How to Repair Bare Patches in Your Lawn (Step-by-Step Guide)

Bare lawn patches happen — pets, heavy traffic, drought or disease can all leave thin, brown spots. The good news is that you can
repair most patches quickly with the right lawn seed and a few simple steps.

This guide walks you through a straightforward patch-repair process using products from our
Lawn Seed
and
Lawn & Weed Control
ranges.

Step 1: Identify Why the Patch Formed

Before you repair, you need to understand the cause. Common reasons for bare patches include:

• Deep shade limiting grass growth
• Compacted soil from foot traffic or vehicles
• Pet urine “burns”
• Inconsistent watering or drought stress
• Insect or fungal damage

Fixing the underlying problem (for example, changing traffic patterns, improving drainage, or treating pests) helps ensure the patch doesn’t return.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

1. Remove dead grass and debris
   Rake out loose thatch, dead roots and stones so new seedlings have contact with clean soil.
2. Loosen the soil
   Use a garden fork or hand cultivator to loosen the top 5–10 cm of soil. This improves root penetration and drainage.
3. Improve the soil
   Mix in a thin layer of compost or quality lawn dressing to provide organic matter and a soft seedbed.
4. Level and firm
   Rake the area level, then lightly firm with the back of the rake or by gently treading. You want a stable but not compacted surface.

For products to support soil health and lawn care, visit our
Garden Care, Pest & Weed Control
category.

Step 3: Sow the Grass Seed

Choose a lawn seed mix suited to your conditions (play areas, shade, recovery, etc.) from our
Lawn Seed range.

• Sow evenly over the prepared patch — use a cross-hatch pattern (back and forth, then side to side) for even coverage.
• Lightly rake to just cover the seed with a thin layer of soil.
• Press the seed gently into the soil using the back of the rake or by walking over a board laid on the patch.

Avoid burying the seed too deeply — most lawn seed germinates best when it is just covered and still receives some light.

Step 4: Water Correctly

• Water immediately after sowing to settle seed into contact with the soil.
• Keep the patch consistently moist (not waterlogged) until germination.
• In hot or windy weather, you may need to water lightly once or twice a day.
• After the grass is 5–7 cm high, gradually reduce watering frequency while watering more deeply.

For problem areas with weeds as well as bare patches, consider appropriate products from
Lawn & Weed Control.
Always follow label instructions carefully.

Step 5: First Mow & Ongoing Care

• Wait until new grass is firmly rooted and 8–10 cm tall before the first mow.
• Set the mower high for the first few cuts to avoid scalping young grass.
• Remove clippings if they form thick clumps over the new growth.
• Feed the broader lawn lightly with a suitable lawn fertiliser once seedlings are established.

Make Your Lawn Greener, Faster

With good soil preparation, quality seed and careful watering, most bare patches can be repaired within a few weeks.

Browse our full
Lawn Seed collection
and pair it with solutions from
Lawn & Weed Control
to keep your lawn looking lush, green and healthy.