Repair fixes the grass. Returfing fixes the ground. Work out which one is actually wrong.
Returf where the problem is the ground — uneven levels, drainage work needed beneath, deep compaction, a dead lawn, or the wrong shape.
Repair where the problem is the grass — thin, mossy, weedy or underfed. That costs a fraction and is often enough.
| Symptom | Grass or ground | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Moss throughout | Ground (compaction) | Repair — aerate |
| Thin and pale | Grass | Repair — feed and overseed |
| Weedy but level | Grass | Repair |
| Bumpy and uneven | Ground | Returf |
| Boggy patch | Ground | Drainage first |
| Bare in one spot yearly | Ground (something buried) | Dig out that area |
| Worn on a route | Neither | A path |
| Dead throughout | Both | Returf |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
On a mature garden with a tired lawn, a season of proper renovation is the cheapest experiment available. Scarify, aerate, top-dress, overseed and feed through one growing season and see what happens. If it recovers, you have saved a great deal. If it does not, you now know the problem is the ground rather than the grass — and you have improved the ground you are about to turf onto. Either outcome is useful.
Returfing the worst area while renovating the rest is often the sensible use of a budget. New turf and established lawn differ in colour for a season or two, then blend — and it costs far less than doing the lot.
See what our turfing service covers in Fishponds, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
When the problem is the ground — uneven levels, drainage work needed beneath, deep compaction, a dead lawn, or the wrong shape.
When the problem is the grass — thin, mossy, weedy or underfed. Scarifying, aerating, top-dressing, overseeding and feeding costs a fraction.
Usually because a canopy has grown slowly over the same period. Shade and root competition increase every season and the lawn declines to match.
Often, and it is the most overlooked step. A crown lift or thin may improve the existing lawn enough that neither repair nor returfing is needed.
Usually. A season of renovation is the cheapest experiment available, and even if you returf later you have improved the ground you will lay onto.
Levels, deep compaction, drainage work beneath the surface, soil depth, buried rubble, and the lawn's shape or position.
Yes. Returf the worst area and renovate the rest — colour differs for a season or two, then blends.
That is drainage, and neither repair nor new turf fixes it. Address the drainage first.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
