Grass is matted down.
Matted down dead grass.
Don t just toss seed on.
Level the area to ensure that the sod will be laid down flat to avoid future issues.
At least scratch the surface or better yet dig and loosen the top 2 or 3 inches.
The best balance is less than half an inch of clippings because.
Get rid of dead grass.
This too could be a fungus problem according to chad diller marketing coordinator for tomlinson bomberger a lawn care.
How to repair.
Remove the loose dead thatch either with a lawn mower by hand or with an outdoor vacuum.
As the build up increases the dead matter becomes stacked and then packs down or matts and causes healthy grass blades to become stressed and weaken.
While the grass will start to rise again as spring continues some of it may have died.
Mow often enough so that you remove no more than 1 3 the height of the grass blade at one time.
Too many grass clippings could be left from your first mowing as well.
Lay down the sod and water immediately and regularly.
Maintain your mower properly a sharp blade prevents ragged cuts.
What the lawn is trying to tell you.
Rake the dead areas to loosen any brown grass.
How to repair snow mold fungus and winter die out thatch follow me on my episode of what s wrong with my lawn.
If the soil is particularly poor work in a little compost or similar organic matter.
Mowing too short weakens the grass plant making it more susceptible to infection.
Thatch collects above the soil at surface level and becomes intertwined in grass stems.
It is important not to remove all of the grass but just break up the top layer of thatch.
Do not leave any clumps on the lawn.
The grass will germinate and root best when it comes into direct contact with soil.
To do so rake up and remove all of the brown dead grass.
Mow when the grass is dry and change the mowing pattern each time you mow to avoid establishing a grain.
When the cycle of decomposition is delayed for any variety of reasons dead matter will begin to build up.
Over the winter your grass was probably matted down and flattened as snow and ice piled up.