How to repair the edge of a lawn
Discover how to repair the edge of a lawn in four easy steps.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At its best | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
To do | yes | yes |
Warmer weather and frequent showers make spring and autumn a good time for sowing grass seed, laying turf and repairing lawn edges and bare patches.
If your lawn has become damaged, perhaps by overhanging plants or wear and tear, it's easy to fix. It involves cutting up a piece of turf and rotating it around, the sowing fresh seed - here's how.
To help keep your lawn in the best condition, our experts have tested a range of essential kit - from the best lawn mowers, to the best scarifiers and best aerators.
You Will Need
- sharp spade
- Lawn seed
- Garden fork
- Compost
Total time: 30 minutes
Step 1
Determine which damaged areas can be repaired, then plan how large a piece of turf needs to be lifted and turned around to fix the problem.
Step 2
Use a sharp spade to make vertical slits about 5-7cm deep, then cut under a large section of turf to create a new edge, cutting into healthy grass.
Step 3
Rotate the new piece of turf 180° to form the new edge. Tamp it down well so the roots make good contact with the soil and settle it into position.
Step 4
Cut away the damaged turf and fork compost into the bare area. Firm and level it, sprinkle with grass seed, water and cover with clear polythene until the seeds grow.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.