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