
- Identify what caused the old grass to die, and fix the problem. ...
- Outline the patch area with string or spray paint to create straight sides encompassing the dead area. Till, spade or otherwise loosen the soil under the dead patch. ...
- Purchase enough fresh turfgrass sod from a local sod farm or garden center to finish the repair by measuring the four sides of a tilled area. ...
- Soon after buying the sod, install it onto the prepared area by placing the first piece along the longest straight line available. ...
- Ensure the new sod has good contact with the soil underneath by either using a weighted lawn roller or by placing boards on the new sod and walking on the ...
- Water the new patch until the soil under the sod is wet, but not saturated. ...
- Restrict traffic on the area for least two weeks to give the grass a chance to grow roots and the soil to settle. ...
- Mow the area about two weeks after patching or whenever the sod is tightly rooted. If possible, try to run your mower diagonally across the sod seams. ...
How do you fix dead sod on a lawn?
General Sod Repair. To repair patches of dead grass, remove the dead sod. Place the debris in the trash. Dig up the soil within the bared area and turn it over. If the dead sod was caused by too much fertilizer or urine, flood the area with water to wash the fertilizer salts or ammonia deeper into the soil.
How do you patch a lawn without digging?
If you use grass seed, scatter it over the moist soil and rake lightly. Add 1/4 to 1/2 inch of compost to cover the seeds, if necessary. If you are patching with sod, cut it to size with a utility knife and press it firmly into the space. Push a weighted lawn roller over the sod patches to ensure a solid contact between the sod and soil.
Do you have to dig up grass to plant new sod?
In some cases, you may have to dig out a patch and plant grass seed or lay new sod. In addition, some grass species are slow to green in spring while others require extra water to stay green during the hot days of summer – it's not dead; it's dormant.
How long does it take for SOD to grow back?
General Sod Repair. Water once or more daily, depending on the weather, to keep the soil moist until the new grass germinates or the sod patches show new growth, which takes two to six weeks. When the grass reaches 3 inches tall, remove up to one-third of the grass height with a mulching lawn mower.

Can you use sod to patch a lawn?
Patch with Sod Using a shovel, cut a patch of the sod to fit the bald spot in your lawn. Place it over the problem area. Merge the edges of the sod with the surrounding grass by pressing it with your hands. If the sod seems higher than the surrounding lawn, remove a little soil out of the patch, smooth and try again.
How do you attach sod to existing grass?
Just follow these tips:Cut a rectangle in or beside your existing grass.Dig the rectangle out to a depth of 1–1 1/2 inches.Loosen the soil in the rectangle.Add compost, tamp, and level the rectangle to 1/2 inch below the surrounding topsoil.Lay sod and trim to shape.More items...
How do I replace dead grass with new sod?
Here's how to cut out damaged grass and cut a sod patch that fits perfectly in its place: Lay a piece of sod over the bad spot and slice through both the sod and the damaged turf below with a sharp spade. Then dig out the bad spot and plug in the new sod.
Should you put anything down before laying sod?
How to Prepare Your Soil for Sod. Loosen the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a rototiller. Spread 2 inches of finished compost (this may be available for free if your town has a municipal compost center). Add 2 to 3 inches of sand to claylike soil to improve drainage.
Do I need to put topsoil down before sod?
You need to add topsoil before laying sod if your existing topsoil is less than 2 inches (5 cm) deep and the soil below that is mostly clay or sand. Sod will struggle to root in extremely sandy or clay soil, so adding topsoil will help your grass flourish.
What Prep is needed for sod?
0:193:01Laying Sod & How to Prepare Soil For Sod | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing either a shovel or rake. Also be sure to water the soil no less than 48 hours beforeMoreUsing either a shovel or rake. Also be sure to water the soil no less than 48 hours before installing sod. Begin laying your sod down along a straight edge lay.
How long does it take sod to root?
10-14 daysHow long does it take new sod to root? Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application. This is also when you should mow your new lawn for the first time after laying sod. Be sure to set your mower to the highest setting possible in order to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
How do you lay sod for beginners?
Prepare the soil For a warm-season grass, any time of the year is an excellent period to set-up sod. Use a mini tiller to remove a surface layer of 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) of soil. Then, lay out 2 inches (5 cm) of compost, approximately 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of sand. This underlay will improve drainage.
How often should you water new sod?
If the weather is particularly hot and dry, you may need to start irrigating the completed areas before the entire site is laid. Continue watering new sod twice per day, in the morning and afternoon—thorough, deep watering is best until the soil is saturated but not puddling.
How do I prepare my soil for sod?
How to prepare soil for sodStep 1: Clear the Site. Clear the site of any and all debris, including rocks and sticks.Step 2: Rough Grade. ... Step 3: Till the Soil. ... Step 4: Add Topsoil. ... Step 5: Test the Soil. ... Step 6: Apply Starter Fertilizer. ... Step 7: Finish Grade. ... Step 8: Roll the Area.More items...
