Grass plugs are small sections of turf containing the grass plant, roots, and soil, used to repair bare patches or establish a new lawn. This method relies on the grass’s natural ability to spread via stolons or rhizomes (vegetative propagation). Homeowners often make their own plugs to save money compared to purchasing pre-cut trays. This DIY approach also allows for the propagation of a specific grass type already thriving in one area of the yard into a new location.
Preparing the Source Grass and Necessary Tools
The process begins with gathering the necessary equipment for efficient plug removal. A manual plugger tool, typically a hollow cylinder with a handle, is the most common device. Alternatively, a sharp trowel or knife can be used, though they require more effort to achieve consistent size. Keep a bucket and water source ready to keep harvested plugs moist before transplanting.
The source lawn requires specific preparation. Thoroughly watering the designated area about 24 hours before cutting makes the soil structure cohesive. This pre-watering helps the soil hold together firmly around the roots, preventing the plugs from crumbling during extraction. Working with slightly moist soil simplifies the mechanical removal process.
Cutting and Removing the Plugs
Achieving a uniform size and depth is important for successful transplanting and establishment in the new location. When using a plugger tool, apply steady pressure and twist slightly to cut a clean, cylindrical plug from the turf. The ideal depth for most grass varieties is between two and four inches, ensuring the plug contains a robust root mass (root ball) for quicker establishment. Consistency in depth allows the plugs to sit flush with the surrounding soil when installed later.
Immediately following removal, the fragile root systems must be protected from drying out, a condition known as desiccation. Place the freshly cut plugs into a shaded bucket or tray, lightly misting them if there will be a delay before planting. This temporary storage maintains the moisture level of the root ball, which is directly linked to the plug’s survival rate upon transplanting.
After removing a plug, the resulting hole in the source area should be addressed promptly to encourage rapid recovery. Filling the void with a simple mixture of topsoil and sand prevents tripping hazards and aids in the quick regrowth of the surrounding turf. The adjacent grass will naturally spread into the disturbed area, often healing the small spot completely within a few weeks during the active growing season.
Installing and Spacing the Plugs
The destination area must first be prepared by removing any weeds or existing unwanted vegetation that might compete with the new grass plugs for nutrients and water. Proper spacing determines how quickly the lawn will fill in completely and depends heavily on the specific grass species. For highly aggressive spreading grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, a spacing of 10 to 12 inches center-to-center is generally sufficient. If working with slower-spreading varieties, or if faster coverage is desired, a closer spacing of six to eight inches will accelerate the process.
To prepare the planting site, use the same plugger tool or a trowel to remove a section of soil identical in size and depth to the harvested plug. This ensures a perfect fit and maximizes the contact between the roots and the new native soil. Placing the plug into the prepared hole is a delicate process, ensuring the roots are not bent or folded, which can hinder initial growth.
The top surface of the transplanted plug must be perfectly level with the surrounding soil line to ensure successful establishment and prevent future maintenance issues. If the plug sits too high, it will dry out quickly and risk being scalped by the mower. If it sits too low, water will collect, potentially leading to fungal issues. Once placed, gently firm the soil around the edges of the plug to eliminate any air pockets. This establishes firm soil-to-root contact, allowing the roots to absorb water and nutrients immediately.
Post-Installation Care for Establishment
The first two weeks following installation are the most vulnerable period for the grass plugs. A consistent and light watering schedule is necessary to keep the shallow root systems moist as they acclimate to the new soil. Watering three to four times a day for short durations (five to ten minutes each time) prevents the root ball from drying out without saturating the surrounding soil. This frequent, light irrigation encourages the roots to grow outward in search of deeper moisture, a process called root establishment.
Once the plugs show noticeable signs of new leaf growth and are firmly anchored, the watering frequency can be gradually reduced. This transition encourages the development of deeper, more resilient root systems, preparing the plants for the regular maintenance schedule. Mowing should be delayed until the plugs are securely rooted and the new growth has reached the desired height.
Applying a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus can significantly encourage the lateral growth necessary for the plugs to spread and knit together. Phosphorus is beneficial for root development and cell division, which drives the production of stolons and rhizomes. This gentle feeding should be applied lightly across the entire area, providing the energy for the plants to aggressively colonize the bare spaces between the plugs.