Patch up a dead spot on the lawn

2 / 5 stars
15 minutes
Professional cost Varies
DIY cost £14.48 (includes cost of a new garden fork)

Repairing a dead patch on the lawn is best done in spring or autumn, when the weather is good for grass growth. The first step is to remove the dead turf by using a knife to cut a square around it. Peel back the turf and discard it, then turn over the underlying soil with a fork.

The easiest way to patch up the lawn is to cut a square of turf the same size from somewhere else on the lawn that's less visible. Simply push the healthy turf into the hole so that it's flat and level with the lawn, brush potting compost or soil into the cracks, firm down and water. If the weather is dry then keep the patch watered until it is growing strongly.

If you don't have a spare section of turf you will need to reseed the patch, making sure you use the same species of grass – otherwise it may come up a different shade of green.

Once you have removed the dead turf, add some topsoil or potting compost to the hole and water with a fine spray.

Sprinkle the grass seed at the rate shown on the packet, then cover it with more soil or compost to prevent birds from stealing the seed. Again, keep watered until the grass is growing well.