Apply a modest dusting of lime over the primary spill area and a light dusting of lime over the surrounding area. Water in gently.

Use shovel to dig up the entire dead patch.Make sure to dig at least 4 inches down. Discard or compost the dead patch.

Fido may be ‘man’s best friend’, but he’s certainly not ‘lawns best friend!´ Dog and cat urine on the lawn is almost exactly like having a fertilizer spill. One of the largest components of animal urine is urea, the same exact urea from which most nitrogen fertilizers are made. Ideally, if you see your dog or cat urinating on the lawn, you should immediately treat it as a liquid fertilizer spill and dilute it with water to avoid ending up with a dead patch. With that said, we fully understand that most people aren’t going to do that. In the event you do end up with a dead spot and the culprit is animal urine, follow the steps in the previous example to repair your turf. 

Turf Care is headquartered in Brunswick, OH, a suburb of Cleveland. And if there’s one thing the midwest knows about, it’s salt damage. Ohio and many northern states are no stranger to receiving significant amounts of snow, and salt is the best way to keep the roads clear in the winter. Unfortunately, with the spring melt comes copious damage to tree lawns from salt accumulation. Road salt dries out plant tissues, leaving behind a mess of dead turf and stained soils. If your lawn is suffering from the effects of ice melt, try these steps:

Whether the dog was digging in the dirt or the kids tore up the turf playing soccer in the back yard, mechanical damage can be a visual eyesore. Mechanical damage can also come from burrowing creatures such as voles. These animals can do just as much damage as root feeding insects such as grubs. Before spending time and resources on turf repair, first make sure you have established the cause.

Again, it happens. You’re filling up your mower with gasoline or changing out the oil. Either way, the reservoir overflows and petroleum product ends up on the lawn. We all know what happens to turf when gas or oil hits the ground; a few days later you’re going to end up with a dead spot.  

• Remember, turf establishes best in the spring and fall months. In the event you need to reseed for whatever reason, consider reseeding in the spring or fall as this will greatly enhance the success rate of your newly establishing turf.
• Preventative lawn maintenance will reduce the chances of many of these common problems from occurring. The old cliché is true… the best defense is a good offense. Lawns that are adequately fertilized, watered, and aerated develop more robust root systems that are better to defend against abiotic and biotic stresses. Consider following a yearly turf maintenance plan or hiring a lawn care professional. Many state university ag extension offices post free maintenance calendars on their websites which are specialized for turf in your region and climate.
• If a pest problem doesn’t seem to be resolving itself, more aggressive strategies may need to be employed. Don’t hesitate to use the services of a licensed professional should more robust traps and pesticides be needed.