Should You Let Grass Go to Seed for Bare Patches?

A homeowner with unknown grass type and bare spots asks if letting the lawn go to seed, then mowing, will fill gaps.

Absolutely Not

Most turfgrasses don't reseed effectively from mowing. Seed heads divert energy from root/rhizome growth. You'll get thin, uneven results—if any.

Identify Your Grass First

Tell me: County, State, and sun exposure (full/partial/shade). Then check NC State's TurfID tool (turffiles.ncsu.edu/turfid) to ID your grass.

Proper Repair

Once identified, overseed with the same species at the right time, or plug/sod. Letting it "go to seed" wastes a season and looks messy.

Reply with details—we'll get it fixed right.