn, disease, grubs, and bugs. It’s important to determine the source of barren lawn spots so that preventative action can be taken in the future. If heavy traffic is the cause, you may want to consider installing stepping stones as a feature to your landscape. This will allow you to utilize your space as you want without causing unsightly damage to your lawn. If grubs, insects, or disease is the cause of lawn spots, follow a good lawn treatment program. Contact us today for help identifying and treating your lawn problem.
Now that you’ve identified the cause of your lawn spots, it’s time to repair them. Be sure to clear the area that you want to repair of debris. Add a layer of topsoil if necessary and rake it out until you have a level surface. Apply grass seed and fertilizer to the area and cover with straw to keep the seeds moist and protected from birds. Keep the new grass area well watered with a gentle spray. Do not drench the soil, but keeping it moist will allow the roots from the new grass to enter the soil more easily.
Overseeding
If your entire lawn seems bare and thinning, overseeding is a better option. To prepare your lawn for overseeding, be sure to mow your grass low and rake your lawn to remove debris. This would also be a good time to consider aerating or dethatching your lawn. Aeration will provide space for the new seeds, air, and nutrients to enter the soil. Removing thatch and debris from the lawn will expose the soil and allow the seeds easier access where they can take root.
Once you have seeded the lawn, it’s important to keep the soil moist to allow the seeds to germinate and take root. The existing grass provides enough cover for the new seeds. Do not mow the lawn until the new seedlings are at least 2 inches high.
