Thin Areas & Bare Spots
Solution
Fixing Bare Spots
Bare spots or thin areas of the lawn can be easily fixed with grass seed. Simply scratch the soil with a rake, or cover the area with Scotts® Turf Builder® Seeding Soil. Spread the seed over the area, and keep it moist by watering it 2-3 times per day until the seed germinates. In a few weeks, the area will be filled with new grass that can be mowed and maintained like the rest of the lawn. You can also use a lawn repair product such as Scotts PatchMaster.
Prevention and Maintenance
Repair Visible Bare Spots
Fortunately, it's easy to fix most bare spots. Spread a little soil, such as Scotts® TurfBuilder Seeding Soil® over the area. Then apply quality grass seed, such as Scotts® Pure Premium® Grass Seed, and feed with Scotts® Starter Fertilizer. Keep the area moist until the grass matures, then you're set. Just resume regular watering.
A Thick Lawn
A lawn that is mowed high prevents a lot of problems. That doesn't mean let it grow long. You should also provide it with food on a regular basis. So if you mow your lawn high and follow a regular feeding program, the lawn will develop healthier roots and send up new shoots to fill in bare spots and thin areas. Improper watering can hinder a thick turf as well. If you water, make sure to water deeply, and avoid shallow and infrequent waterings that will promote shallow root growth. When you water, wet the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches, which is about ½" to 1" of rainfall.
Other problems
A thinning lawn could be a sign of bigger problems, such as shade, pet damage, lawn-damaging insects or turf grass disease. Use the links on this site to help diagnose the problem and what you should do to fix it. The worst thing you can do is keep throwing money at a problem without knowing what is causing it.
If more than 70 percent of the lawn needs repair, you should consider a lawn renovation project.
Thin Areas and Bare Spots Defined
Thin areas and bare spots are areas of the grass that comes in too thin or hardly at all. It can be caused by heat, drought, too much shade, the kids and the dog.
