Best for: Homeowners worried about seasonal allergies, yards with poor soil, or those in Southern regions who want to ensure their grass stays green in the winter
Excessive traffic hurts grass in many ways. First, pressure from pedestrians compacts the soil, making it more difficult for grasses to spread their roots. Additionally, feet and animal paws can bend, break, or tear individual grass blades, negatively impacting the appearance of the lawn and harming the plant itself.
Plant damage can also make grass more susceptible to pathogens, making it vulnerable to disease and pest infestations. Beyond that, when brown patches appear, soil erosion can occur and open lawns up to weed infestations and moss growth—further reducing the grasses’ health by diverting nutrients away from its roots.
How to Repair a Traffic-Damaged Lawn
Start by assessing the damaged area and your overall lawn’s condition. If you only have a few small bare patches, you may want to overseed the area with a compatible grass that can survive under high traffic. Keep in mind that some species, such as Bermuda grass and kikuyu grass, are too aggressive to be planted with other varieties. Depending on the grass type, you may be able to leave small damaged areas to self-repair. Alternatively, you may need to reseed or resod the whole area and start your lawn fresh with a more hearty grass species. Whatever you do, water the site regularly and direct traffic away from the damaged areas as they regrow.
You may want to hire a local lawn care company to help you evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action moving forward. A local lawn care expert can help you determine if you should reseed or replant the lawn and how to remove the grass efficiently.