How to Repair Lawn Damage Caused by Moles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moles may be small, but the damage they cause to your lawn can feel anything but minor. Their extensive tunnel systems and unsightly mounds can disrupt your lawn’s appearance and harm its health. Luckily, with a bit of effort, you can repair the damage moles leave behind. Whether you’re in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or West Virginia, this detailed, step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of restoring your lawn after mole activity.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Before beginning any repairs, take time to assess the scope of the damage. Moles typically leave behind three major signs:

• Molehills: These raised piles of dirt, also called "mound holes," are the most obvious sign of mole activity. They can vary in size, but generally, each molehill will be between 6-12 inches high.
• Tunnels: Mole tunnels run just below the surface and can create unsightly, uneven ground. Grass may appear dead or discolored in areas where moles have been active.
• Dead or Damaged Grass: In areas where moles have tunneled extensively, you may notice patches of dead grass or spots where the lawn has thinned out. These areas are more vulnerable to weeds and are less likely to hold moisture.

Inspect the yard, making note of the heavily damaged spots, and plan your repairs accordingly. A little extra attention in the worst-hit areas will go a long way in ensuring long-term lawn health.

Step 2: Flatten the Molehills

Flattening molehills is the first tangible step in repairing your lawn. Here’s how to handle those pesky mounds:

1. Remove the Dirt: If the molehill is large or the dirt has dried out, use a shovel or rake to break up the mound. Be sure to clear away any excess dirt, so the area is level with the surrounding lawn.
2. Press Down the Soil: Gently tamp down the soil with the back of a rake or hoe. If the dirt is soft enough, a flat board or even your feet can help pack the soil down evenly.

Flattening molehills is important not just for aesthetics but also for the health of your grass. Unflattened mounds can inhibit grass growth by blocking sunlight and preventing proper water absorption.

Step 3: Aerate the Soil

Moles often create soil compaction as they tunnel through it. Aerating your lawn will help alleviate this issue, ensuring that air, water, and nutrients can reach the grass roots. Here’s how to properly aerate your lawn:

1. Manual Aeration: For smaller lawns or less severe damage, a manual lawn aerator is an effective tool. This tool has spikes that you press into the soil at intervals of 2-4 inches. Aerate the soil in multiple directions to ensure full coverage.
2. Powered Aeration: For larger lawns, especially in areas where mole damage is extensive, consider renting or hiring a professional to use a powered aerator. This machine will pull small plugs of soil out, creating holes that allow for deeper penetration of water and nutrients.

Local Tip: Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia often experience cold winters, so compacted soil is common in spring, when moles are more active. Aerating your lawn during the early spring or fall (when temperatures are mild) will help ensure your grass gets the necessary nutrients after mole damage.

Step 4: Reseed or Sod the Damaged Areas

Once the molehills are flattened and the soil is aerated, it’s time to repair the damaged grass. Depending on the size of the affected areas, you can choose to reseed or lay sod:

• Reseeding: If your lawn has only minor patches of damage, reseeding is an affordable and effective option. Choose a grass seed that’s well-suited to your region:
  • Pennsylvania: Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, or Perennial Ryegrass are ideal for the colder climate.
  • Ohio: Ohio’s climate is well-suited for fescue and bluegrass varieties, but a mix of cool-season grasses works best for most lawns.
  • West Virginia: A mixture of Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescue will thrive in West Virginia’s diverse climate.

Spread the seed evenly over the damaged areas, and lightly rake the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Be sure to cover all exposed soil and compacted areas.

• Sodding: For larger, more severe areas of damage, laying sod may be your best bet. This will give your lawn an instant boost. After removing any dead grass and leveling the soil, simply lay the sod pieces tightly together. Water the newly sodded area thoroughly, ensuring the edges of the sod make good contact with the soil below.

Step 5: Fertilize and Water

Fertilizing and proper watering will help your new grass establish roots and thrive:

• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer suited for your grass type. For cool-season grasses, look for a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to promote healthy growth. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically in early spring or late fall when grass is actively growing.
• Watering: After reseeding or sodding, water your lawn regularly but avoid over-watering. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) until the new grass is well-established. Once the grass is growing, reduce watering to 1-2 inches of water per week, especially in the dry summer months.

Step 6: Monitor the Lawn and Maintain

Once you’ve repaired the damage, it’s essential to monitor your lawn and maintain it over the next few weeks:

• Check for New Damage: Keep an eye out for additional mole activity. If moles return, it’s crucial to address the problem promptly with humane traps or repellents to prevent further damage. Consider calling Custom Turf for effective mole removal.
• Mowing: Once the grass reaches about 3-4 inches in height, begin mowing at the recommended height for your grass type. Mowing helps encourage thick, healthy growth, which can crowd out weeds and discourage future mole activity.

Step 7: Prevent Future Mole Damage

To prevent moles from coming back after your lawn has been repaired, follow these preventative tips:

1. Reduce the Insect Population: Moles are primarily driven by a food source of grubs, earthworms, and other insects. Apply a grub control product to reduce the food supply for moles. In Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, grubs can be particularly active in late summer and fall, so consider applying a treatment during these times.
2. Use Mole Repellents: Natural mole repellents, such as castor oil-based products, can be effective in keeping moles away. These can be applied to the soil, particularly around the perimeter of your lawn, to act as a deterrent.
3. Install Barriers: If you’ve had persistent mole problems, consider installing a barrier system around garden beds or along the perimeter of your lawn. Hardware cloth or a wire mesh barrier placed 6-8 inches deep can prevent moles from tunneling in.

Repairing Your Lawn

Repairing mole damage to your lawn in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or West Virginia doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these detailed steps, you can restore your lawn to its healthy, vibrant state. With a combination of flattening, aerating, reseeding, and taking proactive measures to prevent future damage, you can keep your yard looking beautiful all year long. If you need help with lawn repair or ongoing mole control, don’t hesitate to contact your trusted local lawn care professionals for advice and assistance.