How To Prevent Bald Spots on Lawns

A Beginners Guide

For many homeowners, there is nothing worse than looking out over their lawns only to see numerous bald spots or areas that have suddenly started to become thin and a little bit barren.

A striking green lawn with a few sprouting bald spots is an obvious headache, as it looks dreadful. These spots can be caused by poor care, diseases, or pests, but with some simple steps, you can prevent them from happening.

So here’s the beginner-friendly guide to ensure that your lawn is kept green and thriving.

Step 1- Look At The Grass

If you are new to owning a lawn, you will need to identify the type of grass that you have growing. There are many different types of grass varieties, such as Bermuda grass and Kentucky bluegrass, which thrive in various climates and soil types. So, try to research your local growing conditions and consult a grass nursery to pick the best option. Grass that isn’t adapted to its environment is more likely to struggle, creating bald spots that can turn ugly, and is more likely to be ripped up when mowed with zero-turn mowers.

Step 2- Mow Regularly and Properly

Speaking of zero-turn mowers, consistent mowing will encourage healthy grass growth and will prevent stress. However, if you mow the grass too short or too infrequently, it can damage it and expose the soil, which may make it more prone to weeds and bald spots. Many gardeners opt to follow the one-third rule, which is never to cut more than one-third of the grass blade’s height at a time. You also need to ensure that your mower blades are sharp for cleaner cuts, as this is less likely to injure the grass and cause exposure.

Step 3- Water Deeply

Improper watering techniques can also weaken your lawn and cause bald patches to form. Instead of opting for frequent shallow watering, try to do a deep watering session at least one to two times a week. This will help the roots to grow deeper into the soil and will help to make your grass more drought-resistant. To prevent fungal issues, make sure you water the grass early in the morning and try to avoid overwatering because this can cause soil compaction and may cause the grass to rot.

Step 4- Aerate 

Compacted soil will restrict the airflow as well as water and nutrients to the roots. This can cause thinning grass, which in turn can lead to bald spots. Try to aerate your lawn annually by using a core aerator or a manual one, as this will loosen the soil and improve root growth.

Step 5- Address Issues

A lawn is prone to many issues, such as pests like grubs, fungal infections, or even aggressive weeds, all of which can quickly damage the lawn and cause bald spots. Try to conduct regular inspections for signs of these issues, such as wilting grass, unusual coloration, or the visual presence of insects. Try to treat the problems promptly by using natural remedies. For pests, you can consider nematodes or pesticides, and for fungal issues, you can use a herbal fungicide and adjust your watering practices.