So you’ve finally decided you want the grass to be greener on your side of the fence—that lush, thick carpet of green that is not only a treat to the eyes but also provides you with a nice, clean canvas for your landscape design.
Unfortunately, for many landowners, this is a tough feat to achieve. You can think you’ve done everything right, but you can still end up with a patchy lawn.
New grass growing in patches is a common problem, and it’s crucial to figure out what is causing it so you can fix the issue. Some reasons grass seeds grow unevenly include pests, the amount of water used, an inadequate home irrigation system, the type of fertiliser, weather and more. It may just be one or a combination of these things causing bare patches in your newly seeded lawn.
Don’t give up on your grass if it has begun growing in patches. There are three key things you should try if you want to improve the quality of your lawn and help it grow evenly. You can try a new fertiliser, water it abundantly, or call a lawn repair service if all else fails.
To better understand these tips and find out how to create a luscious lawn, read on!
Table of Contents
Why Is My New Grass Growing In Patches?
Many people struggle with bare spots in their newly seeded lawn or new grass not growing evenly. We know it can be very frustrating! But it’s not always easy to find out why. So, to help you figure out the likely causes, we’ve rounded up some of the usual culprits.
Plant Diseases & Pests
Plant diseases can cause your new lawn to appear patchy and yellow. Some common lawn diseases in Australia are dollar spot, brown patch, and anthracnose. These plant diseases can cause patches of grass to turn brown or yellow, or sections to die off altogether.
Plant pests are another common culprit causing patches in your new lawn. These include cutworms, grubs, and chinch bugs. To get rid of them, you need to apply insecticide. Just make sure that the insecticide you’re using is for the type of pest invading your lawn; otherwise, it won’t be ineffective.
Certain grass species like kikuyu grass are known for their disease and pest resistance, making them a good choice if your lawn is prone to invaders.
Improper Watering
Grass needs lots of water. But the amount and frequency of watering will depend on the type of grass you have. For new grass, it is ideal to water it regularly (2–3 times a week) and deeply so that the roots will burrow deeper into the soil. Both underwatering and overwatering your lawn can cause patchy growth.
You should also aim to water grass early in the morning instead of at night so that the grass will have time to dry throughout the day. If you water at night, the grass will remain wet, encouraging the growth and spread of fungus and other plant diseases. Setting up a lawn sprinkler system can help you stay consistent with watering your lawn at the best time of day.
If you live in an area where drought or a limited water supply is common, it is best to choose a grass seed species that can tolerate dry conditions, like zoysia and fine fescue.
Hard Or Acidic Soil
If your grass is growing in uneven patches, always check your soil. If your soil is too hard or compact, such as clay soil, it may prevent air and nutrients from reaching the roots, affecting the growth of the grass and the overall look of your lawn. Maybe the soil is too acidic, which will cause the grass to turn brown.
Lack Of Fertiliser
Your lawn could also need a fertiliser boost if your grass growing in is patchy in areas. Ensure that the type of fertiliser you use is suited for the grass seed you have in your yard and follow the directions to apply the fertiliser.
Just be careful not to add too much, as this may burn the grass and turn it brown. If this happens, water the area abundantly and wait a month to see if the patchy area recovers on its own. If it doesn’t, then you will have to reseed.
The right lawn spraying equipment can help you fertilise grass evenly.
Type Of Grass Seed
The type and amount of grass seed used could also be a factor in your lawn’s patchy growth. Different grass seeds have different characteristics, which also means they have different germination rates.
For example, perennial ryegrass takes 5 – 10 days to germinate, while Kentucky bluegrass takes around 14 – 30 days. So, if you used a mix of grass seeds, you might need to wait a little longer for the rest of the seeds to sprout.
Too Much Shade
Your grass may grow in patches if some areas are covered by shade. However, most kinds of grass are sun loving, so if there’s an area of your lawn that is not receiving enough sunlight, such as under the shade of a tree, that may stop the grass from growing efficiently.
The solution is to mix in a type of grass seed that grows well in shaded areas or, if the patch is around a tree, just to let it be.
Foot Traffic & Wear
Finally, foot traffic could be the reason your grass is growing unevenly. If the patchy areas appear where there is a lot of foot traffic, this is likely the culprit. For hard-wearing areas, it is best to use a hardier grass seed species, like zoysia, that is used in athletic fields.
Will Grass Spread To Bare Spots In My Lawn?
It is possible to get your grass’s growth to fill the bare spots on your lawn, but you must first know what is causing it to be bare. If it’s bare because birds have eaten the grass seed you put there, or if you covered it with topsoil, you will need to reseed or overseed the area to fix the issue.
Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass is a good option for reseeding because it spreads quickly to fill in the bare spots. Once you scatter the grass seed, do not cover it with soil because this will prevent it from sprouting; instead, press it down using a roller. You should also be patient and allow your grass seed a little more time to grow.
Your grass may also have bare spots simply because conditions are not yet ideal for the growth of the seeds, such as when the season is too warm or too cold. However, if the area is bare because it is in the shade, such as around the base of a tree, it could prove challenging, making the grass grow there because grass requires plenty of sunlight. What you could do is mix in grass seed that can tolerate being in the shade, such as buffalo grass.
How to Fix Patchy New Grass
✔ Fertilise Your New Grass: Fertilisers are a rich source of nutrients for grass seed. For the best result, add fertiliser 4–8 weeks after germination. Successful application of fertiliser will depend on the condition of your soil. The average number of applications is around four times a year. First, however, you need to make sure that you’re using the right kind and amount of fertiliser for your seed and that you’re distributing it evenly.
✔ Watering: Always water new grass abundantly! Moisture is incredibly important for grass seed to sprout. To keep it moist, lightly water 2–3 times a day – an automated lawn sprinkler system can help you stick to a regular schedule. When it starts to germinate, you can lessen the frequency of watering but increase the amount you apply each time.
To promote healthy grass growth, invest in a sprinkler with adjustable nozzle types. Reduced flow sprinkler nozzles such as the Rain Bird R-VAN 14 can promote grass growth while reducing your water bills.
✔ Lawn Repair Service: If you’ve tried everything and the grass still looks patchy, or if you prefer the professionals handle it, you can call a trusted lawn repair service. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and give you the best tips on how to even out your lawn.
✔ Overseeding: Overseeding is sowing new seeds on top of your grass to help fix patchy areas, thicken, and improve the health of your lawn. If you address the patchiness of your lawn before you overseed, it will increase the odds of the new grass growing efficiently. If the patchy area isn’t getting enough sunlight, or the soil in that area is too hard, solving those issues will help prevent further patchiness.
How to Reseed a Patchy Lawn
Reseeding a patchy lawn is an easy way to ensure you have a healthy lawn all year round. Following these few steps is a quick and easy way to make sure any new grass seeds you sew have the best chance of becoming a healthy lawn with great coverage.
- Prepare your soil for new seed. If the patchiness is caused by shade, make sure the area can now receive enough sunlight. If your lawn is patchy because the soil is too hard for grass to grow, turn and aerate those patches of earth, so the new seedlings have room to grow.
- Sew your new grass seeds into the affected areas. Once they are sewn, cover them with a thin layer of topsoil. Use a rake to turn the topsoil and new seeds to make sure they are all properly sewn, then give the entire area a healthy watering.
- Continue to fertilise and water your new grass regularly. As the grass is still new, under fertilising or watering, the grass can hinder their growth. For the best results, take the time to water and fertilise your new grass seedlings during their initial growth. You might find it easier if you invest in a fertiliser spreader, which will give all of your lawn even fertiliser coverage.
Allow the new grass to grow sufficiently before cutting it for the first time. Cutting new grass seedlings too soon can affect their continued growth. It’s best to wait until your new grass is 8-10 centimetres tall before cutting it for the first time. After that, you’re able to mow it all to your preferred length.
Related Questions:
When Is The Best Time To Mow New Grass?
For new grass, it’s best to wait 1–2 months before you mow your lawn. This allows the grass seed to germinate and the roots to burrow deeper into the soil before any disturbance. Let it grow to about one and a half times the recommended height, or even taller; this will allow you to cut no more than one-third of the height of the grass at a time—anything more than that can stress the new grass.
How Can I Thicken A Thin Lawn?
- Apply the right kind and amount of fertiliser. Do this 3–4 times a year.
- Overseed.
- Mow according to the recommended height regularly, taking care not to cut too short.
- Water deeply.
- Loosen hard soil to allow air and nutrients to reach the roots.
- Scatter grass clippings over the lawn to retain soil moisture.
Disclaimer:
This article is published for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. Always ensure you have the right qualifications and certifications to carry out DIY work and never put your safety at risk. Hills Irrigation recommends consulting a professional for all electrical and plumbing work.
Vince is Managing Director of Hills Irrigation and is supported by Lisa in an administrative capacity. Andrew, Isaac and Megan look after the day to day needs of both online and shop customers. As Project Manager, Vince is also responsible for installation projects along with his team. It is his responsibility to work closely with clients to ensure that scope of work is understood and followed.
