Bare spots on turf occur for numerous reasons, such as nutrient-stealing weeds and insects that consume roots. Lawn diseases can also result in patchy grass and round, brownish sections. If your lawn has several bald patches, use this guide to bring back uniform, lush grass.

4 Ways to Deal With Patchy Turf

1. Eliminate Weeds

Pull up weeds by their roots and fill the resulting holes with grass seed. Apply herbicide applicable to the species—administer it carefully since weed-killers generally destroy whatever they make contact with, including healthy grass. Once the weeds die, use a tilling fork to pull them out. Always dispose of the weeds immediately to prevent re-seeding.

2. Limit Foot Traffic

Stay off the lawn and encourage family members to do the same since heavy foot traffic tramples grass, resulting in bare dirt. You should also keep your dogs off of the grass because pet urine contains high amounts of nitrogen and salt, which kill healthy blades. Train your pups to urinate in a designated area, such as a mulched section of the lawn.

3. Utilize Pest Treatments

If bugs are causing bare patches in your grass, apply a treatment that's formulated to address them. For example, use diatomaceous earth to kill slugs and larvae.

Other pests may require chemical treatments or DIY solutions, like hot pepper and garlic sprays that repel insects. Be sure to apply the treatment carefully to avoid harming the healthy grass.

4. Schedule Soil Aeration

Aerate the lawn if soil compaction is an issue from high foot traffic. Compacted soil doesn't receive adequate sunlight, water, or fertilizer, causing the grass' roots to die. Once the lawn is aerated, leave the resulting plugs on the turf to break down as extra nutrients. Make aeration an annual event to keep nutrients circulating through the soil.

For a faster way to restore patchy grass, have new turf installed. Alii Turf in Wahiawa, HI, provides Oahu homeowners with high-quality sod and grass, including Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Emerald Zoysia. Learn more about their selection online, or call (808) 293-8873 to schedule an appointment.