Get matched with top lawn fertilization and treatment specialists in Dakota City, NE

Whether or not grass will fill in bare spots itself depends on the type of grass you have. For example, grass with rhizomes (e.g., Bermuda grass) and stolons (e.g., Saint Augustine grass) will naturally fill in bald spots as it spreads laterally. However, clump-forming grasses will not spread. 

Yes, in most cases, grass will return after your dog urinates on it. But without preventative measures, there’s always a chance your dog will pee on the grass again, leading to brown patches come summer. This aside, even if your grass is dead in patches, simply reseeding the dead spots should help restore your lawn. 

If you choose not to reseed your lawn, unaffected grass surrounding the dead patches will spread over any dead spots. But be prepared for this option to take longer—you likely won’t be able to grow grass fast.

If your grass is stressed from being over-trimmed, try watering it heavily and then allowing it to recover for at least two weeks before mowing again. If you notice brown patches where the grass has died off because it’s too short, you should remove the dead grass and overseed the area. Leaving dead patches can invite weeds and other problems, so if you want a totally green lawn, getting rid of dead patches should include removing the dead sections before reseeding the area.

On average, the cost of lawn fertilization is $250, ranging from $80 to $400, depending on the size of the lawn, its current condition, additional treatments, number of applications, fertilizer type, and location. Keep in mind that labor, tools, and equipment make up 80% to 90% of the total cost of lawn fertilization. Additional lawn treatment options include:

• Lime treatment: $100–$150 per 1,000 square feet

• Crabgrass treatment: $30–$80

• Grub treatment: $30–$80

• Mulching: $150–$400

• Dethatching: $265–$295