If your dream is a lush, verdant lawn but you can’t seem to repair your patchy grass, you’re not alone. From heat waves and periods of drought to hurricanes and heavy snowfall, your lawn bears the brunt of Mother Nature’s extremes. These ever-changing conditions make it difficult to maintain a healthy, thriving lawn, but it’s not impossible. Proper care and knowing the tell-tale signs of stress will keep your grass healthy, no matter the external circumstances. To help you achieve the landscape of your dreams, we spoke to experts who shared the most common reasons your lawn is patchy—and how to fix them.
Jason McCausland, technical coordinator at Weed Man
Marc Mayer, director of technical operations for TruGreen
Craig Elworthy, founder of Lawnbright
Compacted Soil
Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots, resulting in shallow rooting, thin turf, and patchy areas. “Aeration is the best solution, as it relieves compaction, improves drainage, and allows nutrients to penetrate deeply,” says Jason McCausland, technical coordinator at Weed Man. Also, try to reduce heavy foot traffic and avoid mowing when the ground is wet, as this can further compact the soil.
Poor Soil Quality
Grass growing in poor soil typically appears thin, weak, and uneven. “Nutrient deficiencies, poor structure, or unbalanced pH can all limit root growth and reduce grass resilience,” says McCausland. To properly treat poor soil, start by taking a soil sample to make sure the pH is balanced. “DIY soil kits are available at your local garden center or contact your agriculture extension service station for soil testing options,” says Marc Mayer, director of technical operations for TruGreen. “Once your soil pH levels are within the recommended range, applying a thin layer of topsoil and organic material after aeration can help introduce beneficial soil microbes and improve overall soil health.”
Uneven Watering
Uneven watering may result in some areas of your lawn receiving too much water while other parts receive too little. “Excess water can encourage disease activity and deprive roots of the oxygen they need to thrive and function properly,” says Mayer. “Insufficient water can cause the lawn to enter a drought-stress period, leading to thinning turf and overall grass decline.”
While annual rainfall typically provides a balanced distribution of water across your lawn, an irrigation system or manual watering may be required during times of limited rainfall. “If an automatic irrigation system is being utilized, check each zone periodically so that the sprinkler heads overlap correctly,” says Mayer. “Most grass types require 1 to 2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation.”
Lack of Sunlight
Grass needs at least four to six hours of sunlight daily to thrive. “Shady areas under trees or structures often result in thinning grass and bare patches,” says McCausland. “Trimming overhanging branches or thinning dense shrubs allows more sunlight to reach the lawn, helping grass in shaded areas grow stronger and more evenly.” If this doesn’t help, Craig Elworthy, founder of Lawnbright, recommends planting shade-tolerant varieties of grass like fine fescue or creating a mulch bed.
Extreme Weather
Weather extremes, such as excessive rainfall or drought, can cause lawns to look patchy. “Waterlogged soils from excessive rainfall can potentially lead to an increase in disease and pest pressure,” says Mayer. “On the opposite end, extreme heat and drought conditions can lead to a decline in overall turf density and color, stressing the grass and reducing its overall vitality.”
Regularly monitor your lawn for signs of stress to keep it from looking patchy. “Homeowners can help their lawn recover by adjusting care routines seasonally, including over-seeding, aeration, and fertilization to build resilience,” says McCausland.
Pests
Insects, including grubs, sod webworms, and chinch bugs, damage grass by feeding on roots or blades, leaving behind bare patches. Mayer recommends checking for pest activity regularly by examining the blades for damage. “In some cases, the damage is occurring underground, so look for signs of tunneling or turf that lifts easily, like rolling up carpet,” he says. To help identify the pest culprit, McCausland recommends contacting a professional pest management service, which can accurately diagnose and treat infestations.
Fungal Disease
According to Elworthy, fungus can wipe out your lawn in a matter of hours. “Over-watering combined with hot, humid conditions can cause fungus to develop and spread,” he says. “If your lawn develops a fungus, back off the watering to once per week at most, and bag your clippings while you mow. You want to focus on keeping your lawn dry for as long as possible to avoid spreading.”
Improper Mowing
Cutting your grass too short or using dull blades stresses the turf, leading to poor lawn color and reduced density. “To avoid patchiness, mow with sharp blades, keep grass at a higher setting, and never remove more than one-third of the blade at a time,” says McCausland. The ideal height varies depending on your grass type. Mayer recommends the following heights:
Warm-Season Grasses
Bermuda Grass: 1 to 2 inchesCentipede Grass: 1 to 2 inchesZoysia Grass: 1.5 to 2.5 inchesSt. Augustine Grass: 2.5 to 3.75 inches
Cool-Season Grasses
Kentucky Blue Grass: 2 to 3.5 inchesPerennial Rye Grass: 2 to 3.5 inchesFine Fescue: 2 to 3.5 inchesTall Fescue: 3 to 4 inches
Thatch Buildup
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that can choke out healthy turf by blocking water and nutrients from reaching the soil. While some thatch is good for your lawn, too much can cause a patchy appearance. “Regular aeration helps break down excess thatch naturally, restoring balance and improving overall lawn density,” says McCausland.
If you have a small lawn, Elworthy says you can remove thatch manually using a thatch rake. But if your lawn is larger than 1,000 square feet, he recommends renting a mechanical de-thatcher or hiring a professional to de-thatch your lawn.
Wrong Seed Type
Choosing the wrong grass seed for a specific region or environment can result in patchy-looking turf. “Seed not suited to local climate or sunlight conditions struggles to establish and thrive,” says McCausland. Cool-season turf grass is best in northern regions, while warm-season turf grass is ideal in southern areas.
Do your research to ensure you are choosing a high-quality seed type suited to your area. “High-quality seed contains minimal to no weed seeds and typically has a higher germination rate, leading to a healthier and more uniform lawn,” says Mayer. Blue tag, NTEP-rated seed is typically an indicator that the seed doesn’t contain weed seeds, Elworthy notes.
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