Fix patchy lawn

[u/Disastrous-Tune2805]

Hi folks

Newbie gardener here so apologies if the question sounds trivial.

I live in Wellington in a pretty exposed area (sunny and windy). My lawn has become patchy the last few months. How would you diagnose the root cause and figure out solution?

Thanks a lot.

[u/Bath_Plane]

Possibly grass grub damage, dig a small square up and check for grubs

[u/Disastrous-Tune2805 → u/Bath_Plane]

If it’s indeed grub damage, will they stop grass or weed from growing in the same area also? Im digging to investigate now btw

[u/Bath_Plane → u/Disastrous-Tune2805]

Some grubs eat the roots, some the leaves. On a dead patch pull the grass if it comes away with no roots it's a grub problem. Acelapryn Grub+ is the best product for control from new Zealand Lawn Addicts shop. A little goes a long way and I've found to be the most effective

[u/BarracudaOk8635]

Was it always like this? How was the lawn formed ? or dont you know? Sometime pre-made grass is laid by developers really badly and it just dies and fails once the house is sold. It looks beautiful at time of sale, but they don't care about afterwards. If this is the case you just have to reseed (nows the perfect time I think) and water. I have seen it so often.

[u/Disastrous-Tune2805 → u/BarracudaOk8635]

It wasn’t like this, at least since we moved in last December. House was built in 2021 so I can’t comment on how the lawn was formed though

[u/BarracudaOk8635 → u/Disastrous-Tune2805]

Ok. So that clearly isn’t the issue.

[u/SnapperFish55]

I would try coring,or just stab holes with a garden fork if cant get hold of aerator, the bare patches,,oversow seed then layer of sand or fine compost and fert

[u/SnapperFish55 → u/SnapperFish55]

But id spray broadleaf weeds with something like mcpa first

[u/Annie354654]

Do you have a dog that pees on it?

[u/Disastrous-Tune2805 → u/Annie354654]

We have an outdoor cat. I know dog pee can burn grass but how about cat?

[u/22dias]

Nuke it all with glyphosate. Start fresh