I love my dog, but...I love my lawn more

Pets, kids, backyard footy – we love 'em, but they can be a murder on our lawns! If your grass looks more like a battlefield than a backyard, don't stress. Here's a simple guide to fixing those patches and preventing future wear and tear.

Why Your Lawn Gets Patchy

Kids and Dogs

Our little ones and furry friends love to play outside, but all that activity can lead to bare patches in high traffic areas.

Harsh Weather

Scorching summers and chilly winters can take a toll on your lawn, leaving it thin and patchy.

Weeds

Once you've removed those pesky weeds, you might find bare spots where they used to be.

How to Fix Patchy Lawn Areas

First things first, prep the area. Rake out any dead grass and debris. Use a garden fork to gently open up the soil – this helps the new grass roots dig in.

Option 1: Use Scotts Lawn Builder Patch Magic

This handy all-in-one patching kit makes things super easy:

Shake Patch Magic over the bare spot. Aim for about two-thirds coverage – you don't need to blanket the area.

Water well. Give it a good soak to kickstart the germination process.

Option 2: DIY Seed Blend

For a more hands-on approach, try this:

Spread some quality lawn soil, like Scotts Lawn Builder Organic Topdress. Fluff it lightly into the soil before levelling it out.

Sprinkle Scotts Lawn Builder Seed & Feed mix over the spot. This mix includes starter fertiliser, so you're all set.

With either method, keep the area moist for the first few weeks. Regular watering helps the new grass take root.

How to Prevent Thinning and Patches

To keep your lawn lush and green, focus on these key steps:

Regular Maintenance

Mow wisely. Don't cut the grass too short – aim to remove just one-third of the grass height each time.

Feed your lawn. Regularly apply a balanced lawn fertiliser to keep it healthy and resilient.

Water deeply. Give your lawn a good soak once or twice a week rather than frequent light watering.

Protect High high-traffic areas

Rotate play zones. Move activities around to give heavily used areas a break.
Create pathways. Lay down stepping stones or mulch paths where foot traffic is heaviest to prevent wear and tear on the grass.

Use tougher grass varieties. Consider hardy grasses like Kikuyu or Buffalo that can better withstand heavy use.

Repairing a Thin Lawn

If your lawn is thin all over, it needs a bit of extra attention:

Clear and Prep

Use a steel-pronged rake to remove debris and give the lawn a quick mow.

Oversowing

Spread a lawn seed mix evenly across the entire area. For best results, use a Scotts Lawn Builder Hand Spreader.

Water Well

Water thoroughly to help the seeds settle in and start growing.

For the first three weeks, keep the soil moist and avoid mowing. When you do mow next, stick to removing no more than one-third of the new growth.

Final Tips

Stay Patient. Grass takes time to establish, so give it a bit of TLC and wait for it to grow.

Consistent Care. Regular watering, feeding, and mowing will keep your lawn looking its best.

Enjoy Your Space. Once your lawn is back in shape, enjoy it with family and friends!

With these easy steps, you can repair and prevent patches and thinning in your lawn, even in high traffic areas.