How to Fix Dead Spots in Your Sod Lawn

Simple, Proven Solutions for Homeowners in Vancouver, WA

So, you invested in sod, your lawn looked amazing — and now you’re seeing yellow or brown patches popping up. It’s frustrating, but it’s also fixable. At L&A Landscaping Specialists, we get calls every week from Vancouver homeowners asking: “Why is my sod turning brown?” or “How do I fix these dead patches?”

Good news: in most cases, you don’t need to replace the whole lawn. With the right approach, you can repair and restore dead spots in your sod without starting over.

Let’s break down what causes these issues and how to fix them — step by step.

🧠 Step 1: Identify the Cause of the Dead Spots

Before you fix the problem, you need to know what caused it. Common culprits in the Pacific Northwest include:

🔹 Underwatering

• Most common issue with new sod
• Grass turns dry, yellow, or crispy
• Usually appears in sunny or sloped areas

🔹 Overwatering / Poor Drainage

• Creates soggy, mushy soil
• Encourages fungus and root rot
• Grass turns yellow or grayish

🔹 Pet Urine

• High nitrogen burns sod in concentrated spots
• Often small, circular dead patches with green edges

🔹 Fungal Disease

• Irregular-shaped brown patches
• Often shows up during warm, wet weather

🔹 Insect Damage

• Grubs and chinch bugs chew roots beneath the surface
• Sod lifts easily from the soil and feels loose

🛠️ Step 2: Remove the Damaged Sod

Once you’ve pinpointed the issue:

• Use a shovel or sharp spade to cut out the dead sod
• Remove a few inches of the underlying soil if it's compacted, soggy, or infested
• Loosen the soil beneath to prepare for new sod or seed

💡 If you're dealing with fungus or insects, treat the area before replanting. We can help identify the right solution.

🌱 Step 3: Repair the Area

You’ve got two main options, depending on the size and severity of the damage:

✅ Option 1: Re-Sod the Patch

• Cut a fresh piece of sod to match the size of the removed section
• Place it snugly into the hole
• Press down and water immediately
• Avoid foot traffic for 2–3 weeks while roots re-establish

✅ Option 2: Seed the Patch

• Great for small or shallow spots
• Spread high-quality seed that matches your existing sod (e.g., Perennial Ryegrass)
• Lightly rake in topsoil or compost over the seed
• Keep the area moist 2–3 times per day until germination (7–14 days)

💧 Step 4: Adjust Your Watering Routine

Dead patches are often the result of watering inconsistencies. Fix your routine to avoid future issues:

• Use sprinklers or irrigation systems to ensure even coverage
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
• Deep watering 2–3 times/week is better than daily light watering

Pro Tip: Place a few empty tuna cans around the lawn during watering to see if all areas are getting equal coverage.

✂️ Step 5: Keep Mowing Practices Lawn-Friendly

• Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height at once
• Use sharp mower blades
• Mow when grass is dry — never immediately after watering or rain

Poor mowing can stress grass and contribute to patchy lawns.

🔁 Step 6: Prevent Future Dead Spots

Here’s how to keep your sod looking great year-round:

• Aerate annually to relieve compaction and improve root growth
• Fertilize 3–4 times per year with a balanced lawn fertilizer
• Reseed high-traffic or thinning areas in early spring or fall
• Use pet-friendly lawn treatments to neutralize urine damage

🧼 Don’t Let a Few Dead Spots Ruin Your Lawn

If your sod lawn has dead or damaged patches, it doesn’t mean the whole yard is ruined. With the right repair strategy, you can restore a healthy, green lawn in days — not months.

At L&A Landscaping Specialists, we can help you assess, fix, and protect your lawn for the long haul.

📞 Call (360) 605-7062
🌐 Request a Lawn Assessment

Serving Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, and all surrounding areas.

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