So, your lawn needs some help.
You need to fix some bare spots. Or fix a lawn full of weeds.
Or just set the whole thing on fire and pave it.
Whoa, let’s not do anything drastic.
How to fix a dead lawn? It depends on how dead it is, and why it’s struggling.
Here are a some expert tips on how to fix your lawn, depending on what the problem is.
1. How to Fix a Patchy Lawn
Every homeowner faces a few bare spots once in a while. A proper seeding with quality grass seed can often do the trick to fix a patchy lawn. Here are some helpful tips:
- Rake out any dead, matted turf. Your grass seed will germinate and root best if It can snuggle up to bare soil. (Pro tip: skip the cheap stuff. It can actually have weed seeds mixed in.)
- Dig and loosen the soil a bit to prepare it for the seed.
- Scatter grass seed over the loosened soil. Scratch it in a bit and tamp it down so you know there’s good contact.
- Add some fertilizer designed for new grass to get it off to a good start.
- Keep it watered.
2. How to Fix a Dead Lawn
So, you think your lawn is dead? Not necessarily.
Aeration and seeding can be your best friend here.
It’s possible your lawn can’t breathe.
When your soil becomes compacted, your lawn is gasping for air. Its roots can't take in water or nutrients, which weakens your turf and opens the door for disease and weeds.
Lawn aeration uses a machine to pull out plugs of soil, creating spaces so that air and water can penetrate, which leads to healthier roots.
Lawn aeration also helps break down thatch, that layer of dead grass and stems that sits between the grass blades and the soil.
Aeration is typically followed by overseeding, as the holes created by aeration are perfect new homes for the grass seed.
A good aeration and seeding can do wonders for a struggling lawn. So before trying to fix a dead lawn, make sure it's dead.
3. How to Fix a Lawn Full of Weeds
This one is easier asked than answered, since different weeds call for different plans of attack.
Not every weed-killing product kills all weeds. That would be way too easy.
And some weeds are so tough, they just laugh at those DIY products you can buy at the store.
For Creeping Charlie, a tenacious perennial, we use a professional-grade, specialty weed killer multiple times throughout the year to combat it. Your typical home improvement store weed control won’t do the job.
You can’t just grab a bottle from the store shelf and expect it to work as well.
Let the pros tackle your lawn’s toughest weeds with quality products and targeted strategies designed to fix a lawn full of weeds.
4. Fixing a Bad Lawn? Check Your Soil pH
No matter what shape your lawn is in, it’s always a good idea to test its pH.
Why does lawn soil pH matter matter? Important nutrients for plants tend to be available in soil when the pH is at the correct level. If your pH is off, your grass won’t get the nutrients it needs, even if you fertilize regularly.
Have your soil’s pH level tested. If it’s out of whack, we can add the right soil amendments to bring it to the right level.
5. Fix Your Lawn with Fertilizer
Your lawn won’t thrive if it’s hungry.
A good fertilizer program can help bring your lawn back to life.
Always opt for granular lawn fertilizer, which is more expensive than the more common liquid stuff, but it breaks down slowly, giving you consistent benefits from fertilization.
Ideally, it will also contain organic nutrients to promote healthy soil, too.
Looking for lawn care services in Eau Claire, WI or Minneapolis? You’ll get professional-grade organic-based formulations of granular fertilizer with RainMaster.
6. Don’t Forget Soil Conditioner
Another tip to fixing a bad lawn, use a soil conditioner. Lawn fertilizer packs an even bigger punch if you boost it with soil conditioner.
It’s a blend of minerals that boosts the health of your soil. If your soil is clay, soil conditioner loosens it. If it’s sandy, soil conditioner makes it more robust.
Soil conditioner builds organic matter, so your soil holds more nutrients. Think of it as a multivitamin to help fix your lawn.
It unlocks the potential of your lawn, creating better results from the fertilizer and other treatments your lawn care company performs throughout the year.
Rainmaster offers this in our top-tier program or as an add-on service if you choose one of our other lawn care program options.
7. Fix Your Lawn With New Soil
If tried and true lawn care strategies just aren’t working, you might have poor-quality soil.
Consider hiring a landscaping company to come in and dig out the sand and add good black soil.
How to Fix a Lawn in Eau Claire, WI or Minneapolis? Trust RainMaster
You have better things to do than spend your weekends trying to fix lawn bare spots or fix a lawn full of weeds.
We’re happy to take a look, and suggest the right course of action to get your lawn in shape.
Consider it a team effort. Let’s create a custom nutrition plan for your lawn, so the roots will be nourished, the soil packed with nutrients, and your grass so thick and healthy, lawn weeds will have a tough fight ahead.
We offer three different levels of lawn care programs, based on the results you’d like, how fast you want to see results, and your budget.
- Luscious Lawn is a high-end, proactive program that will promote amazing lawn care results. This is the program to choose for the quickest and best results, particularly if your lawn needs a lot of help.
- Terrific Turf, a mid-level option, is our most popular program to grow a thick, green lawn and deal with most challenges.
- Healthy Habitat is a basic plan that includes the elements you need for a better lawn.
When you’re ready to put your trust in us, we can’t wait to meet you — and help you make the best choices for your lawn.
Want to fix your lawn once and for all? Request a quote today! We’ll review your lawn care options together so you can make a great choice. Then, you can finally enjoy your lawn and stop worrying about it.
