Raccoons Ripped Up Lawn: Will Grass Regrow?

Raccoons tore out small chunks (≤1 sq ft). You replaced some divots, but bare dirt remains. Regrowth depends on grass type.

Identify Your Grass

• Seed-propagated (Bahia, rye): Buy matching seed, sow in bare patches, keep moist until established.
• Vegetatively propagated (St. Augustine, Bermuda, zoysia): Plant plugs or cut sod to fit. Don’t cut sod into more than two pieces per patch.

Encourage Runner Spread

If your grass sends out aggressive runners, spread a thin layer of topsoil over bare spots to stimulate lateral growth.

Timeline

With warm temperatures and consistent moisture, runner grasses can cover 12-inch gaps in 4–6 weeks. Seed grasses take 3–4 weeks to germinate and several more to knit together.

Contact your County Extension Office for help identifying the grass and tailored advice.