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Dead spots on a lawn may be caused by disease, Fido’s repeated visits or snow mold. Simply adding extra fertilizer or randomly scattering seed on the bad spot isn’t going to revive it. Start over by digging out the old sod and disposing of it; don’t put diseased sod in your compost bin.
Holding a spade at a low angle, scrape out the dead grass (including roots) from a circular area 6 in. greater around than the bad spot. Next, use the spade to level out the soil and cut in a pattern of seed furrows (see photo). This crosshatching will create the proper pattern and depth for new seed to germinate.
Select seed that matches the variety already planted in the lawn. You don’t want the new growth to contrast starkly with your established lawn. Broadcast a handful of the new seed over the prepared spot and “close the soil” using the back of a short-tined rake. Water the area lightly and frequently until the roots are established.
Prepare a small area for new seed by chopping 1/2-in. deep slits in the soil with a spade. Make a crosshatch pattern by cutting parallel lines 1/4 in. between slits first in one direction, and then perpendicular to it.
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