Reader Question: How do I fix the dirt patches in my lawn?

"Help! This Sir Walter Buffalo lawn was put down about 3 years ago and it's been doing ok, but recently it's gone a bit thin and patchy, with dirty patches that are getting bigger!  What should I buy to fix it up and make it lush and green again?"

Susan, Templestowe, Victoria

Hi Susan,

Thanks for your question.  We get asked this a lot, and the answer we give depends on where you are in Australia.

As you’re in the southern states of Australia and we’re heading into winter,  you’ll need a cool season grass to oversow and establish.

It’ll be quick and easy to do.

We’d suggest oversowing  with a fine leaf ryegrass.   It’s quick to establish, is wear tolerant (so the kids and family can enjoy it), and it provides a good green surface. 

At Great Aussie Lawns we have a product called Defiant TTT Lawn Seed Blend, which is a premium rye grass blend, it’s a dark green colour and quick to establish.

It will be finer than your current buffalo grass but will look great when it’s established.

Here’s what you need to do:

1.        Rake the area, top dress the area (with some soil) and spread the seed over

2.        Apply a starter fertiliser (like our Advanced Seed Starter Fertiliser). 

3.       Keep it moist so it gives it a chance to establish.

The Sowing Rate for seed and fertiliser is around 30grams a sqm each

Something to note:  As the ryegrass doesn’t have the drought tolerance of the buffalo, you’ll most likely find that come summer it will thin out.  

So, when spring arrives you should fertilise the buffalo to encourage the growth and spreading.   

Click HERE to view the Defiant TTT Lawn Seed Blend page.

Click HERE to view the Advanced Seed Starter Fertiliser Page.