EASY LAWN CARE

HOW TO FIX DEAD SPOTS

Some spots need extra care

If you spilled fertilizer and killed a patch of grass, or if your dog made a deadly deposit on the lawn, you can’t just sow new seed and expect it to thrive. Grass seed may not germinate there, and if you lay sod over the spot, it might slowly die.

Here’s the solution:

You’re up against contaminated soil. And whether the contamination is from fertilizer or dog urine, the solution is simple. First, drive a spade deep into the ground and turn over clumps of soil. That buries the most contaminated top layer of soil deep in the ground, where the contaminants will dissipate before new roots grow down that far. Then flood the area with a garden hose for at least 15 minutes. The water will drive contaminants deeper into the soil. Now you’re ready for seed or sod. Be sure to water the new grass daily until it’s established.