Case Study
Lawn returfing in Steyning, West Sussex
A homeowner in Steyning was struggling with a tired, patchy lawn that refused to establish properly. Ash Care Landscape carried out full ground preparation and fresh turf installation to create a healthy, even lawn that's built to last.
Location: Steyning, West Sussex | Service: Lawn returfing & ground preparation
Before and after
The photos below show the transformation from a patchy, uneven lawn with poor growth to a freshly returfed garden with a smooth, healthy finish.
Before
Patchy, compacted lawn with weak grass growth and bare areas.
After
Fresh, even turf laid onto fully prepared soil for long-term healthy growth.
Project overview
The client contacted us after ongoing problems with their lawn in Steyning. Despite regular watering and maintenance, the turf was patchy, uneven and failing to establish properly in several areas, leaving the garden looking tired and difficult to maintain.
Our goal was to identify the root cause of the issue, improve the ground conditions and install new turf that would grow evenly and remain healthy over the long term.
Site assessment
Our inspection quickly showed that the main problem was hidden beneath the grass rather than on the surface.
- Heavily compacted soil with poor structure
- Limited drainage and poor aeration
- Larger stones and debris below the surface
- Shallow root development and weak grass growth
Without addressing these underlying soil issues, simply laying new turf would have led to the same problems returning.
Our approach: full ground preparation and returfing
To give the new lawn the best chance of success, we focused on improving the soil first, then installing high-quality turf using best-practice methods.
1. Rotavating compacted soil
We rotavated the entire lawn area to break up compacted soil and create a looser, more workable structure. This helps improve drainage, encourages deeper root growth and prevents water from sitting on the surface.
2. Aerating the soil
The soil was further aerated to increase airflow and promote healthier root development. Better aeration allows oxygen, water and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively.
3. Removing stones and debris
We removed larger stones and obstructions from within the soil profile. This created a smoother, more even base so the new turf could sit neatly and establish without interference from buried debris.
4. Laying and finishing new turf
Fresh, high-quality turf was laid tightly with staggered joints to create a seamless finish. We then rolled the lawn to ensure full contact between the turf and prepared soil, helping the roots knit in quickly.
Results for the Steyning client
With the underlying issues corrected and new turf professionally installed, the garden now benefits from a healthy, even lawn that can be enjoyed year-round. The improved soil structure will help the grass withstand everyday use and changing weather conditions.
We also provided aftercare advice, including a watering schedule, first mowing guidelines and tips for ongoing lawn maintenance to keep the turf in top condition.
- Smoother, more level lawn surface
- Healthier, denser grass coverage across the whole area
- Improved drainage and root development
- Lower risk of bare patches returning in future
Need help with a lawn in West Sussex?
If your lawn is patchy, uneven or struggling to grow, we can help diagnose the cause and recommend the right returfing or lawn care solution for your garden.