Gopher Damage to Lawns — Identification and Recovery

Lawns are among the most visible victims of gopher activity — mounds disrupt turf surfaces, root feeding kills grass in patches, and the disrupted soil beneath mounds creates long-lasting dead spots even after the gopher is gone. Understanding the different mechanisms by which gophers damage lawns helps set realistic expectations for recovery and guides both treatment and repair decisions.

Two Types of Lawn Damage

Mound damage occurs when pushed soil smothers the grass beneath it. The fresh soil from a gopher mound covers turf and blocks sunlight, killing the grass underneath if left in place. A single mound may only affect a square foot or two of turf, but multiple mounds across a lawn create scattered dead patches that persist long after the gopher is removed. The dead patch is not from root feeding — it is simply from the grass being buried. These patches are repaired by removing the mound soil, raking the area level, and reseeding or resodding.

Root feeding damage occurs when gophers feed on grass roots directly below the turf surface. Affected areas show brown patches where the root system has been consumed — the grass blades are still present but die from lack of root support. These patches feel soft or spongy underfoot because the soil beneath has been hollowed by tunnel activity. Root feeding patches are typically irregular in shape and may be larger than mound patches — a single tunnel section actively fed on can kill a strip of turf several feet long.

Identifying Fresh vs. Old Damage

Fresh gopher mounds are loose, dark with moisture, and clearly elevated above the turf surface. Old mounds are dry, flat, and often have weeds or grass growing on them. The presence of only old, flat mounds does not confirm an active infestation — the gopher may be gone. Look for fresh mounds to confirm current activity. Soft, spongy patches of dead turf that feel hollow underfoot suggest recent tunnel activity even if no fresh mounds are present nearby.

Lawn Recovery After Gopher Treatment

After successful gopher removal, lawn recovery involves several steps. Remove mound soil and rake or roll the affected areas level — mound soil can be spread and incorporated into the surrounding lawn area. Aerate heavily trafficked or compacted areas to improve root contact. Reseed dead patches with appropriate turf seed for your lawn type, or resod if the patches are large. Maintain consistent irrigation during reestablishment. In most cases a well-established Southern California lawn will fill in gopher-damaged areas within one to two growing seasons with appropriate repair and irrigation.

When to Treat vs. When to Repair First

Always remove the gopher before repairing the lawn. Reseeding or resodding while an active gopher is still on the property is a waste of effort — the fresh root growth of new sod is highly attractive to gophers and will be targeted immediately. Complete gopher removal and confirm the infestation is resolved before investing in lawn repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my lawn recover on its own after the gopher is removed?

Small mound patches and minor root damage areas will often fill in naturally with surrounding grass growth if irrigation is maintained. Larger dead patches from extensive root feeding may need reseeding or resodding to recover fully.

Should I level the mounds while the gopher is still active?

You can for aesthetics, but it has no effect on the gopher or treatment. Fresh mounds will simply reappear. Focus on treatment first, then lawn repair after the infestation is resolved.

How many mounds indicate a serious infestation?

One gopher can create dozens of mounds over its active period. Many mounds do not necessarily mean many gophers — they may represent one animal's extended tunnel-building activity over weeks or months.

Call 909-599-4711 — treat the gopher first, then repair the lawn. We serve all of Southern California with chemical-free gopher control.