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If you have tyre marks or deep ruts on your lawn, you're not alone. Whether they've been left behind by a delivery vehicle, the postie, bikes, or cars driving across soft ground, they can make even the healthiest lawn look uneven and untidy. The good news is that most tyre damage can be repaired with a few simple steps, helping your lawn return to its lush, healthy appearance.
Tyre ruts usually appear when heavy wheels travel over soft, damp ground. Instead of supporting the weight, the soil compresses, leaving the grass pushed down into grooves or depressions.
This type of damage is most common after heavy rain, when the soil is saturated and much more vulnerable to being compacted.
Before you reach for the tools, take a close look at the affected area.
Ask yourself:
The answers will help determine the easiest repair method.
If the rut is shallow and the grass is still attached, there's no need to replace the lawn.
Using a garden fork, gently slide the tines underneath the compressed section and carefully lift the soil back towards its original level. Work slowly across the damaged area, raising the turf just enough so it sits slightly higher than the surrounding lawn. Over the next few days, it will naturally settle into place.
Once finished, water the area well and keep foot traffic to a minimum while it recovers.
When the damage is more severe, you'll need to rebuild the base before the lawn can recover.
Lift the damaged turf by cutting around three sides with a sharp spade, creating a flap that can be folded back.
Next, loosen the compacted soil underneath. If there's a noticeable hollow, fill it with quality sandy loam or turf underlay until the area is level with the rest of the lawn.
Lay the turf back into position, press it down gently, and water thoroughly.
If the grass has died or torn apart, replace it with fresh turf that matches your existing lawn for the best result.
Once the repairs are complete, give your lawn time to heal.
Keep vehicles, bikes and heavy foot traffic away from the area while the roots re-establish. Continue watering as needed to keep the soil lightly moist.
If you have warm season lawn such as Sir Water DNA Buffalo, Couch or Zoysia, remember that repairs can be slow during the cooler months. As temperatures rise in spring, growth will naturally increase. Applying a liquid lawn fertiliser during the growing season can also help encourage faster recovery.
Prevention is always easier than repair.
If possible, avoid driving or parking on your lawn altogether, especially after rain when the ground is soft.
If visitors or delivery drivers regularly cross your grass, consider creating a simple barrier with small stakes and rope or placing a friendly "Please Keep Off the Grass" sign near the lawn. Even subtle reminders can help protect your hard work.
Tyre marks might look alarming at first, but they don't have to be permanent. With a few simple repairs and a little patience, your lawn can bounce back looking as healthy as ever.
By acting quickly and preventing future traffic across your grass, you'll keep your lawn greener, more even and ready to enjoy all year round.
