How to Repair Bare Patches in St. Augustine Grass

by Jamie Tedder December 12, 2024

Bare patches in a St. Augustine lawn are more than simply an eyesore—they invite a host of other problems. Weeds can invade these gaps, and aggressive grasses like bermudagrass may creep in and take over. These damaged areas can also lead to soil erosion and compaction, making it harder for new grass to become established.

Addressing these issues promptly is essential for restoring your lawn’s uniform appearance and overall health. The good news? The solution is straightforward: planting St. Augustine grass plugs. These plugs effectively fill gaps, promote uniform coverage, and create a seamless repair.

Why Do I Have Bare Spots in My St. Augustine Lawn?

St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass known for its thick, carpet-like growth and ability to thrive in warm, humid climates like Florida. It is available in a few varieties, with medium to dark green colors and broad grass blades. St. Augustine grass spreads through stolons (runners), which help cover large areas over time and create a dense, green lawn. But, despite its resilient nature, St. Augustine grass can still develop bare patches due to various factors, each of which can affect its ability to grow uniformly.

Common Causes of Bare Patches on Your Lawn

Foot Traffic: Areas with frequent traffic experience wear and tear, leading to compacted soil and thinning grass.
Pets: Dog urine can burn grass, and digging can disturb the runners, creating bare spots.
Pests and Diseases: Common pests like chinch bugs and diseases such as brown patch and gray leaf spot can damage sections of the lawn, leaving gaps.
Compacted Soil: St. Augustine struggles to root in compacted areas. The runners may spread across the surface but fail to take hold, resulting in dry, weak patches.
Irrigation Issues: Overwatering and underwatering can equally cause bare spots. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, while dry soil prevents proper root growth.

How to Fix Patchy St. Augustine Lawn with Grass Repair Pods

Repairing bare patches in your St. Augustine lawn is key to improving its appearance, promoting healthier growth, and preventing weeds from taking over.

Step 1: Address Underlying Issues

Before installing grass plugs, it’s essential to resolve any underlying issues. Ignoring these problems will make it harder for the new grass to establish and thrive.

Aerate the Soil: Compacted soil prevents proper root growth. Use a core aerator to loosen the soil, improve drainage, and allow air to reach the roots.
Adjust Watering: Monitor soil dampness to ensure your lawn receives adequate moisture; it should feel moist but not soggy. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, spread over one or two sessions.
Control Pests and Weeds: Treat any pest infestations and take weed control measures to protect your existing lawn and the new plugs.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

While grass plugs can thrive in challenging conditions with their mature and fully developed roots, creating optimal conditions through proper soil preparation will support their establishment and growth.

Rake and Clear Debris: Remove dead grass, thatch, and debris from the patchy areas. Raking helps loosen the topsoil to encourage better root growth and helps the plugs establish quickly.
Pre-Watering: Lightly water the soil before planting to improve soil moisture and make digging easier.

Step 3: Plant Grass Plugs

Planting grass plugs is a simple but effective way to repair bare patches and restore your lawn’s healthy, uniform look.

Dig Holes: Use a sod plug tool to dig holes that are spaced evenly 12-18 inches apart. Each hole should be deep enough to accommodate the plug’s roots without burying the crown.
Place the Plugs: Insert the plugs into the holes and gently tamp down the soil around them to remove air pockets.
Fertilize: Use NutriPod fertilizer with a 17-1-10 NPK ratio. This grass plug fertilizer promotes rapid root growth and can support the plugs for up to 45 days, speeding up the establishment.

Step 4: Watering and Post-Maintenance

Watering is essential for the first few weeks after planting to help the plugs establish and spread.

Initial Watering: Water the plugs immediately after planting to help settle the soil.
Daily Watering: Keep the area consistently moist by watering daily for the first 1-2 weeks.
Proper Watering: Gradually reduce the frequency to 1-2 times per week, ensuring the lawn receives 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly.
Mowing Tips: Avoid mowing the repaired areas until the plugs are well-established, usually 4-6 weeks after planting. Once the grass is established, mow at the recommended height of 3 to 4 inches to support healthy growth and reduce weed competition.

Final Thoughts

St. Augustine grass is widely favored for its shade tolerance, medium to dark green color, and ability to thrive in warm climates. Repairing bare patches with St. Augustine grass plugs is one of the most effective ways to restore your lawn’s health and appearance. Grass plugs provide faster coverage and a seamless repair, ensuring your lawn looks uniform and vibrant.

By addressing underlying issues, following proper watering practices, and maintaining your lawn regularly, you can enjoy a lush, healthy St. Augustine lawn for years to come.

Jamie Tedder

Jamie surrently serve as Vice President on the board for Turfgrass Producers of Florida. He currently oversees the production of all grasses throughout all farms in Florida at Bethel Farms. He is actively working with top grass breeders, researchers, producers and end users from public and private institutions around the country to stay up to date on current industry developments. Being a University of Florida graduate, he has applied that knowledge to over 22 years of experience growing spectacular grass!