We’ve all been there. You step outside, cup of tea in hand, admiring the garden — and there it is. A patch. A bare, scruffy, soil-y, sad little patch right in the middle of your lawn. Maybe the dog’s been digging, the kids have been playing football, or winter’s just taken its toll. Whatever the reason, patchy grass is a common headache for UK homeowners. But don’t worry — fixing it is easier than you might think.
Why Do Lawn Bald Spots Happen?
Before we start chucking seed around like confetti, let’s figure out what’s causing the patchiness. Otherwise, you’ll be back to square one by summer.
- Foot traffic: Constant wear from people or pets compacts the soil and damages the grass.
- Dog wee: High nitrogen content in urine burns the grass, leading to yellow or brown spots.
- Moss or thatch removal: Scarifying can leave some areas looking thin if not followed up properly.
- Shade or poor drainage: Areas under trees or where water collects often struggle to grow thick grass.
- Weeds or pests: Some lawn nasties feast on roots or crowd out grass entirely.
Once you’ve addressed the underlying issue, it’s time to bring those bald patches back to life.
Step-by-Step: How to Repair Lawn Patches
1. Clear the Area
Use a rake or hand fork to remove any dead grass, weeds, moss or debris from the patch. If the soil is compacted, loosen it up a bit — your lawn seed will struggle to establish if the ground is as hard as your Nan’s roasties.
2. Add Fresh Topsoil (If Needed)
If the patch is sunken or the soil looks tired and grey, sprinkle a handful of fresh topsoil or compost and level it out. A flat, fine surface helps the seed settle in and keeps water evenly distributed.
3. Choose the Right Seed
Pick a seed mix that matches the rest of your lawn. If you’re not sure what you’ve got, go for a hard-wearing multi-purpose mix — ideal for family gardens, pets and British weather.
4. Sow the Seed
Scatter the seed evenly over the patch — not too thick, not too thin. Then lightly rake it in so the seed is just covered by soil. Don’t bury it, or you’ll be waiting a long time for anything to show up.
5. Water Gently
Give the patch a light sprinkle to keep it moist. Not a soaking — just enough to encourage germination. Keep it damp (but not soggy) for the next couple of weeks. A watering can with a fine rose is perfect.
6. Protect the Area
If you’ve got pets or children, cover the patch with garden netting or some sticks and string to keep traffic off it. New grass is delicate and easily damaged in the first few weeks.
Top Tips for Patch Repair Success
- Timing is everything: Spring and early autumn are ideal for patch repairs — mild temps and regular rain help germination.
- Be patient: It may take 7–14 days for the grass to appear, and another month or two for it to fully thicken up.
- Wait to mow: Don’t mow your new grass until it’s at least 5–7cm tall. Then give it a gentle cut with sharp blades.
- Feed after a few weeks: Once the grass is established, a gentle feed will encourage strong growth.
Bald Spots Be Gone
There’s no shame in a few patchy bits — every lawn has them. The key is not to ignore them. With a bit of care, some seed, and a splash of water, you’ll soon have a lush, even lawn again. And the next time you wander out with your morning brew, you’ll be admiring green, not gaps.
Go on then — time to give those patches the boot and your lawn the comeback it deserves.
