Dead Patches Reappear in Same Spots After Resodding: Rock Layer Suspected

Cincinnati, 2-year tall fescue sod. Year 1: Scotts service, patches died Sept. Resodded with new topsoil, looked great. Now patches back in same spots. Grubs seen earlier; GrubEx applied. Scotts fertilized May 10. Photos show dead patches.

Rock Layer = Recurring Death

If new topsoil <4 inches deep, roots hit buried rock/construction debris → drought stress in same spots. Scotts' "rocks" story may be right.

Verify

• Dig a test hole in dead patch: hit rock at 3–4"?
• Check soil depth across yard.

Fix

• Add topsoil to 6+ inches over problem zones.
• Or: accept as planting beds, mulch, plant drought-tolerant shrubs.

Same spots = same soil barrier. Grass can't root through rock.