How to Fix Bare Spots in Your Lawn

Bare spots in a lawn can be frustrating. Whether they’re caused by heavy foot traffic, pet urine, drought, disease, or something else entirely, these patchy areas disrupt the look of your yard and make it harder to maintain healthy, uniform grass.

The good news? Repairing bare patches isn’t complicated—and with the right steps, you’ll have them filled in with lush, green growth in no time. Here’s everything you need to know.

Step 1: Identify the Cause (If Possible)

Before jumping into repairs, take a moment to consider why the bare spots are there in the first place. Was the area frequently walked on? Does water pool there after rain? Did your pet use it as a restroom?

Understanding the cause can help prevent future issues. For instance:

• Compacted soil may require aeration.

• Pet damage can be reduced with better lawn hygiene or training.

• Fungal disease might need treatment before reseeding.

Once you’ve identified the root problem, you’re ready to begin the repair process.

Step 2: Clear the Area

Remove any dead grass, debris, or weeds from the bare spot. Use a garden rake or stiff-bristled broom to scrape away loose thatch and open up the soil surface. This step ensures the new seed or sod will make solid contact with the soil, which is critical for germination.

Step 3: Loosen and Enrich the Soil

Healthy grass roots need loose, fertile soil. Using a hand rake, garden fork, or small cultivator, loosen the top 1 to 2 inches of soil. This will improve seed penetration and water absorption.

After loosening the soil, mix in some compost, topsoil, or starter fertilizer to provide a nutrient-rich base for new growth. This can also help with moisture retention—especially important during the early growth phase.

Step 4: Choose the Right Grass Seed

Not all grass seed is created equal. Choose a variety that matches your existing lawn type and local climate. Consider:

• Cool-season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass) for northern climates.

• Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda, zoysia, or St. Augustine) for southern lawns.

If your lawn gets a mix of sun and shade, choose a sun/shade blend. Be sure to buy fresh seed from a reputable brand to ensure good germination rates.

Step 5: Apply Seed or Sod

Evenly spread seed over the bare patch. You can do this by hand for small areas or use a handheld spreader for larger ones. Lightly rake the seed into the top layer of soil, making sure it's about 1/8 inch deep. Then, gently pat the soil down with your hand or the back of the rake to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Alternative: For faster results, you can use lawn patch repair kits or even small pieces of sod. Just be sure the sod fits snugly and the soil underneath is prepared.

Step 6: Mulch and Protect

Lightly cover the seeded area with a thin layer of straw, peat moss, or biodegradable mulch matting. This helps retain moisture and prevents seed from blowing away or being eaten by birds.

Step 7: Water Consistently

Water is absolutely crucial for new grass. Keep the soil moist at all times—especially during germination. This usually means watering lightly once or twice a day for the first 1–2 weeks.

Once the grass has sprouted and is a few inches tall, you can scale back to deeper, less frequent waterings to encourage strong root development.

Step 8: Mow and Maintain

Wait until the new grass is at least 3 inches tall before mowing, and never cut off more than 1/3 of the blade height. Be gentle the first couple of times you mow, and make sure your mower blades are sharp to avoid pulling or tearing the young shoots.

Continue to fertilize lightly and water regularly over the next few weeks. Avoid walking on the repaired areas until the grass is well-established.

Preventing Future Bare Spots

• Aerate compacted soil annually.

• Train pets to use designated areas.

• Adjust sprinkler systems to ensure even coverage.

• Avoid overfertilizing, which can burn grass.

• Don’t mow too short—a common mistake that weakens grass and invites disease.

  
  

A Healthy Lawn is Within Reach

Fixing bare spots doesn’t require a green thumb—just a bit of time, the right tools, and a consistent watering schedule. Whether you’re preparing your yard for summer barbecues or just want to boost your curb appeal, repairing those patchy areas is a simple DIY project with big visual rewards.

If you’d rather leave the work to the pros—or want help keeping your lawn looking its best year-round—give us a call. At Penick’s Home and Lawn, we specialize in lawn care that makes your life easier.