9 Common Grass Plug Mistakes That Slow Growth & How to Fix Them

You’ve finally decided to address the thinning patches in your lawn. You carefully plant grass plugs, water them regularly, and wait for them to take off. But weeks go by, and instead of filling in beautifully, your lawn still looks sparse. What went wrong?

Grass plugs are designed to be an easy and cost-effective way to establish a healthy lawn, but simple mistakes—like poor spacing, incorrect watering, or skipping fertilizer—can significantly slow their growth. The good news? These issues are easily fixable. By using the right variety, preparing the soil properly, and following best practices, you can speed up the process and get the healthy, dense, green grass you look forward to.

In this guide, we’ll break down common grass plug mistakes that can delay growth and how to fix them—so you can avoid frustration and enjoy a fuller, healthier lawn, faster.

1. Selecting grass plugs unsuitable for your region, soil, or lawn use.

Not all grass types thrive in the same conditions. Florida’s climate, for example, is best suited for warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia. Using the wrong type can lead to poor growth, higher maintenance needs, or even complete failure.

How to Fix It:

• Research the differences between warm-season and cool-season grasses.

• Choose grass plugs that match your existing lawn and lawn needs:

• St. Augustine Plugs – Great for shaded areas and home lawns.

• Bermudagrass Plugs – Ideal for high-traffic areas and full sun exposure.

• Zoysiagrass Plugs – Drought-tolerant and slow-growing but forms dense, luxurious turf.

Before choosing grass plugs, take the time to evaluate your lawn’s specific conditions, including soil type, sun exposure, and regional climate. Matching your grass plugs to your environment helps them become established quickly, spread efficiently, and create a healthier, more resilient lawn.

2. Planting plugs in compacted, nutrient-deficient, or poorly drained soil.

Grass plugs are designed to make lawn care easier—they come pre-grown and can withstand challenging conditions better than seed. However, preparing the soil before planting gives them the best possible foundation, supporting faster root establishment and healthier growth.

How to Fix It:

• While optional, soil testing checks pH and nutrient levels. It provides valuable insight into deficiencies or imbalances that could slow grass plug establishment. Testing helps determine if amendments like lime or sulfur are needed to correct pH levels for optimal growth.

• Aerate or loosen compacted soil using a core aerator. Compacted soil restricts root expansion and water absorption, making it harder for grass plugs to take hold. Loosening the soil allows roots to grow deeper and access essential nutrients more easily.

• Amend poor soil by adding compost or organic matter to improve structure. Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving lawn—organic matter boosts microbial activity, improves moisture retention, and enhances nutrient availability, giving grass plugs a better start.

• Ensure proper drainage by addressing low-lying, waterlogged areas. Excess moisture can suffocate roots and lead to fungal diseases. If drainage is a concern, consider raising the planting area slightly or incorporating sand or organic matter to improve water flow.

3. Placing plugs too far apart or too close together.

Spacing affects how quickly the plugs spread and fill in your lawn. If placed too far apart, it will take longer for them to cover bare spots. If planted too closely, they will compete for nutrients and water.

How to Fix It:

•  Space your grass plugs within 12-18 inches apart to allow them to spread efficiently without overcrowding. If you want quicker results, place them on the closer end of the spectrum to help your lawn fill in sooner.

• Plant in a checkerboard pattern to promote even spreading. Instead of planting in straight rows, this layout helps distribute growth more evenly and prevents patchy or uneven coverage as the plugs spread.

• Adjust spacing based on grass: Bermudagrass spreads quickly, allowing for wider spacing— around 18 inches—without delaying full coverage. Meanwhile, Zoysia grows more slowly and benefits from tighter spacing—about 12 inches—to speed up establishment and prevent bare spots.

Check out this article for a more in-depth guide on how far apart you should plant grass plugs.

4. Skipping Starter Fertilizer or Using the Wrong One

Grass plugs benefit from proper nutrients to develop strong roots and establish quickly. Using the right grass fertilizer ensures they grow properly without excessive top growth.

How to Fix It:

• Use a grass fertilizer like NutriPod when planting. Using the right fertilizer from the start gives grass plugs essential nutrients for strong root development. With a 17-1-10 NPK ratio, NutriPod provides a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support healthy establishment.

