Pluggin - backfill material?

[PSU4ME]

So I’ve got done areas that died out this year and I’m 99% sure it’s just drought, sandy soil conditions.

I’m planning to pull some plugs from the better growing area of the lawn and I had the following questions:

As a caveat, I know this is probably over thinking it but if there are any best practices out there I wanted to hear.
1. Plugs are from a pro plugged, 4” depth
2. Leave the hole open,like aerating?
3. Backfill with compost?
4. Backfill with “good” dirt
5. Literally switch plugs, ba kfilling with the dirt I pull from the dead area.

Thanks!

[ken-n-nancy]

I’m planning to pull some plugs from the better growing area of the lawn...

5. Literally switch plugs, backfilling with the dirt I pull from the dead area.

Switching plugs is what I do.

If the "bare soil plug" has bad soil, you could fill the empty hole from the good plug with a high quality soil if you have some. I've never done that personally, but I've seen youtube videos of others doing that.

[Wors]

I also swap plugs then water the good plugs.

[PSU4ME]

Given the temps now, would you guys recommend waiting till cooler weather?

[ken-n-nancy]

Given the temps now, would you guys recommend waiting till cooler weather?

Absolutely. Personally, I would suggest waiting until about Labor Day weekend to move plugs.

I'd make an exception for plugs moving into an area of mostly shade, but anything in half-sun or more I'd wait.

By the way, it's important to water the area with new plugs as if it were new sod - because it basically is!

[PSU4ME]

That makes sense KNN. I’ll hold off for a bit then. I think the recent rain has helped the remaining grass so I can clearly see what’s dead and I’ll take it away now.

[KBGkicksazz]

I highly recommend spraying the lawn with the miracle gro lawn food when you are trying to get things to spread.

[andy10917]

Be aware that ANY quick-release "lawn food" applied July 1 - August 15 is going to force growth, which ups the stress on the summer lawn, which in turn ups the likelihood of disease. Miracle Gro lawn food fits firmly in that category.

[PSU4ME]

I’ll likely handfeed the plugged area with some urea but likely not till late September. I’ll focus on watering it and night through some mycorrhizal around too.

They should take

[KBGkicksazz]

Just go by temps once they drop off you can give it a try. I’m just sharing personal experiences that miracle gro lawn food does wonders for getting kbg to spread.

If you have hydrangeas or other flowing shrubs use their bloom booster fert and it’s incredible how well it works.

I’ll likely handfeed the plugged area with some urea but likely not till late September. I’ll focus on watering it and night through some mycorrhizal around too.

They should take