Howdy,

I have some traditionally bare spots in my (N Houston) yard which have never been able to grow grass well. With all the rain and relatively cool weather, I am seeing a lot of runners on more bare sections of dirt which I do every year at this time. They mostly won't take root and spread as it gets hotter.

So is there a simple way to help that grass grow? I was thinking of adding soil or breaking the soil up a bit around them if that would help. Thanks for any advice!

One trick that worked for me is using "Jobe's Tree Fertilizer Spikes" in the lawn's bare/runner spots. I noticed the grass was supercharged where I used them for my trees. The key is to not over-water & let it fill in gradually as the runners find the food.

Interesting...never woulda thought.

HDeathstar said:

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Probably compacted soil and does not retain water enough to maintain the runner. Runners will get water from the base root area as they spread. but if they don't get enough the runners will stop.

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I see this in my lawn with some spots. I've tried to aerate on the cheap with a weed weasel, but I think it's going to take a combo of some extra topsoil + deeper aeration.

You might also try adding a soil amendment like Medina.

billyjack2009 said:

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You might also try adding a soil amendment like Medina.

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If you have small areas, use this and then the Medina.

This may sound silly but it's been working for me - take a paperclip and bend it so you can spike the runner into the ground so it can take root.

cryption said:

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This may sound silly but it's been working for me - take a paperclip and bend it so you can spike the runner into the ground so it can take root.

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I have the same problem with bare areas due to the slope in my yard and runoff after hard rains washing whatever soil I put down away. This is a good idea, I may have to try it now that I also am seeing runners all over the place.

Medina is pretty much snake oil. Apply compost.