Remove the loose dead thatch either with a lawn mower by hand or with an outdoor vacuum.
Matted down dead grass.
While the grass will start to rise again as spring continues some of it may have died.
At least scratch the surface or better yet dig and loosen the top 2 or 3 inches.
As the build up increases the dead matter becomes stacked and then packs down or matts and causes healthy grass blades to become stressed and weaken.
How to repair snow mold fungus and winter die out thatch follow me on my episode of what s wrong with my lawn.
Mow often enough so that you remove no more than 1 3 the height of the grass blade at one time.
Re seed the barren patch of lawn and water if applicable.
Too many grass clippings could be left from your first mowing as well.
To do so rake up and remove all of the brown dead grass.
Level the area to ensure that the sod will be laid down flat to avoid future issues.
Do not leave any clumps on the lawn.
Get rid of dead grass.
What the lawn is trying to tell you.
Lay down the sod and water immediately and regularly.
Rake the dead areas to loosen any brown grass.
If the soil is particularly poor work in a little compost or similar organic matter.
When the cycle of decomposition is delayed for any variety of reasons dead matter will begin to build up.
Grass is matted down.
Over the winter your grass was probably matted down and flattened as snow and ice piled up.
It is important not to remove all of the grass but just break up the top layer of thatch.
Clear out any dead matted turf and other debris.
How to repair.
Don t just toss seed on.
The best balance is less than half an inch of clippings because.
Lay down a thin layer of good quality top soil we suggest bigyellowbags nature s blend for best results.
The grass will germinate and root best when it comes into direct contact with soil.
Maintain your mower properly a sharp blade prevents ragged cuts.
This too could be a fungus problem according to chad diller marketing coordinator for tomlinson bomberger a lawn care.