New turf fixes what is on top. If the problem is underneath, it comes straight back.
Turf fixes unevenness, because levelling happens with the old turf lifted. That is the one problem new turf reliably solves.
Patchiness depends entirely on the cause. Where it is compaction, shade, drainage, roots or something buried, new turf goes patchy in the same places within a couple of years.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Bumpy, uneven surface | Settlement, worm casts, old works | Lift, level, relay |
| Bare in the same spot yearly | Something buried, or a path beneath | Dig out, replace soil |
| Thin under a tree | Shade and root competition | Rethink — shade planting or bark |
| Boggy patch | Drainage | Drainage work, not turf |
| Moss everywhere | Compaction, shade, wet | Scarify, aerate, address cause |
| Worn to soil on a route | Traffic | A path, or hard-wearing seed |
| Yellow rings or patches | Disease or pet damage | Treatment and care |
| Thin generally | Poor soil, no feeding | Renovate — feed and overseed |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
On a thin, mossy, tired lawn this costs a fraction of relaying and often gets you most of the way there. It is worth trying before spending on turf — the worst case is that you have improved the ground you will eventually turf onto.
See what our turfing service covers in Keynsham, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Only if the cause is addressed. Compaction, shade, drainage, roots and buried rubble all persist beneath new turf and reproduce the same patches within a couple of years.
Yes — this is the strong case for relaying, because levelling happens with the old turf lifted and cannot be done properly any other way.
Usually something buried — an old path, base or rubble — leaving thin soil that dries out. It needs digging out and replacing rather than returfing.
Compaction, shade and wet ground. Scarifying removes it, but it returns unless the underlying cause is addressed.
Often worth trying first. Scarifying, aerating, top-dressing, overseeding and feeding costs a fraction of relaying and frequently gets you most of the way there.
That is a drainage problem, and new turf will not fix it. Address the drainage first or the new lawn fails in the same spot.
Often poorly. Deep shade and root competition beat most lawns, and shade planting or a bark area is usually a better answer.
Top-dressing over a season or two, without lifting anything. Moderate or severe unevenness needs the turf lifting and the ground levelling.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
