One way to solve this problem is to re-seed the area. A small area takes about 20 minutes and a yard rake (the one with the hard tines, not the kind to rake the leaves), seed and starter fertilizer. Here’s how:
- Clean the area to get it ready. Get rid of dead grass, rocks, etc.
- Loosen the soil with a yard rake.
- Add 2 inches of compost or loam and mix it in to the area with your rake.
- Using the back side of the rake make the area smooth, spreading the leftover compost/soil mix into the area around where you’re patching.
- Spread the seed heavily, but not so that the seeds are on top of one another.
- Add starter fertilizer with weed control. You want to eliminate competition for your new grass seeds.
- Rake in the seed and fertilizer lightly, about ½ inch deep.
- Tamp the area either by stepping on it or use a roller. You want to make sure the seed is in contact with the soil.
- Water lightly and often enough to keep the soil moist until the seedlings are about an inch high.
- Within a couple weeks the patch should blend right in.
Best time to over seed is in Spring when it rains often. For best germination do it before the average temperature reaches 80 degrees.
