How to Fix Common Lawn Problems (Moss, Weeds, Bare Patches)

Every lawn faces its challenges. From moss creeping in shady corners to dandelions sprouting overnight, even the most cared-for grass can suffer from weeds, patchiness, or discolouration. The good news? Most lawn problems are easy to fix once you understand the cause and apply the right treatment at the right time.

This complete guide will show you how to identify, prevent, and repair the most common lawn issues found in UK gardens — with simple, seasonal steps that anyone can follow.

1. Moss in the Lawn

What causes moss?

Moss thrives in damp, shaded, and compacted lawns. It’s most common during autumn and winter when grass growth slows, leaving gaps for moss to spread. Poor drainage, low soil fertility, and cutting the grass too short also encourage moss growth.

Signs of moss

• Thick, spongy patches of green or yellowish growth

• Weak or sparse grass beneath the surface

• Soft, uneven texture underfoot

How to remove moss

1. Scarify or rake it out: Use a spring-tine rake or powered scarifier in spring or autumn to physically remove moss and thatch.

2. Improve drainage and airflow: Aerate the lawn with a fork or hollow-tine aerator to allow oxygen into the soil.

3. Apply moss killer: Use an iron sulphate-based moss treatment in early spring or autumn. It blackens moss within days, allowing easy removal.

4. Overseed and feed: After removing moss, overseed bare areas and apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage thick, healthy regrowth.

How to prevent moss returning

Keep your lawn dense and well-fed, mow regularly but not too short, and avoid waterlogging by improving drainage. Where possible, trim back overhanging trees to let in more sunlight.

Pro tip: The Greener Garden Kit Spring Pack includes a balanced feed and moss control formula that prevents regrowth while strengthening your grass naturally.

2. Lawn Weeds

Why weeds appear

Weeds like dandelions, clover, and buttercups take advantage of thin, nutrient-poor lawns. Once established, they compete with grass for water and light. Weeds spread easily through seeds carried by wind or birds, and without regular feeding, grass struggles to fight back.

Common UK lawn weeds

• Dandelions: Deep taproots and yellow flowers that reappear quickly if not fully removed.

• Clover: Spreads in nutrient-poor soil; low-growing and fast-spreading.

• Plantain: Thrives in compacted soil; broad, flat leaves that smother grass.

• Buttercups: Prefer damp soil and poor drainage.

• Daisy: Common in underfed, low-nitrogen lawns.

How to remove weeds

1. Manual removal: For small infestations, dig out weeds by hand using a weeding knife or daisy grubber. Ensure you remove the full root to stop regrowth.

2. Selective weed killer: For larger infestations, use a selective lawn weed killer that targets weeds but not grass. Apply during active growth (April–September).

3. Feed and overseed: Strengthen your lawn afterwards with a high-quality fertiliser and overseeding to fill in gaps where weeds once grew.

4. Regular mowing: Frequent mowing helps suppress weeds and promotes dense grass coverage.

Natural weed control options

If you prefer an eco-friendly approach, you can spot-treat weeds with vinegar-based natural weedkillers, though they work best on younger plants. Alternatively, simply maintain a thicker, stronger lawn — healthy grass is the best natural weed defence.

Preventing weeds long-term

Feed your lawn regularly, aerate compacted soil, and keep mowing heights consistent. Thick, vigorous grass leaves no room for weeds to establish.

3. Bare Patches and Thin Grass

Causes of bare patches

Bare patches can form for several reasons — from pet damage and heavy use to drought, disease, or moss removal. Over time, these areas become compacted and lose nutrients, making it hard for new growth to return.

How to repair bare patches

1. Loosen the soil: Use a rake or hand fork to loosen compacted soil. Add a thin layer of compost or topsoil to improve structure.

2. Apply seed: Use a high-quality UK seed mix that matches your existing lawn. Sprinkle evenly and lightly rake it in.

3. Water daily: Keep the area moist for 2–3 weeks until new shoots appear. Avoid walking on it during this time.

4. Feed after establishment: Once the new grass reaches 7–8cm, apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage root development.

Preventing bare patches

Avoid cutting grass too short, rotate high-traffic areas (like play zones), and reseed thin spots each spring and autumn to maintain density.

Tip: Our Greener Garden Kit Autumn Pack includes the ideal overseeding blend and fertiliser combination for repairing thin lawns naturally.

