Thin
areas in the lawn aren't just unsightly, they can also lead to worse
problems like weed invasion or loss of topsoil from erosion. A
thinning lawn is systematic of other problems in the landscape.
Address the problem and then choose a method to fix the thin area to
avoid further lawn problems in the future.
Common
Causes of Thinning Lawns
Cultural
problems are the most common cause of thin lawns, which you can
usually remedy yourself during lawn repair. If you suspect pest or
disease are at the root of the lawn problem, then having professional
treatment for the culprit prior to repairing the lawn may be
necessary.
Shade
Issues
Lawns
in shady areas tend to be most prone to thinning. Heavy tree covers
or shade from nearby structures are usually the culprit. Although you
can have trees removed or thinned out, choosing a lawn grass that
thrives in shadier conditions offers another solution. St. Augustine
and zoysia grasses provide a warm season option for shade, while a
good cool season option is one of the many fescue grasses that
are available.
Drought
Stress
Grass
needs water to grow lush and thick. As a general rule of thumb,
provide 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water weekly. Thatch buildup and
compacted soil can also reduce the amount of water that reaches grass
roots. Thatch removal and soil aeration will remedy the problem so
moisture can once again soak into the soil.
Nutrient
Deficiency
Weak
grass growth is sometimes a result of poor soil nutrition. Lawns need
a combination fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium, along with other trace nutrients. Fertilize in spring when
temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and grass growth has
resumed. A mid-summer and early fall fertilizer treatment can also
lead to healthier growth.
Methods
to Repair a Thin Lawn
You
have two main options for repairing a thin lawn: overseeding or sod
installation. The option you choose depends on the extent of the
problem and your budget.
Overseeding
Overseeding
works well on large areas, particularly if you are on a strict
budget. To overseed, mow the lawn short and rake up any clippings and
thatch. Then, spread seed over the lawn. You must keep the seed moist
until it has sprouted and the roots have established, which can take
several weeks. Overseeding is typically performed in spring or early
summer when the grass is actively growing.
The
main drawback with overseeding is that it takes some time for the
bare areas to fill in. You may need to stay off the lawn until it is
well established, or the grass will quickly thin again. Overseeding
tends to work best when it is done annually on areas that tend to
thin quickly, such as along heavily trafficked pathways.
Sod
Installation
For
those looking to repair only a small area or those that want an
immediate solution over an area of any size, sod is the best choice.
Sod provides an instant lawn because initial root establishment
occurs in as little as two weeks. Your thin lawn problems aren't
likely to return if the underlying issues have been addressed prior
to the installation.
You
must perform more in depth preparation before you can install sod.
The old grass requires removal. Then, the soil needs to be tested so
the proper fertilizers and soil amendments can be added. Once this is
done, the sod is laid on top the ground and firmed into place. After
a few days of regular watering, the roots will anchor into the soil
beneath the sod and active grass growth will resume.
Contact
us
for
more information on sod care and installation.
