Even the healthiest lawns can develop dead or bare patches. Whether it’s from pests, heavy foot traffic, drought, or pet damage, these problem areas can make your yard look uneven and neglected. Fortunately, patch repair with sod offers a quick, effective solution to restore your lawn’s appearance and health.

Here’s how to tackle lawn patch repair the right way.

1. Identify the Cause

Before replacing the damaged spot, figure out why it happened.

• Pest damage – Look for signs of grubs, chinch bugs, or moles.
• Poor drainage – Water pooling can cause grass to die.
• Pet urine – High nitrogen concentration can burn grass.
• Shade issues – Some grass varieties don’t thrive without sunlight.

Fixing the underlying problem ensures your patch repair lasts.

2. Remove the Damaged Area

Use a sharp spade or shovel to cut out the dead grass and a thin layer of soil beneath it.

• Remove at least 2 inches deep to eliminate any root damage.
• Shape the patch into a square or rectangle—this makes fitting new sod easier.

3. Prepare the Soil

Healthy soil is key for your sod to take root.

• Loosen the top 2–3 inches of soil.
• Add compost or topsoil to improve nutrients and drainage.
• Lightly water the area before laying sod.

4. Install the Sod Patch

Measure and cut sod to fit the prepared area.

• Place the sod so edges align tightly with the surrounding lawn.
• Press down gently to remove air pockets.

5. Water and Maintain

• First 2 weeks: Water daily to keep soil moist.
• Avoid walking on the new sod until it’s rooted.
• Resume regular mowing only when grass reaches normal height.

Why Use Sod for Patch Repair?
Sod offers instant coverage, prevents erosion, and blends quickly with your existing lawn. Unlike seeding, it delivers immediate results and requires less waiting time for a full lawn appearance.

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