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There are several possible reasons why your Bermuda grass is not thick, with the biggest reasons being too little water, too much shade, compacted soil, drainage issues, and too few nutrients in the soil. Bermuda grass needs frequent and direct sunlight to stay thick, so thinning grass is likely the result of a lack of sun. 

The amount of time it takes for grass to germinate varies depending on the grass species. Even after germination, it’s going to take a while to see grass blades start emerging from soil. Some grasses germinate quickly and emerge after several days of growth (and healthy watering). Others may take up to three weeks to show themselves. Cool-season grasses tend to take the longest to germinate at one month.

First, you should figure out whether you have dormant or dead grass. Dead grass won’t come back, so you’ll have to reseed if you’re hoping for a lush lawn. However, grass can go dormant if it hasn’t received enough water or if temperatures are too cold. If it’s still decently warm outside, you can revive dormant grass by watering it. But if it’s mid-January in New England, for example, you’ll need to wait until the weather warms up again. If you want to keep grass green in winter, consider a grass like Kentucky bluegrass, which maintains its color year-round.

One of the most effective ways to improve lawn absorption is to learn how to aerate your lawn. This is a process where you poke tiny holes all throughout it to break up tough soil and sediment, creating pathways for sunlight, water, air, and nutrients to seep into the plant’s roots. In turn, it promotes stronger root systems, making your lawn or plants less susceptible to pests and disease. Ideally, you’ll want to aerate your lawn at least once per year during the growing season—think late summer to early fall.