Lawn depressions and holes are common issues for homeowners, disrupting the smooth appearance of turf and sometimes creating tripping hazards. The proper repair method depends on the size of the damage and the underlying cause. Successfully fixing a hole requires an accurate diagnosis of the problem, selecting the right materials, and using specific techniques tailored to the depression’s depth.
Diagnosing the Source of the Hole
Determining the origin of a lawn hole is the first step toward a lasting repair, as simply filling an active animal burrow will not solve the problem. A common source is animal or pest activity, where the hole’s size and shape offer clues to the culprit. Skunks and raccoons often dig small, cone-shaped holes while foraging for lawn grubs and insects. Chipmunks and voles create small entry points, typically one to two inches wide, leading into underground tunnel systems. Moles create raised ridges across the lawn from their tunnels, sometimes leaving volcano-shaped mounds of soil.
Holes that appear suddenly may signal a structural issue beneath the surface. This settling is often caused by the decay of buried organic matter, such as old tree stumps, construction debris, or poor initial grading. Addressing a pest issue, like a grub infestation, must happen before repairing the physical damage to prevent animals from returning.
Repairing Small Divots and Bare Patches
Surface damage, such as shallow divots or depressions less than an inch deep, can typically be repaired without replacing the existing turf. The process begins by lightly raking the area to remove debris and loosen the top quarter-inch of soil. This ensures the new grass seed makes direct contact with the mineral soil for successful germination.
Once prepped, spread a quality grass seed or patch mix appropriate for the area’s conditions. Apply a thin layer of topsoil, compost, or a seed-starting topdressing over the seed. Topdressing protects the seed from being washed away and retains necessary moisture. The newly repaired area requires consistent moisture, meaning it should be lightly watered once or twice a day to keep the top inch of soil damp until seedlings are established, which usually takes about two weeks.
Methods for Filling and Leveling Deep Depressions
Holes or depressions deeper than two inches, often resulting from significant settling or large animal burrows, require a structural approach to leveling. Dumping a large volume of soil into a deep hole can cause future settling, so the material must be gently compacted and added in layers. The best material for this structural fill is a leveling mix, commonly composed of screened topsoil, fine sand, and compost. A mix of approximately 40% topsoil, 40% sand, and 20% compost is recommended, as the sand promotes drainage and stability while the compost provides nutrients.
For areas where existing grass is still present around the depression, the leveling mix should be added gradually, no more than a half-inch (1.5 cm) at a time. This thin-layer application prevents the surrounding turf from being smothered, allowing the grass blades to grow up through the new material. After applying the layer, lightly tamp the mix down using your feet or a roller and then water the area to help the soil settle and remove air pockets. If the hole is very deep, this process should be repeated every four to six weeks until the surface is level with the surrounding lawn, or the existing sod can be cut out, the hole filled and compacted, and the sod replaced or new seed sown.