How to Fix My Patchy Lawn: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reviving Your Grass

If your lawn is looking more like a patchwork quilt than lush and green, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Australia face the challenge of patchy lawns at some point. Whether it’s due to poor soil, compaction, pets, or natural wear and tear, a patchy lawn can be frustrating. But don’t worry, fixing your patchy lawn is easier than you might think.

At Green Lawn Supplies, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you restore your lawn to its full potential. Read on for expert tips on how to revive your lawn and get that thick, green grass you’ve been dreaming of.

1. Identify the Cause of Your Patchy Lawn

Before you can fix your patchy lawn, it’s important to understand what’s causing the problem. Common culprits include:

Poor soil quality: Compacted or nutrient-poor soil can prevent grass from growing properly.
Overwatering or underwatering: Both extremes can stress your lawn and leave bare spots.
Pests or diseases: Lawn pests like grubs or fungal infections can cause significant damage.
Excessive foot traffic: High-traffic areas can become worn and thin.
Dog urine: Pet waste, especially from dogs, can leave brown patches.

Take time to inspect your lawn carefully to pinpoint the underlying issue. This will help you choose the best solution.

2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Proper watering is crucial for fixing a patchy lawn. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to unhealthy grass. Here’s how to get it right:

Water Deeply and Infrequently: Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Water in the early morning to prevent fungus and ensure the water reaches the roots.
Avoid Overwatering: Watering too often can lead to shallow roots, fungal diseases, and waterlogging. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Use a Sprinkler or Irrigation System: Ensure even coverage with a sprinkler or irrigation system. Use catch cups or empty tuna tins to measure water application, aiming for 10mm–15mm per session, with 15mm preferred during hotter months.

3. Fertilise Your Lawn

Fertilising is a crucial step in fixing a patchy lawn. Healthy grass requires the right nutrients to grow thick and green. Here’s how to fertilise properly:

Use a High-Quality Fertiliser: Choose a slow-release fertiliser designed for Australian lawns. Nitrogen promotes green growth, while phosphorus and potassium help with root development and disease resistance.
Apply at the Right Time: Use nitrogen-rich fertilisers in spring and summer when the grass is actively growing. Increase potassium in autumn and winter. Avoid fertilising during extreme heat (above 30°C).
Don’t Over-Fertilise: Excessive fertilising can burn your lawn. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.

4. Improve Your Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation for a healthy lawn. Here are some tips to improve your soil and support strong grass growth:

Aerate the Soil: Aerating helps break up compacted soil, improving water infiltration and root growth.
Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or aged manure to enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its structure.
Use Wetting Agents: Wetting agents help water penetrate hydrophobic (water-repellent) soils, ensuring moisture reaches the roots.
Apply Humic Acid: Humic acid enhances soil structure, boosts nutrient absorption, and stimulates root development.
Incorporate Seaweed or Kelp Products: These natural additives improve root growth, soil fertility, and stress tolerance.

Investing in soil health ensures long-term lawn success and reduces the likelihood of future patchiness.

5. Topdress Your Lawn

Topdressing involves spreading a thin layer of soil, compost, or sand over your lawn to improve soil structure and provide nutrients. Here’s how:

Choose the Right Material: If you are looking to improve your soil, use a top dress with more organics, if you are looking to level areas you will need a top dress with more sand like a plasterers sand or washed river sand. Using a lawn-specific topdressing mix is always helpful as it should have less rocks in it.
Apply Evenly: Spread a thin, even layer with a shovel, rake, or spreader.
Work It In: Lightly rake the topdressing to ensure it settles between the grass blades without smothering them.

Topdressing helps level uneven areas, reduces compaction, and enhances water retention for healthier growth.

6. Aerate Your Lawn

Lawn aeration reduces compaction and improves soil aeration, promoting deeper root growth. It’s especially useful for high-traffic areas. Here’s how to aerate:

Use a Lawn Aerator: Machines with spikes or hollow tines punch holes into the soil. Rentals are available at most garden stores.
Aerate When Soil is Moist: Slightly moist soil provides the best results.
Focus on Problem Areas: Pay extra attention to patchy spots.

Aeration improves water infiltration, nutrient uptake, and root growth for healthier grass.

7. Maintain Regular Lawn Care

Once your lawn starts to recover, a consistent care routine can prevent future patchiness. Key tasks include:

Mowing: Mow regularly to encourage thicker growth. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
Weeding: Control weeds with regular weeding or selective herbicides.
Vertimowing: Remove thatch buildup and encourage healthy growth by vertimowing during the active growing season.

Final Thoughts

A patchy lawn doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With the right care and attention, you can restore your grass to its full glory. By identifying the cause of the patches, reseeding, topdressing, fertilising, aerating, adjusting your watering, and maintaining regular care, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful, lush lawn.

For more lawn care tips and the best products to fix your patchy lawn, visit Green Lawn Supplies. We offer premium products and expert advice to help you create the lawn of your dreams.

How to Fix My Patchy Lawn: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reviving Your Grass