What month is best to put down sod?
You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, as long as the ground is not frozen and you have adequate water for establishment and maintenance, although spring and early autumn are best. Cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.
When should you not lay sod?
Although sod can be harvested and laid in late fall, when morning frost is present, if daytime temperatures are consistently below 32℉ (0℃), it's too late for sod installation.
Can you lay sod on uneven ground?
Can You Lay Sod on Uneven Ground? Yes, it's possible to lay a piece of sod on uneven ground. However, installing new sod is a great time to fix any dips or rises in your lawn. If possible, grade and level uneven areas before sod installation.
What causes dead spots in sod?
Pest Problems. Pests problems can result in dead spots in the sod. Fungal infections, such as dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) and brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani), kill the grass, while southern chinch bugs (Blissus insularis) eat the grass.
How to keep grass green after mowing?
After mowing, leave the clippings to decompose and return their nutrients to the soil. If an application of nitrogen fertilizer doesn't green up your grass, the soil may be iron deficient.
How long does it take for grass to grow?
Water once or more daily, depending on the weather, to keep the soil moist until the new grass germinates or the sod patches show new growth, which takes two to six weeks. When the grass reaches 3 inches tall, remove up to one-third of the grass height with a mulching lawn mower.
What to do if you apply pesticides to your lawn?
If you apply pesticides, try to spot treat the infected areas of the lawn. Spot treatments reduce the impact of pesticides on beneficial insects. When applying fungicides or pesticides, wear gloves, safety goggles, long sleeves, long pants and a mask.
Is grass dormant in summer?
In addition, some grass species are slow to green in spring while others require extra water to stay green during the hot days of summer – it's not dead; it's dormant.
Does pet urine kill grass?
Overfertilization and pet urine can also kill grasses. Do not use more than the recommended amount when fertilizing. Smaller amounts of fertilizer applied to dry grass monthly or every other month during the growing season and watered in thoroughly will provide nutrients without burning and killing the grass.
How many square feet does Super Sod sell?
They’ll sell you anywhere from 1 roll (10 square feet) to a full truckload!
How to make a flat soil flat?
You will probably need to remove some of the loosened dirt (see next step). Rake the broken up dirt to make it flat and very lightly tamp it down. Improve the area with Soil3 and check your levels: Add enough Soil 3 organic compost to leave about a ½” between the top of your existing soil and the Soil 3 you just added, then rake it smooth. ...
Can you mowing with a Husqvarna?
Mowing: You can resume mowing immediately with your Husqvarna Automower, but you’ll want to wait until your grass is rooted before mowing with a standard mower. Don't wait too long - once it is rooted and it is growing, start mowing! Weed control: The best solution is to hand pull weeds.
Can you use sod to renovate a lawn?
So for you impatient, “Gotta Have it Now” lawn enthusiasts out there, sod is the answer to unsightly areas in your lawn. In most cases, you can use sod to renovate unsightly areas of your lawn in just an hour or so!
How to regrow dead sod?
How to restore dead sod or regrows process is When the lawn appears brown all over, cut away the top growth in a small area and check whether you see some signs of few days and if you see new growth, you can be sure that it is possible to revitalize your lawn with regular deep watering for few weeks.
What to do if you suspect a poor sod installation?
If you suspect the culprit is a poor installation job, be sure to take lots of photos and contact the sod company immediately so their supervisor can inspect your lawn.
Why is my lawn yellowing?
If the weather is hot, you may need to change your mower setting and not cut the lawn so low. 6. Sod Can Be Stressed. After the worst-case pet urine, fungi and insects, mowing, and poor installation have been eliminated, the most common reason for yellowing sod is stress.
What does "restore dead sod" mean?
Restore means return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition. There are several reasons your lawn might bite the dust, including pests, disease, poor preparation and installation techniques, ...
How long does it take for dead sod to come back?
It can take several weeks to bring back your dead sod.
What pests can attack my lawn?
There are various fungi and insect pests that can attack your lawn, it is important to assess if the sod is under attack by one of these. It will require specific information about the type of fungi and insects in your region.
Is sod grass dormant?
Some grass species are slow to green in spring while others require extra water to stay green during the hot days of summer- it is not dead, it’s dormant.
Why is there brown stuff on my lawn?
There are ugly brown spots on my lawn. Okay, to be honest, this one’s a little more complicated, because there are several things that could be causing the spots. Possible culprits range from grubs or fungus to foot traffic, weed dieback, and dog urine.
What causes a dog to have brown spots in the yard?
Check out section 4 below to find out what to do. Spots caused by dog urine tend to have brown centers with green outer rings.
