Grass Repair: It’s Easier Than You Think

Perhaps the grass in your lawn has seen better days. That’s okay, everyone’s lawn reaches a dull period at some point or another. Thankfully grass repair is easier than ever, and there are multiple options for giving your lawn the boost it needs. Compost tea, grass repair kits, and reseeding are some of the most common choices for turning a lawn around. Read on to learn more about each of these lawn repair processes.

Compost tea

Before taking more complicated steps, see if applying some compost tea to your lawn helps to restore it to its former glory. Compost tea is an all natural fertilizer that is both gentle and packed with nutrients. Unlike commercial fertilizers, compost tea can be added to your lawn at any time.

Compost tea can easily be made at home using the following  recipe:

Step one: Fill a large bucket halfway with mature compost

Step two: Fill the bucket the rest of the way with cool water

Step three: Stir the mixture well, for at least 15 minutes

Step four: Strain the compost from the mixture using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer

Step five: Move strained mixture to a spray bottle and apply it throughout your lawn evenly

You should see results from this fertilization method in as little as two to three days. If compost tea does not have an affect on your lawn you may need to look into other practices, like grass repair kits.

Grass repair kits

If your lawn it looking patchy a grass repair kit may be the best solution. These kits combine grass seed with mulch and fertilizer. Simply rake the area that requires attention to remove debris and thatching, then add the contents of the repair kit. Water this area as soon as you’ve finished applying the kit, and continue to water according to the directions found the package. Also, make sure to avoid mowing during the three weeks following the use of the kit.

Grass repair kits come in many different styles, making it easy for you to find one that’s a match for the type of grass that’s found in your lawn. Repair kits are intended only for use in lawns where only certain patches of grass require attention. If all of the grass in your lawn is failing you’ll probably benefit more from traditional reseeding.

Reseeding

Reseeding is the process of planting new grass seeds in your lawn. If your grass continues to fail despite your best efforts, your lawn may require reseeding. You may have better luck by selecting a different type of seed than was originally planted in your yard, but do some research to find out the best match. If you plant the wrong kind of seed it could begin to fight your old grass for space.

Before reseeding you want to mow your grass, usually to a slightly lower length than usual. Distribute a thin layer of topsoil throughout the lawn, the easiest way to spread this is using a rake. Next you want to spread your grass seeds, there are many ways of doing this. Various tools are available that help ensure even distribution, many of which can be rented if you aren’t comfortable with purchasing such a device.

Once seeds have been spread throughout your lawn it is wise to add a layer of straw to protect them from runoff. Keep the soil moist until you begin to see grass sprouting all over the lawn. Ideally a sprinkler system should be used for irrigation following reseeding to ensure that all areas receive the same amount of water.