Need advice on how to fix a brown patchy and thinning lawn? We can help you identify your lawn problems and fix your lawn.
One of the biggest worries for a lawn lover is a patchy and thinning lawn, a problem that can happen anywhere a lawn is grown.
Thankfully the symptoms are easy enough to remedy - all the steps you need to repair your lawn appear below. It’s also worth considering some of the main causes of these problems so you can make sure they are less likely to recur.
Simple lawn repairs for common causes of patchy dead lawn
Here are some of the classic symptoms, their causes and some suggestions on fixing the problem, and not just a temporary fix.
SYMPTOM: Bare patches, often at the edge of paving, decks or in front of the letterbox or clothes line
- CAUSE: These problems are caused by excess wear from high foot traffic and general use.
- REPAIR: You can easily repair the area with a patching product or lawn seed but long term you would be better off adding some stepping stones or a small pathway through the lawn.
SYMPTOM: Bare patch or thin areas around edge of garden beds and fence lines
- CAUSE: Overshadowing by surrounding plants resulting in lack of direct sun on the lawn.
- REPAIR: There are a few approaches that can be used on their own or in combination.
- Appropriately prune or thin the surrounding plants to reduce shade.
- Repair and replant with a more shade tolerant lawn variety such as Scotts Lawn Builder Seed & Feed - Sun & Shade.
- If pruning isn’t viable and the shade is too deep, consider a landscape solution. Convert the area to a garden, plant a shade-loving groundcover or just mulch it.
SYMPTOM: Bare patches at random locations in the lawn. Often scorched in the centre with bright green grass around the edges
- CAUSE: Most probably dog urine! Puppy pee, especially from 'entire' (not desexed) females, is a very concentrated liquid fertiliser, hence the abundant growth around the edges where the concentration is lower.
- REPAIR: Water the area heavily as soon as you notice the damage or as soon as they wee. Longer term you may want to keep the dog's off the lawn, look into PH balancing food additives and of course buy a reliable patching product such as Scotts Lawn Builder Patch Magic.
SYMPTOM: Thin all over
- CAUSE: If you've eliminated too much shade as a cause then the damage is likely a combination of seasonal extremes and neglect (inadequate general care such as feeding and watering).
- REPAIR: The best solution for the long term is to adopt a regular lawn care program (see Complete Guide to Lawn Care and Seasonal Lawn Care Tips). The immediate solution is multi-pronged:
- Aerate your lawn.
- Apply Scotts Everydrop Soil Wetter to improve moisture retention.
- Feed with a suitable variety of Scotts Lawn Builder Slow Release Fertiliser or a seed and feed product such as Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Thickener.
SYMPTOM: Bare or very thin patches at random locations in lawn. Remaining grass can easily be pulled away from the soil
- CAUSE: If you've been feeding and watering your lawn and it's getting plenty of sun then you may be the victim of lawn grubs, beetles or worms that like to chew through the root system.
- REPAIR: To identify the culprit you may need to dig up a little soil. Put the offender in a zip-lock bag and take it to your local lawn specialist for identification. Depending on the type of pest and it's lifecycle stage, they should be able to recommend a suitable treatment.
- Scotts Lawn Builder + Grub & Insect Control is a family friendly option that feeds your lawn so it helps repair damage while it also kills a host of lawn pests without harming earthworms.
How to fix patchy lawn
You will need:
- Spade or garden fork
- Scotts Lawn Builder Top Dress Mix
- Scotts Lawn Builder Seed & Repair product
Step 1
With the spade or fork, remove any dead grass and other unwanted material and break up the soil in the bare area.
Step 2
Add Scotts Lawn Builder Top Dress Mix and blend through the existing soil. Bring the area to a level that’s slightly higher than the surrounding soil, removing excess from high spots if required. This extra height allows for natural settling of soil.
Step 3
Following instructions on pack, spread Patch Magic or Seed & Feed evenly over the area. Water gently but thoroughly and keep moist not wet until well established. Keep people and pets off the area until the grass is well established.
Top Tip
For small spots (up to 300mm x 300mm) Patch Magic is ideal but if you have a number of patches or larger areas then consider using Seed & Feed. You’ll find specific varieties in the Seed & Feed range that may be more appropriate for your repair needs.
How to fix thin lawn
You will need:
- Lawn mower
- Steel spring-tined lawn rake
- Scotts Lawn Builder Seed & Feed variety to suit your needs
Step 1
Mow lawn to usual the height, then vigorously rake over the entire lawn area to remove any dead or unwanted grass, leaves and other debris. This will also serve to scratch up the soil a little, making it more receptive for sowing seed.
Step 2
Spread seed by hand over the thinning areas, noting any instructions on the label about how thick to sow it. You can try using a handheld spreader but most lawn seed is too fine and will either clog the mechanism or pour through too fast, even on the lowest setting.
Step 3
Water in well and keep moist but not wet until well established. Keep pets and people off seeded areas until grass is well established.
