Patchy Lawn? Try This Soil Treatment Hack Before You Surrender

Your lawn driving you mad? Don’t pull it out or shell out dollars on new turf yet. Rather, try this simple soil treatment that fixes the problem where it started — in the soil. This process uses a great natural  biofertiliser to stimulate your lawn’s microbiome, unlock nutrients, and rebuild structure so grass can mend together and build better resilience. Think of this soil treatment as a reboot for tired turf.

Why lawns get patchy in the first place

Patchiness is usually not a “grass” problem. It’s a soil problem caused by one or more of the following:

  • Foot and mower compaction

  • Hydrophobic soil that won’t accept water

  • Low organic matter and exhausted biology

  • Nutrient tie-up or pH shift

  • Thatch accumulation smothering new growth

  • Poor drainage or uneven watering

A good soil treatment solves these issues by helping to aerate the soil, add microbes and build the water-holding capacity allowing roots to penetrate it.

The 3-step soil treatment hack

Step 1: Open the dirt and re-wet

Goal: Get water and air moving again.

  • Aerate compacted areas by using a garden fork.

  • Water slowly to break hydrophobicity. If water beads on the surface, then water again slowly until it penetrates.

This loosens the site so your soil treatment can penetrate down to where roots actually are.

Step 2: Topdress with living compost

Goal: Give the microbes structure and sustenance so the soil stays open and fertile.

  • Spread a thin, screened compost to 5–10 mm thickness on the bare spots. Compost adds humus and micro-aggregates that improve water retention and root contact.

  • Gently rake level and break clumps on the surface of grass blades.

Step 3: Drench and feed with a biofertiliser

Goal: Stimulate root development and repair.

  • Mix a hose-on or watering-can biofertiliser into water and foliar spray.

  • Water sparingly during the following 7–10 days. Short, frequent waterings are better than one deep watering at root re-establishment.

  • Apply a light biofertiliser drench at Week 3–4 for extended activity.

Why it works: A biofertiliser adds living microbes and nutrients — allowing better nutrient uptake, healthier roots, and more even colour.


Aftercare schedule

Week 1–2

  • Keep light traffic.

  • Water lightly twice per week depending on the season.

  • Cut only when needed, and raise mower height by one notch.

Week 3–4

  • Apply second light biofertiliser drench.

  • Resume normal mowing height when growth is uniform.

Month 2–3

  • If more than 1 cm thatch, lightly scarify, then repeat a mini soil treatment.



What kind of results to expect

Most lawns show visible thickening within 2–3 weeks in warm conditions. Hydrophobic or highly compacted soils often need a second round of soil treatment, but you’ll usually notice:

  • Better colour with less fertiliser

  • Fewer dry “hot spots” between irrigations

  • Softer, crumbly soil from the soil remedy that’s easier to wet and keep moist

  • Faster breakdown of thatch


Troubleshooting quick wins

Water still won’t soak in
 Repeat aeration, try a wetting agent, and water slowly.

Bare high-traffic strips
 Aerate deeper and more frequently. Install stepping stones or decrease foot traffic. Topdress more often with compost, and top up with biofertiliser.

Dog burn patches
 Water flush, followed by the 3-step soil treatment. Apply biofertiliser fortnightly for a month to aid recovery.


Seasonal timing in Australia

  • Autumn: Optimal in most regions. Warm soil and regular rainfall allow full soil treatment to take well.

  • Spring: Ideal for cool- and warm-season grasses. A focused soil remedy with biofertiliser speeds recovery after winter.

  • Summer: Possible, but careful water management is crucial. Keep topdressing thin and light on biofertiliser.

  • Winter: Light aeration and biofertiliser drenches; hold off on heavy compost + compost accelerator until spring.


Product checklist

  • Garden fork or manual aerator

  • Fine, screened compost

  • Biofertiliser for drenching

  • Soil remedy: mild and biology-friendly

  • Watering can or hose-on applicator

  • Lawn levelling rake or stiff broom

Quick recap

This stress-reducing soil treatment restores the root zone, fills in weak areas, and keeps your lawn greener between feedings — without the use of synthetic chemicals.