Your Florida lawn doesn’t need to be perfect year-round, but when brown patches, thinning grass, or bare spots start showing up, it’s time to make a decision: Should you patch it, or replace the entire lawn?

At Sunshine Sod, we get this question all the time. And the truth is, not every lawn needs a full reset. Sometimes a simple repair does the job. But other times, trying to save a badly damaged lawn ends up costing more time and money than just starting fresh.

Here’s how to know which option is right for you.

Spot Repair: The Best Option for Small, Isolated Issues

Spot repair works well if your lawn is mostly healthy, but you have a few trouble spots due to weather, pets, pests, or foot traffic.

When to Patch:

  • Damage is localized (under 100–200 sq ft)
  • You know the cause of the problem (e.g. dog urine, heavy foot traffic, sprinkler malfunction)
  • The rest of your lawn is thick, green, and healthy
  • You recently installed sod and don’t want to replace the whole yard

How to Do It:

  • Cut out the dead or damaged sod in a square/rectangle shape
  • Loosen and level the soil underneath
  • Lay down matching sod (same variety)
  • Water heavily for the first 10–14 days to help the roots establish
  • Blend edges by gently pressing and trimming where needed

Pro Tip: Always use the same sod variety (Zoysia, Bahia, St. Augustine, etc.) or your repair will stand out and potentially fail.

When Spot Repair Isn’t Enough

Sometimes it’s tempting to patch up a lawn that’s clearly in decline. But if you’re constantly chasing dead patches or weeds, your sod may be too far gone.

Signs You May Need Full Replacement:

  • More than 30% of your lawn is thinning or bare
  • Multiple areas are affected, not just one spot
  • You’ve tried fertilizing, watering, and pest control with no improvement
  • The lawn feels spongy or uneven underfoot (sign of underlying soil issues)
  • Sod lifts easily from the ground, indicating dead roots

Instead of spending time and money on temporary fixes, full replacement gives you a fresh start.

Full Sod Replacement: The Smart Move for Major Damage

Installing new sod across your entire yard ensures:

  • Even coverage and uniform color
  • A strong, healthy root base
  • Less time spent repairing over and over
  • Better curb appeal and property value

It’s a larger investment upfront—but in many cases, it’s more cost-effective than repeat patch jobs over several seasons.

Florida-Specific Considerations

  • Bahia sod is easier to patch due to its coarse texture and deep roots
  • St. Augustine varieties like Floratam and Seville should be patched with matching types for uniform growth
  • Zoysia can be more sensitive to shade and poor drainage, so evaluate the cause before patching

Always patch or replace during the growing season—spring and fall are ideal for Florida lawns. Avoid installing during extreme heat unless you can commit to frequent watering.

Need Help Deciding?

If you’re not sure whether your lawn needs a spot fix or a full overhaul, we’re happy to take a look.

At Sunshine Sod, we provide:

  • Fresh, Florida-grown sod delivered straight to your property
  • Help choosing the right variety for your lawn’s needs
  • DIY repair guidance or full-yard estimates
  • Replacement sod options for every size yard and budget

Ready to patch or replace your lawn the right way? Contact us today for a free sod quote, and we’ll help you make the right call.