Lawn Repair Basics

No matter how well we try to take care of our lawns, there are times when they need a little bit of repair work done. The first step in getting your lawn back onto the right track is learning some lawn repair basics. Here are some guidelines that you can begin using today, which will help you learn and begin to use the basics of lawn repair. You will be amazed at how easy lawn repair can actually be.

• Identify the problem. In order to repair your lawn you will need to first identify what the problem is. Did someone happen to spill a bunch of fertilizer, and burn the lawn? Perhaps your dog decided to play around, and end up causing a huge mess? Maybe, you have a weed problem, or even some insects or bugs that are killing your lawn? Each of these problems will require different methods of fixing, so be sure that you know what the cause is before rushing in to fast.
• Overseeding can solve some problems. One of the best ways to fix a thinning or generally tired looking lawn is to begin laying down some more seed. This procedure is known as "overseeding," and requires that you mow your yard, rake the soil to loosen it up some, and then lay some new seed. Once the new seed has been laid, water the lawn frequently until the new grass is at least three inches high, and then mow it.
• Seed specific spots. When you are faced with a specific spot in your lawn that is dying, then you will need to seed it. Dig around the area and remove the dead, dying, or weed filled grass. Till the now bare soil, and mix some topsoil and fertilizer in with the regular soil, down to a depth of about six inches. Heavily seed and water the area, before covering the seeds with a protective layer of straw or even more topsoil.
• Lay sod to fix large problems quickly. For particularly large areas of dead or dying grass, you can always remove the old sod and replace it. This is a much easier solution than trying to lay a large area of new seed.
• Use pesticides to deal with pests. Insects and other bugs can often be a major cause of lawn problems. The most efficient way of dealing with these types of problems is to simply use some pesticides. However, if you do this, be sure that you use the most environmentally friendly one possible. Otherwise, you may inadvertently cause some problems for the rest of your landscaping scheme.
• Be patient. Whatever method that you use for repairing your lawn, there is one thing that you need to remember above all else: be patient. There is no "quick fix" to repairing your lawn, and that whatever you do will take a few days or even weeks to take effect.