Patch work

Wear and tear, pets, pests and diseases, or lack of moisture can cause the lawn to die back in certain areas. Warm-season grasses such as couch, kikuyu, and buffalo grow laterally, so they can be encouraged to grow into neighbouring bald spots. Aerate the area and use a rake to remove any dead runners and loosen the soil. If the area is not level with the ground, apply a small amount of top dressing to help even out the area. Feed the entire lawn with a specialist fertiliser and water regularly to encourage new growth. If you have a cool-season grass such as rye or fescue, you will need to repair bare patches by sowing new seed.