• Avoid over-fertilizing in the first few weeks to prevent weak, leggy grass growth. Applying too much nitrogen too soon can cause rapid top growth, making new grass blades thin and fragile. NutriPod prevents this by delivering nutrients in controlled amounts, supporting strong root growth while encouraging lush, healthy foliage.

Unlike quick-release fertilizers that require frequent reapplication, NutriPod’s slow-release formula gradually feeds the grass plugs. It supports steady growth without sudden nutrient surges, consequently reducing the risk of nutrient leaching.

5. Overwatering, underwatering, or stopping watering too soon.

Grass plugs need consistent moisture in the first few weeks for their roots to establish properly. Too much or too little water can slow growth, cause stress, or even lead to failure.

How to Fix It:

• Keep soil evenly moist for the first 2 weeks without waterlogging.

• After establishment, reduce watering to 1–2 times per week, providing 1–1.5 inches of water per session.

• Adjust your watering schedule based on the weather—skip watering after rain to avoid oversaturation, but provide supplemental watering during extended hot, dry periods to prevent heat stress and keep the soil consistently moist for healthy root growth.

6. Allowing weeds to overtake new grass plugs

Though grass plugs spread faster than grass seed, weeds can still outcompete them in areas where there isn’t full grass coverage.

How to Fix It:

• Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing young grass plugs, ensuring their roots stay intact.

• Use a selective herbicide after plugs have been established—apply it 4–6 weeks after planting to prevent interference with root development and growth.

7. Cutting new grass too early or too short.

Mowing too soon can dislodge plugs and stress the grass, delaying establishment. Newly planted plugs need time to anchor their roots in place before being subjected to the weight and movement of a mower. Cutting too early can also expose fragile grass blades to excessive stress, slowing down growth and making the lawn more vulnerable to weeds and disease. Waiting until the plugs have grown at least 3–4 inches tall ensures they are well-rooted and resilient enough to handle mowing.

How to Fix It:

• Wait until plugs have grown to at least 3–4 inches before mowing.

• Mow warm-season grasses at the proper height, generally between 1–4 inches, with bermudagrass tolerating the lowest mowing height, as short as 0.5 inches.

• Use sharp mower blades to avoid tearing the grass.

8. Installing plugs when grass is dormant

Grass plugs will not spread efficiently in cool temperatures because warm-season grasses enter dormancy when soil temperatures drop, slowing root growth and establishment. However, in Florida, this is less of a concern as the climate remains mild for most of the year. 

Homeowners in the state have a much longer planting window compared to those in cooler regions, as warm-season grasses can continue growing as long as soil temperatures stay above 65°F. That said, while cold weather can delay establishment, planting during extreme heat can also be problematic, as high temperatures and drought conditions may stress newly planted plugs.

How to Fix It:

• Time your planting. The best time to plant grass plugs is from late spring to early fall when warm-season grasses are actively growing and can establish quickly. 

• While Florida’s climate allows for nearly year-round planting, it’s still best to avoid installing plugs during extreme conditions—whether in winter, when cold snaps can slow growth, or in the peak summer heat, when intense sun and dry spells may cause stress. 

• For optimal results, ensure soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F and provide adequate moisture to support healthy root development.

9. Neglecting Long-Term Lawn Care

Even the healthiest plugs need proper care to create a thick, lush lawn, as they require time to establish strong roots and spread fully. Without consistent watering and mowing at the right height, plugs may struggle to grow evenly, leaving thin or patchy areas. Additionally, factors like soil compaction, weeds, and foot traffic can slow their progress, making regular lawn maintenance essential for long-term success.

How to Fix It:

• Reduce watering gradually to encourage deep roots, switching to deep but infrequent watering to promote drought tolerance.

• Fertilize every 6–8 weeks to support continued growth and maintain a healthy lawn.

• Aerate annually to prevent soil compaction, and dethatch as necessary to improve airflow and nutrient absorption.

• Spot-treat bare areas with additional plugs if necessary to ensure even coverage and faster lawn recovery.

Final Thoughts

Grass plugs are an excellent way to establish a lawn or repair thin areas, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure quicker and better results. By choosing the right plugs, preparing the soil, spacing correctly, watering consistently, and maintaining proper care, you can achieve a lush, healthy lawn.

Looking to fill bare spots fast? Check out SodPods grass plugs—our high-quality, warm-season grass plugs for easy lawn repairs. We also offer grass plug bundles, which include NutriPod grass fertilizer and a grass plugging tool, so you have everything you need to get started!