How to save lawn damaged by dog?

[Former Workshop member]

  

Help 

!!! Take one lawn, add one rambunctious dog who dug holes and wore a path in the lawn due to the stress of moving house (she didn’t do it before and doesn’t now 

), and I now have a mess to repair 

 Can I save the existing lawn with preparation and reseeding? Re-turfing would be the optimal solution, however it’s so expensive, but is that the only realistic option?

Any help and guidance would be very gratefully appreciated!!

[EricL]

Hello @Former Workshop member 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your lawn.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm afraid your lawn is too far gone to be saved. However, your suggestion of re-seeding the lawn is a viable option, but it does take time and it's important to keep the seedlings safe while they are establishing themselves. I suggest having a look at this guide to give you an idea of how to grow grass from lawn seed - How To Grow Grass From Lawn Seed. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Former Workshop member]

Thanks Eric, that’s what I thought. Can the lawn be overseeded, or does it really need to be dug up and start again completely?

Is seeding worth the effort, in that with the right care, you’ll get a good result? I know turf is more reliable for optimal outcome, and if I need to I’ll bite the bullet and do it, but it’s my last resort!!

[EricL]

Hello @Former Workshop member 

I'm afraid you'll need to dig up and start again if you are looking for uniform growth and a level surface. It all comes down to time and effort when growing lawn from seed. It is of course cheaper to grow lawn from seed on a per square meter basis. But if time is a factor, then putting down turf slab would be the way to go. 

Eric

[Former Workshop member]

Thanks again 

 Is the same degree of prep required for turf? Could you fill holes, water to germinate weeds then spray with weed killer, then lay turf over top? No problem if not and it all needs to be dug up, just trying to gauge what needs to be done.

[EricL]

Hello @Former Workshop member 

Yes, the same degree of prep will be necessary for turf. 

Could you fill holes, water to germinate weeds then spray with weed killer, then lay turf over top? I'm sorry no, the soil must be free of encumbrance and any other organic material so that lawn roots can establish properly. 

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Lay Turf 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric