How to Restore an Old, Tired Lawn

Is your lawn looking past its best? Many clients around Cheltenham come to me with lawns that have become thin, patchy, and moss-ridden over the years. The good news is, with the right approach, you can bring an old lawn back to life.

Why do lawns deteriorate over time?

Even the best-kept lawns gradually weaken due to:

• Soil compaction

• Thatch build-up

• Moss invasion

• Weeds taking over

• Lack of feeding and regular care

Left untreated, these problems combine to create sparse, uneven, and unhealthy grass.

Steps to restore your lawn

1. Scarifying

This is the first step to remove moss and thatch. Scarifying clears out dead organic matter, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.

Tip: For heavy moss, treat with Mo Bacter moss killer a week before scarifying.

2. Aeration

Spiking or hollow-tine aeration reduces soil compaction and improves drainage. This encourages stronger root growth and better nutrient uptake.

3. Overseeding

Once the lawn is scarified and aerated, overseeding fills in bare patches, thickens the sward, and improves the overall appearance. Choose a seed mix suited to your lawn’s needs – ryegrass-based mixes are ideal for most domestic gardens.

4. Feeding

Feeding your lawn with the right fertiliser at the right time is crucial. For example:

• Spring: Johnson Lawn Care Direct Spring Surge Pro for strong growth.

• Summer: Summer Boost Pro to maintain health without forcing too much growth.

• Autumn: Autumn Guard Pro to strengthen roots and prepare for winter.

When is the best time to renovate a lawn?

Early autumn (September) is ideal, as soil temperatures are still warm, rainfall is more reliable, and grass seed germinates quickly. Spring is also suitable, but regular watering may be needed in drier spells.

Professional lawn renovation services

Restoring an old lawn is a rewarding process, but it can be physically demanding and time-consuming. I offer a complete lawn renovation service, including scarifying, aeration, overseeding, and feeding – everything needed to bring your lawn back to life.

Thinking about rejuvenating your lawn this season?

Message me or call 07488 390 576 to book a professional lawn assessment and renovation plan.

Happy Gardening