4. Yellow or Discoloured Grass

Causes of yellowing

Yellow grass can be caused by nutrient deficiency, drought, compaction, or incorrect mowing height. Over-fertilising can also burn the grass and cause patches of yellow.

How to fix yellow grass

1. Check soil health: Compacted soil prevents roots from accessing nutrients. Aerate the area to restore airflow.

2. Feed appropriately: Apply a balanced fertiliser high in nitrogen if the lawn looks pale or weak.

3. Water deeply: Lawns need about 2.5cm of water weekly. Water early mornings during dry spells.

4. Sharpen mower blades: Dull blades tear grass, leaving brown tips.

Preventing discolouration

Follow a consistent feeding routine, mow little and often, and water correctly. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade length at a time.

5. Lawn Compaction and Poor Drainage

How to recognise compaction

If your lawn feels hard and puddles after rain, the soil is likely compacted. This limits root growth and creates perfect conditions for moss and weeds.

Fixing compacted soil

1. Aerate: Use a fork or hollow-tine aerator to make deep holes across the lawn, improving air and water flow.

2. Add sand or compost: After aerating, brush fine sand or compost into the holes to keep them open.

3. Reduce heavy use: Avoid walking on the lawn in wet conditions.

Preventing future compaction

Aerate at least twice a year — in spring and autumn. Healthy, well-aerated soil produces thicker, stronger grass that naturally resists most lawn problems.

6. Lawn Thatch Build-Up

What is thatch?

Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that builds up between the soil and grass blades. A thin layer is normal, but too much prevents air and water from reaching the roots.

Signs of thatch build-up

• Lawn feels springy when walked on

• Grass dries out quickly after watering

• Brown patches appear even with regular care

How to fix thatch

Scarify the lawn in spring or autumn using a rake or electric scarifier. Remove debris, feed afterwards, and overseed to fill gaps.

Preventing thatch

Avoid over-fertilising, mow regularly, and maintain good soil aeration. Composting clippings occasionally instead of leaving them on the grass also helps.

Seasonal Guide to Common Lawn Fixes

Natural and Eco-Friendly Lawn Solutions

Modern lawn care doesn’t need to rely on harsh chemicals. Here are some sustainable ways to tackle problems:

• Use organic fertilisers with seaweed or compost base for long-term soil health.

• Encourage earthworms — they aerate soil naturally.

• Collect rainwater for irrigation to reduce water waste.

• Reseed with hardy, drought-tolerant grass blends for less maintenance.

Make Lawn Care Easy with The Greener Garden Kit

Managing moss treatments, weed control, fertiliser ratios, and overseeding schedules can get complicated. That’s why we created The Greener Garden Kit, a seasonal lawn care subscription that delivers exactly what your grass needs at the right time of year.

Each pack includes:

• A balanced fertiliser tailored to the season

• Moss and weed control treatments

• Overseeding mix for thick, healthy coverage

• Simple step-by-step instructions

Delivered quarterly, it takes the guesswork out of lawn care — keeping your garden green, dense, and problem-free all year long.

👉 Discover The Greener Garden Kit and take control of your lawn’s health the easy way.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to treat moss or weeds?
Spring and early autumn are ideal, when growth is active and temperatures are mild.

Can I overseed after using weed killer?
Yes, but wait at least 2–3 weeks after applying weed killer before overseeding.

Why does moss keep coming back?
Usually due to poor drainage or shade. Improve aeration and feed regularly to strengthen grass density.

What’s the best way to fix dog urine spots?
Water the area thoroughly to dilute nitrogen build-up, loosen the soil, and reseed with a hardy blend.

Do I need to scarify every year?
Once or twice a year (spring and autumn) is enough for most lawns. Regular light scarifying prevents heavy thatch.

Final Thoughts

Every lawn experiences issues at some point — but with the right approach, even the most neglected patch can be revived. The key is to identify the root cause, act in the correct season, and maintain a steady routine of feeding, aerating, and overseeding.

Whether it’s moss in the shade, weeds between blades, or dry bare spots after summer, small consistent efforts deliver big results.

At The Grass Is Always Greener, we’ve simplified all of this with our Greener Garden Kit, providing a complete, seasonally timed lawn care system for UK gardens. No guesswork, no wasted products — just greener, healthier grass made simple.

Order your Greener Garden Kit today and enjoy a lawn that stays vibrant, resilient, and effortlessly maintained throughout the year.