Will grass clippings make grass grow in no grass areas?

Yes, if the grass you cut has gone to seed. Also, the mulch raises the soil humidity while dropping the temperature thereby helping seeds germinate. ;-)

It would only be from the clippings themselves if they had seedheads mixed in, which is not too likely but could happen. More likely is that they covered and protected seed that had been dormant in the bare areas, allowing it to stay damp, germinate and grow.

Some weeds don't need seeds to grow. Crabgrass, for instance, will grow from one little segment that is blown over and takes root. But the mulch itself may have weed seeds in it, so don't blame your wife.

The seeds have to be in grass clippings, If grass will not grow in certain areas, then why not! Maybe the PH is wrong,maybe no organic material in soil, maybe tree is sucking up all the nutriants. Any garden center will sell you a soil tester that will check the PH and possibly nitrogen content. For any garden or yard info, check out walterreeves.com

ok you can't grow grass from clippings it may look like grass but it is actually weeds in the grass from the clippings

no. you need to use seeds! or, better yet, cut the spot out and lay a piece of sod.

it's not from the grass clippings, but it's still driving you crazy isn't it. ignore it and she'll quit doing it!

no, not from cut grass. the seeds will make it grow. or if the existing grass spreads undergroung a few inches it will expand, but not too far.

No, you need plugs that have the roots.