Do-It-Yourself Lawn Repair
Many homeowners run into lawn problems frequently; a few lawn repair tips will help you get your lawn back in good health.
Common lawn problems homeowners face & how to fix them.
We all dread that moment when we find out our vehicle needs a new transmission or our roof is leaking. The first thing that comes to mind is the cost of repair. But did you know your lawn could be in need of renovation also? Do-it-yourself lawn repair isn’t as taxing or expensive as you might think. If you’re looking to repair a lawn, read about some of the most common lawn problems homeowners come across.
The Problem: Out-of-Control Weed Growth
The Lawn Repair Solution: The first step in controlling weeds is identifying which weed(s) is overtaking your lawn. With so many herbicides available, it’s important to appropriately distinguish which weeds are destroying the yard. Even if you have an organic lawn, there are organic herbicides on the market that are safe for your lawn and the environment.
The Problem: Bare Patches
The Lawn Repair Solution: If you’ve lived at your current address for quite some time, it’s likely that your lawn has a few bare spots due to normal wear and tear over the years. However, dead patches can also be the result of lawn pests and disease. So what’s the lawn repair solution? First, remove the patches altogether; fill in the area with a high-quality grade of topsoil, and add a little fertilizer into the dirt for nourishment.
Once you’ve prepared the soil, spread grass seed over the section evenly (do not overseed-an excessive amount makes it difficult for them to take root). Then rake the newly seeded section in such a way that approximately 5 to 10 percent of the seeds are visible. Sprinkle a layer of compost or straw over the area to help the soil remain damp and ward off the birds.
The Problem: Bumps & Uneven Ground
The Lawn Repair Solution: Let’s face it: A naturally even lawn is more of a fantasy than a reality. The good news? You can easily obtain a naturally even lawn, especially if the bumps are less than an inch deep. Using sand alone to repair a lawn from bumps and uneven ground is not recommended. Instead, blend sand with topsoil and compost, spread over the uneven areas, and then lightly fertilize and water throughout. If the bumps are extensive, the best lawn repair solution is to call on a professional-they have the right tools to level your lawn.
The Problem: Compacted Soil
The Lawn Repair Solution: Soil often becomes compressed due to heavy traffic, which can affect the root system. The lawn repair solution is to aerate your lawn a couple times every year. Lawn aeration removes plugs of soil in order to increase the flow of oxygen and provide nutrients to the roots. While you can rent a lawn aerator, it’s often easier to call on a professional lawn service to aerate your lawn. Lawn aeration will break up the soil plugs and give your lawn a chance to breathe, resulting in a lush green lawn.
