Gardening expert's hack to fix patchy lawn in 3 steps - and most common causes

An expert has revealed that just three simple tweaks could transform your patchy lawn into a lush, green paradise. For those with a passion for , unsightly bald spots on the lawn can be a real headache. You might find yourself wondering 'Why is this happening?' and 'How can I fix it?' when confronted with these barren patches.

However, Chris McIlroy from The Grass People insists that the solution to your grass woes is within reach, using a handful of straightforward techniques. He suggests starting by identifying the underlying cause of the problem. Common culprits include general wear and tear, but don't overlook the possibility of pests and diseases.

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If you spot yellow, brown, or orange areas, it's a strong indication that fungi might be attacking your turf. Another frequent offender is pet urine, which contains high levels of nitrates that can scorch the grass, leading to those frustrating patchy areas.

Chris advises: "Before you get started it's best to take the time to investigate what is causing your lawn patches so that you can take the necessary action to fix them properly."

After pinpointing the issue, the next steps he proposes are mowing the lawn and then 'over-seeding' it to promote robust growth.

These actions are most effective when the temperature is between 8 to 10C, the ideal climate for grass seeds to flourish into healthy plants.

Gardeners are advised to sprinkle about 35g of seeds per square metre over barren spots, a tip from Chris who also suggests: "Stamp down the seeds or use a roller as this will improve seed-to-soil contact, then reach for your watering can or hose pipe."

For an optimal sprouting success rate, it is recommended to hydrate the seeds daily for around six weeks, and using nitrogen-rich fertiliser can provide an additional boost if required.

It’s crucial to wait until the grass has fully taken root before mowing, as premature trimming can disrupt its development.

Chris further advised: "If you can time the over-seeding for a day when it rains after they are in the earth, so much the better."