Clay Soil Drainage Fixes For Arundel Lawns That Actually Work

Arundel has more than its share of heavy clay. When it rains, clay holds water at the surface. When it dries, it bakes hard and roots struggle. Here is a practical plan that improves drainage and strengthens turf without ripping up the entire garden.

Diagnose the problem

• Puddles after every shower suggests compaction.
• A bumpy surface points to settlement and poor levelling.
• Moss and weak growth mean air and nutrients are not reaching roots.

The fix that lasts

1. Hollow-tine aeration in spring or early autumn to pull out cores and open channels.
2. Topdress with a sandy loam or rootzone blend, brushing 3 to 5 mm into the holes to improve the soil profile.
3. Apply a wetting agent on hydrophobic areas that repel water.
4. Overseed with a rye and fescue mix suited to West Sussex conditions.
5. Feed smartly. Use balanced nutrition rather than a heavy nitrogen hit that creates soft, shallow growth.
6. If one area always floods, consider a narrow French drain to move water to a soakaway.

Repeat light topdressing and annual aeration to build performance year on year.

To understand where aeration sits alongside scarification, this explainer helps:
https://lawncarechichester.co.uk/scarification-vs-aeration-which-lawn-treatment-does-your-west-sussex-garden-need/