Repairing
a Sunken Lawn

If your lawn’s suffering from this relatively common problem, there are several things you can do about it depending on the size of the sunken area. If the area is large, however, be sure the problem wasn't caused by a sinkhole, which requires different treatment [See BLI's Repairing a Sinkhole].

Covering the area
If the area is only a few feet across and not more than three inches, you can cover the area with soil mix and allow the grass to grow through it. Mix approximately two parts topsoil with one part sand and spread the mixture over the top of the sunken area. In warmer months, the grass will grow through in a month or so.

Replacing the sod
For larger areas or those deeper than three inches, the area can be built up with soil and sod placed back on top of it. To keep the lawn the same color, use a flat-nosed shovel to cut the sod out of the area is small, square sections (if possible). Build the area up with soil and tamp it down or water it to allow it to settle. Then replace the sod. An easier method, if you don't mind a section of lawn being a shade different from the rest, is to simply dig out the old sod in any way you can, use this broken-up sod along with soil to build up the sunken, then cover the area with new sod squares from a landscaping supply shop.