How To Repair A Problem Lawn

If your lawn isn't as green and lush as you'd like, take some steps to improve it.

But before you can fix the problem, you must ask yourself why the problem exists. If the problem is, say, foot traffic, instead of trying to plant grass when it's likely to get beaten bare time and time again, fix the underlying problem. Install path materials instead of grass.

If the problem is perhaps too much shade, rather than continuing to replant grass (it's a full-sun plant, after all), plant shade-loving groundcovers or perennials.

And if you're not sure what the problem is, consider calling out a lawn service for an evaluation and estimate. Even if you decide not to use the service, at least you'll know exactly what the problem is.

Timing counts.

Remember that fall is the best time to repair your lawn. If you can't do it then, spring is the next best time. Avoid the heat of summer, as grass grows best in cooler temperatures.

Cover the basics.

If you're diligent about basic lawn care (regular mowing, fertilizing, weed control and watering), it will do wonders for restoring your lawn. The grass will grow thicker and better, crowding out weeds and other problems. Often even a problem lawn can be renovated with two to three years of consistent, quality care.

Patch problem spots.

If you have bald or very thin spots in your lawn, use a special lawn patch product—the kind with mulch built right in—to fix it. Follow package directions exactly, being sure to work the soil with a ground rake or other tool to make sure the seed can get good contact with the soil.

Reseeding a thin lawn.

If your lawn is thin overall, try reseeding. Power rake the area first to turn up soil so the seed can make good contact with the soil. Reseed, following package directions exactly. Be sure to keep the entire area well watered for at least two weeks.

Smooth bumps.

If you have low or uneven spots in your lawn, fill them as needed with high-quality top soil (available in bags for smaller projects and by the truckful for large projects). On the lawn is smoothed, replant with grass seed.

If you have just a little unevenness, each spring rake an average of perhaps 1/4- to 1/2-inch of topsoil or, better yet, compost over the grass. This process gradually will fill low spots and if you use compost, it will also nourish the lawn and improve the soil.

Resolve disease issues.

The first step is to identify the problem, but lawn problems are tricky. So many of them seem to manifest themselves as big brown spots.

So if you have large brown patches or other insect or disease problems, it may be time to call in a professional, at least for a diagnosis. Any professional lawn service should be able to tell you what the problem is and give you an estimate on how much it would cost to remedy the problem. You could also choose to resolve the problem yourself by going to your local garden center, explaining to a knowledgeable clerk what the problem is, and then follow that person's advice. Sometimes the solution will be cultural (fertilize less or more, mow differently, etc.) and sometimes the solution will be applying a lawn chemical, such as grub or moss killer.