Gopher Lawn Damage Repair

How to Fix Gopher Damage to Your Southern California Lawn

Gopher damage to lawns — dead patches, mounds, collapsed tunnels, uneven surface — can be repaired, but only after the gopher has been eliminated. Repairing lawn damage without treating the gopher first means the repairs will be destroyed as the gopher continues tunneling.

Step 1 — Eliminate the Gopher First

Do not start lawn repairs until gopher activity has stopped. Signs that a gopher is still active: fresh mounds appearing, soft or spongy areas expanding, new dead patches appearing. Call 909-599-4711 for professional gopher elimination with our 60-day guarantee before investing in lawn repair.

Step 2 — Fill and Compact Tunnel Voids

Once the gopher has been eliminated, address the tunnel system underground. Gopher tunnels left unfilled can cause continued surface collapse months after the gopher is gone. To fill tunnel voids:

Probe the soil to locate the tunnel network

Open access points along the tunnel and fill with soil, tamping firmly as you go

Water the filled areas thoroughly to help soil settle

Check for soft spots and re-fill as needed over the following weeks

Step 3 — Level the Surface

Gopher mounds and collapsed tunnel areas create uneven lawn surface. Level using a flat spade or lawn roller:

Spread mound soil evenly over the damaged area or remove excess

Use a lawn roller (rental equipment) to firm and level the surface

Add topsoil if significant voids remain after leveling

Rake smooth before reseeding

Step 4 — Reseed or Resod Damaged Areas

For dead grass patches from mound smothering or root damage:

Remove dead grass and loose soil from the patch

Loosen soil surface with a rake

Apply grass seed appropriate for your lawn type (most Southern California lawns use tall fescue, bermuda, or St. Augustine)

Cover lightly with topsoil or straw mulch

Water daily until established

For extensive damage covering large areas, sodding provides faster results than reseeding.

Step 5 — Repair Irrigation

Inspect underground irrigation in all areas where gopher activity was present. Pressure test each zone after gopher elimination to identify chewed lines. Replace damaged drip tubing, poly pipe, and fittings before reseeding to avoid water waste and uneven establishment.

Prevent Recurrence

After lawn repair, protect your investment with ongoing gopher monitoring. Check for fresh mounds regularly and call at the first sign of new activity. Early retreatment is covered under our 60-day guarantee.

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