I call this lawn care repair trick ‘sprigging’. If you have another name for it, or have tried it, I’d love to know how it worked for you. I use this trick to re-grow grass in areas where it has stopped growing or been worn out—and where it appears seeds refuse to grow no matter how many directions on the bag I follow.
So this lawn care trick is an end-around. It’s also simple and pretty much free. The key to these hard-start areas is to plant grass—not sod—that’s already alive and healthy.
-Remove weeds and other crap from the immediate area that might choke out or compete with the new grass. Get as much as you can by the roots.
-Find some grass in a bark mulch bed or growing out of your driveway—you know, places you couldn’t plant it if world peace depended on it. Use a shovel and dig it out. Lawn care tip: I actually ‘save’ these in an out-of-the-way bed in our yard because I know I’ll need them.
-Dig a hole big enough in the bare spot to put the new sprig into then cover with dirt. Use any extra dirt to re-fill the hole where you got the sprig. If it is ‘hard pan’ (i.e. super-packed) try to break it up a little to give the roots soft dirt to catch in.
-Water thoroughly right away. I use my PivotJet with a light mist to keep the soil from running. Keep watering a few days after.
Before using sprigs I let them grow tall if I can before harvesting them. Then I mow them after they catch, usually a week. The cool thing is that the sprigs eventually fill in the bare spot with grass. Not overnight, but it’s 600% better than dropping seed that doesn’t stay and can’t grow. What kind of lawn care is that?
Great method. I tend to buy a small sod sheet and split them up and do this.
because of dog breeding I have areas in my back yard that are barren of grass. I am trying to sell the home so I hope this Grass transplant ” Sprigging” will work. I cannot wait to try this.
Louise–Good luck! Dogs and grass are a tough blend. Make sure you water 🙂 Let us know how it works out.
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Where can I get the plans for the sandbox that has a fold out cover into benches? It is perfect for my granddaughter!
this is the neatest object ever. How do you get one?
I do this all the time. In the winter, the plows always dig up some of the grass. After the snow melts, I put the grass back where it belongs. I have always taken grass from where it does not belong and put it in empty spaces that need it.
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