Quick Fix for a Small Dead Lawn in San Francisco

12 Sq Ft Rescue

A renter’s 12 sq ft lawn browned after a month without water. Landlord won’t invest. Need inexpensive revival.

Two Options

1. Xeriscape: Replace with drought‑tolerant plants—long‑term water savings.
2. Sod Patch (Instant):
   • Turn over dead grass, till in debris, remove rocks.
   • Amend with aged compost/manure (1 bag per 3–4 sq ft)—no topsoil.
   • Rake perfectly level; board‑firm; soak.
   • Lay sod (diagonal for aesthetics), trim edges.
   • Water in; keep moist until rooted.

Borrow tools; resell after. Landlord may credit rent for the upgrade.