If your lawn is lifting like carpet, feels spongy underfoot, or birds are tearing chunks out of it, you’re likely dealing with chafer grubs or leatherjackets.
Once the pests are under control, the next question is always the same:
How do I repair the damage properly?
This guide walks you through the exact recovery process I use on UK lawns following grub infestations, including timing, tools, seed selection and how to prevent the problem returning.
Step 1: Confirm the Pests Are No Longer Active
Before you spend money on seed or topdressing, make sure the infestation has been addressed.
If you haven’t already identified the issue, read:
→ What’s Killing My Lawn? UK Guide to Chafer Grubs & Leatherjackets
Repairs are pointless if larvae are still feeding.
In the UK, treatment timing is critical:
Nematodes: late summer to early autumn
Severe infestations: may require professional intervention
Once activity has reduced and bird damage has stopped, you can begin recovery.
Step 2: Remove Dead Turf and Debris
Grub damage destroys the root system. The grass may still look green but will peel away easily.
You must remove all loose, dead material.
For small lawns:
Use a spring-tine rake
For larger lawns:
Use an electric scarifier such as the Bosch AVR 1100 or Einhell GC-SA 1231
For professionals:
- I use the Stihl RL 540 for my commercial lawn renovations
These machines:
Remove dead thatch
Pull up loose turf
Create soil contact for new seed
This is the most important stage of the repair.
Step 3: Lightly Aerate the Surface
Grub-damaged lawns are often compacted underneath.
Light aeration helps:
Improve drainage
Encourage new root development
Increase seed success
For small areas:
For larger areas:
- I use the Camon LA25. I’d recommend visiting your local garden machinery dealer if you’re interested in purchasing one.
If you’re considering powered options, SGS Engineering stock petrol aerators suitable for larger domestic lawns.
Step 4: Apply Topdressing
After scarifying and aerating, apply a light topdressing.
This:
Levels uneven areas
Improves seed-to-soil contact
Adds organic matter
Use a sandy loam lawn dressing rather than heavy compost. Apply at 3–5mm depth and brush into the surface.
Step 5: Overseed With a Suitable UK Lawn Seed
Choose a hard-wearing seed mix suited to UK conditions.
For general domestic lawns:
For shaded lawns:
For clay soils, wet lying areas/submersion tolerance, drought and free draining areas:
Apply at overseeding rate (typically 15–25g per m²).
Use a hand spreader or wheeled spreader for even coverage.
Step 6: Apply a Pre-Seeding Fertiliser
After grub damage, root systems are weak.
A pre-seeding fertiliser high in phosphorus supports root development.
Look for:
Higher middle number (e.g. 6-9-6 type ratios)
“Pre-seed” labelled products
Avoid strong high-nitrogen feeds at this stage.
Pre-seeders I’ve used include Nutrigrow Pre-Seeder and Pro-Kleen Pre Lawn & Seed Starter Fertiliser
Step 7: Water Correctly
Keep the seedbed:
Moist, not saturated
Lightly watered daily in dry weather
Protected from heavy foot traffic
Germination typically takes:
7–14 days in spring
Slightly longer in cooler autumn conditions
When Is the Best Time to Repair Grub Damage in the UK?
Best windows:
April–May (after frost risk)
September (ideal)
Avoid:
Mid-winter
Peak summer drought
Autumn repairs generally establish better due to warmer soil and reduced stress.
Should You Just Re-Turf Instead?
In severe cases where:
50%+ of lawn has failed
Soil level has dropped
Ground is heavily disturbed
Full renovation or re-turfing may be more cost-effective long term.
However, most grub-damaged lawns recover well with scarification and overseeding.
How to Prevent the Problem Returning
Repairing the lawn does not eliminate future infestations.
Long-term prevention plan:
Monitor adult chafer beetle activity in late spring
Apply nematodes in late summer
Improve drainage
Maintain healthy, dense turf
Healthy lawns are less attractive to egg-laying beetles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my lawn grow back after chafer grub damage?
If less than half the root system is destroyed, overseeding and feeding will usually restore it within one growing season.
Can I scarify straight after grub damage?
Yes — once larvae activity has reduced. Scarifying removes dead turf and prepares the surface for seed.
Is spring or autumn better for repair?
Autumn is generally better in the UK due to warmer soil and fewer weeds.
How long does it take for a lawn to recover?
Visible improvement appears within 3–4 weeks, but full thickening can take 8–12 weeks depending on conditions.
