Reseeding a bare patch without working out why it died is the most common lawn repair mistake we see. The new grass comes up, then dies for the same reason. So before you buy anything, diagnose the patch.
Step 1: work out the cause
| What it looks like | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Brown patch that spread fast in summer, birds pecking at it, grass pulls up easily | Lawn grubs or army worm | Treat the whole lawn, then repair. See our lawn grub guide. |
| Small round dead spots with a dark green ring, often near the back door | Dog urine | Flush with water, rake out dead grass, re-seed or plug. Train the dog to one spot. |
| Thin, pale grass under trees or beside a fence | Shade | Raise the mowing height, thin the canopy, switch to a shade-tolerant variety or mulch the area. |
| Hard, worn patches on paths, gates and under play equipment | Compaction and wear | Aerate with a fork or corer, top dress, re-seed or turf, and redirect traffic. |
| Circular or irregular brown patches after humid weather, sometimes with a smoky ring | Fungal disease (brown patch, dollar spot) | Water in the morning not evening, improve drainage, apply a lawn fungicide if it spreads. |
| Brown areas on slopes or in full sun that green up after rain | Dry spots and hydrophobic soil | Apply a soil wetting agent, water deeply, and check sprinkler coverage. |
| Grass yellowing in patches across the whole lawn | Nutrient deficiency or iron lock-up | Fertilise on the right calendar and add iron for colour. |
Step 2: repair the patch
- Clear it. Rake out the dead grass and thatch until you can see soil.
- Loosen the soil. Fork it to 10 cm so new roots can get in. On hard clay (most of Ipswich) mix in a little sandy loam or a lawn top-dressing mix.
- Re-establish the grass. Couch and kikuyu can be seeded. Buffalo and zoysia cannot be grown from seed in Australia, so use plugs cut from a healthy edge of the lawn, or a square of turf. Plugs spaced 15 cm apart fill in over a season.
- Top dress lightly. A thin layer of lawn mix over seed or plugs keeps moisture in.
- Water little and often for the first two to three weeks, then taper to deep, less frequent watering.
- Feed after four weeks with a starter or balanced fertiliser, once the new grass is established.
Step 3: thicken the rest of the lawn
A thick lawn does not get patches as easily. Mow more often at the right height, feed in spring and autumn, water deeply rather than daily, and deal with weeds early so they do not open up gaps. Most "patchy" lawns in Ipswich are actually thin lawns that have been mowed too short and fed too little.
When to turf instead of repair
If more than a third of the lawn is bare, or the soil underneath is builder's rubble, it is usually faster and cheaper to prepare the area properly and lay new turf than to chase patches for a year. Spring and early autumn are the best times to lay turf in South East Queensland.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my lawn have brown patches?
The usual causes in Queensland are lawn grubs, dog urine, dry hydrophobic soil, fungal disease after humid weather, shade or compaction. Each looks slightly different, so diagnose before you repair.
Can I grow buffalo grass from seed to fix a patch?
No. Buffalo and zoysia are not available as seed in Australia. Use plugs from a healthy part of the lawn or a piece of turf.
How long does a patchy lawn take to recover?
Seeded couch or kikuyu fills in within four to eight weeks in the growing season. Plugged buffalo takes a full season to knit together.
What is the best time to repair a lawn in Queensland?
Spring (September to November) and early autumn (March to April), when the grass is growing but the heat is not extreme.
