Stop searching “How to revive dying grass?!” – This guide has ALL the solutions

“Why, oh, why is my lawn covered in dying grass?” We get this question a lot! Here are some answers (and solutions) for how to restore your lawn to lush, living grass.

Can dead grass be revived?

It’s pretty important to acknowledge that once grass is truly dead, there’s no bringing it back. On the other hand, dormancy is a natural protection mechanism for grass to withstand weather and seasonal changes. However, if you’re dealing with brown or yellowing grass, there’s hope. These signs often indicate that your grass is dehydrated or under stress, not dead.

Tell the difference between dead and dormant grass by doing the tug test.

Locate an area of brown grass, clasp a handful, and tug on it. If the grass comes out easily with no pushback, it is dead.

Since dead grass won’t start growing again, you’ll need to take action to regrow your lawn. This might involve reseeding or laying new sod, or you might consider introducing alternative landscaping elements like mulch, stones, or groundcover plants.

Related: How to plant a lawn: Tips for rolling green pastures

A patch of brown, dying grass surrounded by healthier green grass.

Give your dehydrated grass life

The simplest yet most effective method to revive dehydrated, dying grass is to provide it with the moisture it desperately needs. Regular, deep watering sessions can work wonders, helping your grass regain its vibrant green colour.

For lawns with mixed dead and dying grass

If your lawn has both dead and dying grass, these steps can promote healthy growth:

  • Rake dead spots to loosen the soil and remove dead blades. This prepares the area for new seeds.
  • Aerate healthy areas to stimulate root growth.
  • Keep the soil moist at regular intervals to foster healthy seed germination and growth.

Apply a fertiliser like Wonder Lawn & Leaf to give your lawn an extra boost.

Customer Review:
Francois Willemse
“This product is amazing!! Dispense on your lawn, water very well for a few days and just sit back and watch it grow!”

Reviving dormant grass

If your lawn turns brown in certain seasons, it might be dormant rather than dead. Dormancy is a natural state for grass in response to changing weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold. This means your “dead” grass is likely to return to its lush and green state with the right care and at the right time.

Essential steps for lawn revival

  • Mow your grass to about 2.50 centimetres tall. 
  • Rake to remove debris and dead grass, preparing the soil for seeding.
  • Apply lawn booster like Wonder Lawn Booster making it easier to revive your lawn. This high-quality slow-release fertiliser is for use throughout the year. Spread it evenly across your lawn. 
  • Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Product recommendations

To revive your dying grass, consider using products designed to enhance growth and protect against common lawn issues:

Wonder Lawn Booster: A slow-release fertiliser that promotes deep, uniform greening.
Wonder Lawn Pest & Green: Combats lawn caterpillars and armyworms, protecting your grass from pests.
Efekto Banweed MCPA & Efekto Hormoban APM: These herbicides provide broad-spectrum control of broadleaf weeds without harming your grass.

Related: Lawn maintenance and care: The long and short of it

A person walking a Dalmatian dog on a well-maintained grass lawn.

FAQs

How long does it take to see results?

While some improvement may be visible within weeks, full recovery can take several months, depending on various factors like grass type and weather conditions.

Can fertiliser speed up the revival process?

Yes, but it’s important to use fertilisers correctly. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser can provide essential nutrients without the risk of overfertilisation. Check out our product recommendations above.

Why does my grass still turn brown even though I water it regularly?

Brown spots in your lawn could result from various factors, including insufficient water reaching the roots due to drought stress, competition from weeds, or other obstacles to water absorption.

Don’t see your answer here? Ask our experts via our WhatsApp chatline.

Reviving dying grass needs patience, the right products, and a bit of effort. Follow this guide and you’re well on your way to transforming your dreaded brown, patchy eyesores into lush, green outdoor grassy carpets.

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