Why Your Lawn Isn't Filling In After Raccoon Damage

Three months after raccoons tore up your San Jose backyard, bare soil remains. Whether the grass spreads depends on its growth habit.

Seed-Type vs. Runner-Type Grasses

• Seed-type (e.g., Bahia, rye): Won’t spread laterally. You must reseed bare patches.
• Runner-type (e.g., St. Augustine, Bermuda, zoysia): Spread via stolons/rhizomes. They’ll eventually fill in, but you can accelerate it.

Speeding Up Runner Grasses

1. Spread a thin layer of topsoil or compost along the edges of bare spots to encourage runner extension.
2. Water consistently (keep soil moist, not soggy).
3. Apply a light starter fertilizer (high phosphorus) to boost root development.

Instant Fix: Sodding

Cut sod pieces to fit the patches, press firmly, and water daily for two weeks. It’s more work and cost, but you get immediate coverage.

If you’re unsure of your grass type, pull a small plug and take it to your County Extension Office for identification.