Diagnosing and Repairing Lawn Dead Spots

Dead patches can stem from cultural issues, insects, chemical spills, or disease. Here’s a systematic approach:

1. Identify the Cause

• Cultural: Over/under-watering, scalping, compaction.
• Insects: Perform a soap flush (2 oz dish soap in 2 gallons water) on the edge of the patch; watch for emerging pests.
• Man-made: Fertilizer/chemical spills, parked equipment, pet urine.
• Disease: If the above are ruled out, suspect fungal pathogens.

2. Correct the Underlying Issue

Adjust irrigation, relieve compaction with core aeration, treat labeled pests/diseases with products approved for residential lawns.

3. Repair the Area

• Remove dead turf and 1–2 inches of soil.
• Loosen the subsoil, amend with compost.
• Lay sod or sprigs matching your existing grass; water daily for 2–3 weeks.
• Monitor for fungal recurrence, especially in humid weather.

Your County Extension Service is an excellent free resource for localized diagnosis and product recommendations.