When and how to repair yellow or dead grass patches

Summer drought, intense winter cold or repetitive trampling can damage your lawn. It then becomes yellowed, sparse, weak or even completely dead. These damaged surfaces are wide open doors for insect pests and weeds looking for a place to establish themselves. Repairing your damaged lawn is essential to give it back its vigor and the energy it needs to cope with bad weather.

What time of year is best to repair yellow patches or dead lawn?

Do you have damaged patches on your lawn and wonder when the best time is to fix it? Spring and fall are two good seasons for lawn care because the temperatures are mild, neither too hot nor too cold, and the soil is generally more humid, which favors seed germination. So avoid seeding in the middle of summer!

How to fix a damaged grass?

Lawn care and repair is not complicated, just follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Weeding

Remove all weeds and rake out yellowed or damaged grass.

2. Adding soil

Spread a layer of VIVA LAWN Repair mix evenly over the dead patches to be repaired. This soil will help the lawn to germinate optimally in just a few days. There is no need to add rooting fertilizer as VIVA LAWN Repair mix is enriched with fertilizer that provides essential nutrients for rooting grass seed. Our article To do in the spring or fall: Top-dressing your lawn will give you more information on the subject.

3. Seeding

To seed dead, damaged, or yellowed lawn, first choose a quality grass seed mix that matches the sunlight level of your yard. You can find different mixes at garden centres. Apply the grass seed according to the instructions on the package and gently rake it in to lightly cover it with soil.

4. Watering

For the first two weeks after seeding your lawn, the soil must remain constantly moist. Water regularly, once or twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes per area using a watering can or a sprinkler. It is always best to use a fine spray to avoid moving the seeds and thus promote better germination. Always make sure to respect your municipal regulations regarding the use of drinking water.

5. Mowing

To encourage new seeds to take root, it is recommended that you mow the lawn when it is about 10 cm (4 in.) high. Maintain your mower carefully to ensure that the blades are sharp. Dull blades cause injury to the grass blades, which can lead to disease. Leave clippings in place when you mow your lawn – it’s food for your lawn! For more tips on how to mow your lawn, consult our article Tips and Tricks for Effectively Watering and Mowing Your Lawn This Season.

A dense, healthy, vigorous lawn is more resistant to weather and insect pests, and even limits the spread of weeds. Be sure to repair dead grass or damaged patches at least once a year, in the fall or spring, and follow an annual step-by-step fertilization program to give your lawn everything it needs to thrive and be healthy.

Finally, remember that spring is a crucial season for preparing a healthy grass. To avoid having to repair your lawn, read Lawn Care: 6 Mistakes to Avoid in Spring.

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5 Simple Steps to Repair Damaged Lawn Surfaces