What is the best method for patching dead spots in a lawn, as well as seeding a new lawn?

Question

I live in the Northern Virginia/DC area, and want to know people's opinions on the best way to patch a dead spot on your lawn, as well as seeding a new lawn.

Answer 1

I live in the metro Detroit area in Michigan. Two years ago I had a similar situation...patching dead spots and also seeding a new lawn. I did the following and it did great for me:

Seeding a new lawn: I bought two huge bags (i forget the size) of premium grass seeds and rented a mechanized tiller from home depot. I tilled the yard, used a seed spreader with the appropriate setting and walked around the yard to ensure that there was an even spread of the grass seeds.

Final part was watering the yard religiously and hoping that it doesn't rain and wash away your seeds. Best time to seed is around now (start of fall). One week of watering and you'll see a green lawn :). I think I waited a month or even more before I used the lawn mower for the first time since I didn't want to destroy the new grass.

Patching the lawn: I'd still use the grass seeds from above for patching the dead spots. Either throw some hay or newspaper shreddings over the spot where you put the new seeds since the paper will absorb water and keep the spot wet/humid thus promoting grass growth.

Answer 2

In terms of seeding a new lawn I did mine the hard way but what I believe is also the most effective way. I used a dethatcher and removed as much of the grass and thatch as I could. I then got some good quality triple mix and mixed it with my existing soil using a tiller and a garden rake. I added some more triple mix on (about another 2 inches), levelled it using my levelling rake and then seeded the whole lawn using a broadcast spreader. The seedlings are beginning to emerge and provided I water properly, I should have a new lawn.
If you are looking to fix a bare patch, I would recommend removing everything from the area, adding some good quality triple mix (or top soil with fertilizer) and then either cut a piece of sod to size or seed the area and rake over gently. Dont forget to water twice a day for the first couple of weeks atleast!

Answer 3

Any dead areas need to be removed by power rakinf or digging it up. Select the type of grass that matches the existing lawn. Broadcast the seed or sod. Cover the seed wihth a top dressing. If the area is low you may have to add top soil accordingly to raise the grade of the soil. Both sod and seed you do need to roll it aftere the grass is installed. Keep the area well watered to the consistancy of a damp wrung out sponge. The area may have to be barrarized to prevent intruders from disturbing the newely planted area.

Answer 4

buy a lawn patch seed mix, it has seeds, ferterlizer in it also and some are dyed green
Over seed a new lawn, cover with straw, [keeps the bird,s from eating seeds.