How to Fix a Patchy Lawn and Get It Looking Healthy Again

Looking out at a lawn marred by bare spots, thin areas, or uneven colour can be truly frustrating. You invest time and effort into your lawn, only to see frustrating patches appear.

If you’re a Victorian homeowner noticing these issues, take heart: patchiness is one of the most common lawn problems, and nearly all patches can be successfully fixed!

The secret to lasting repair isn't just filling the hole—it’s understanding why the patch appeared. This practical guide will walk you through diagnosing the cause and applying the right fix to restore your lawn’s even, lush green surface.

1. Why Lawns Become Patchy in the First Place

Before you grab a bag of soil, let’s play detective. Understanding the root cause is half the battle. In Victorian gardens, patchy lawns are usually due to one of these common factors:

• Heavy Traffic or Compaction: Kids, pets, or constant foot traffic on the same route crush the soil, restricting oxygen and water flow to the roots. Victorian Tip: Areas near gates or clotheslines are common spots.
• Pet Urine: High nitrogen content in urine burns the grass, leaving brown spots surrounded by dark green rings.
• Shade: While some grasses (like certain Buffalo varieties) tolerate shade better, most sun-loving grasses (Couch and Kikuyu) thin out significantly if they don't receive enough sunlight.
• Pests and Disease: Pests like Black Beetle larvae (Curl Grubs) and Armyworm chew through roots or blades, leaving dead or brown areas. Disease often appears as irregularly shaped, discoloured patches.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Lack of fertiliser or poor soil quality can lead to general thinning or yellowing, rather than a distinct patch.

2. Assessing the Damage Before You Start Repairs

Take a closer look at the damaged area.

3. Simple Ways to Fix a Patchy Lawn

Once you know the cause, you can apply the right solution.

1. Address Compaction and Small Bare Spots

• Aeration: For small, hard areas, use a garden fork to spike the soil 10-15cm deep every 10cm or so. This instantly improves root access to water and air.
• Topdressing: Spread a thin layer (3-5mm) of nutrient-rich lawn topdressing mix over the aerated or bare soil. This adds organic matter and protects the grass crowns.

2. Repairing Thinning Areas (Self-Repairing Grasses)

Many popular Victorian varieties, especially Kikuyu, Buffalo and Santa Ana Couch, are self-repairing (they spread via runners).

• Boost Nutrients: Apply a balanced, slow-release lawn fertiliser. The runners will rapidly fill in thin spots as they receive this 'fuel.'
• Soil Amendments: For Buffalo and Kikuyu, topdressing with a sandy loam mix in early to mid-spring can encourage faster runner growth over bare patches.

3. Treating Larger or Dead Patches (Non-Repairing Grasses)

• Overseeding (Couch, Fescue): If you have a Couch or Fescue lawn, you can lightly scarify the patch, spread new seed over the topdressing, and rake it in. The best time for this in Victoria is mid-Spring (October-November) when soil temperatures are reliably warm.
• Resodding: For very large, completely dead patches, removing the dead section and installing a small piece of new turf is the fastest and most reliable fix.

4. Managing Pet Urine Spots

• Flush Immediately: If you catch the dog in the act, flush the area heavily with water to dilute the nitrogen.
• Repair: Treat the spot like a small dead patch: aerate, topdress, and then encourage growth with a small dose of gentle fertiliser.

4. Watering and Feeding Your Repaired Lawn

After any repair—especially overseeding or topdressing—consistent moisture is essential.

• Light, Frequent Watering (Initially): If you have sown seed, keep the surface moist with very light, frequent watering (2-3 times per day) until germination occurs.
• Deepen Over Time: Once the new growth is established, transition back to a deep, infrequent watering schedule to encourage roots to grow down, not up.
• Fertilise Lightly: A few weeks after repair, apply a gentle, light feed to the patch and the surrounding area to ensure the new growth strengthens quickly.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing Patches

• Ignoring the Cause: If you fix a patch without removing the shade source or treating the pest, the patch will simply return. Diagnosis is key!
• Overwatering New Seed: Keeping it wet is necessary, but creating a swamp will rot the seed. Aim for moist, not saturated, soil.
• Mowing Too Soon: Wait until new grass is well-established before mowing. When you do mow, follow the rule: cut high!

6. How to Prevent Patches Coming Back

A healthy, well-maintained lawn is the best defence against future patches.

• Proper Mowing Height: Maintain the right mowing height for your turf type. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and provides a stronger canopy to resist wear.
• Regular Fertilising: Feed your lawn with a seasonal, slow-release fertiliser tailored for Victorian conditions to maintain nutrient consistency.
• Traffic Management: For high-traffic areas, consider laying stepping stones or gravel to divert foot traffic, allowing the lawn to recover naturally.

7. Bringing It All Together: A Healthier Lawn Year-Round

Fixing a patchy lawn can seem daunting, but once you identify the cause, the solution is straightforward. By understanding how your specific Victorian turf responds to factors like shade, compaction, and nutrients, you empower yourself to create a truly resilient outdoor space.

At HG Turf Group, we're here to be your partner, not just your supplier. With the right care, you can swap that frustrating patchiness for an even, green lawn you’ll be proud to enjoy year after year.