Common Causes of Patchy Lawns in Central Florida

Chinch Bugs: The number one lawn killer. They suck moisture from St. Augustine grass, leaving yellow patches that turn brown.

Fungal Disease: Brown patch, gray leaf spot, and take-all root rot create dead patches.

Improper Irrigation: Coverage gaps or broken sprinkler heads show up as uneven growth.

Compacted Soil: Central Florida’s sandy soil compacts over time, blocking roots.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Identify the problem – check for insects, fungus, or irrigation issues
2. Clean up dead stuff – rake out dead grass and weeds
3. Prep the soil – loosen top 2-3 inches, add topsoil
4. Lay fresh sod – match your existing grass variety
5. Water consistently – twice daily for first two weeks
6. Stay off it – no foot traffic for 2-3 weeks

When Patching Isn’t Enough

If more than 40-50% of your lawn is bare, a full sod installation makes more sense.

Get Professional Help

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Call (386) 675-2303 or contact us online.