Before you begin, take time to treat the area with a biodegradable weed killer. It may take a couple of weeks to take effect.

Once the weeds are dead clear the area of all debris, including weed remnants and large stones.

For small areas, loosen the soil with a garden fork, then rake it with a soil rake until it’s even. For larger areas, use a powered rotovator and rake smooth afterwards.

Walk up and down in alternate parallel lines loosening the surface of the soil. Remove any large stones or debris as you go.

To plant new grass seed or turf, you’ll need to add a fine layer of top soil to the surface of the freshly rotovated soil, then lightly rake it until it’s even.

Before laying any turf or sprinkling seed, allow the ground to settle. Lumps and holes may appear and you can fill these by adding more top soil.