Lawn Care Basics: The Grass is Always Greener

What you need: shovel or spade, rake, sod strips, kitchen knife, water Sod is the quickest and easiest way to patch a bare spot in your yard. You can lay sod at any time of the growing season. Dig out the patch area an inch or so below the existing soil so the finished patch will be level with the existing grass. Rake the area smooth. From a strip of sod, cut a piece that is the same size and shape as the area to be patched. Make sure the edges fit snugly into the surrounding lawn. Step on the patch to settle it, and water deeply. Keep the patch and surrounding lawn well-watered until established.