However, it's now all systems to go and Stadium Manager Dave Balmer explained the process.
"Basically, because we didn't do anything on the pitch last year, we're going to look to try and improve the surface drainage so that the water gets off the surface a little bit quicker than it did last season so that we don't end up with the same scenario that we did this spring."
Gloucester, like a number of other sports clubs, suffered from an extraordinary run of bad weather this season. A wet autumn was followed by a freezing December and January with two European matches, Glasgow and Biarritz, only taking place thanks to the efforts of the Kingsholm staff.
Once the snow and ice melted, torrential rain followed and the Guinness Premiership fixture at home to Sale was one dominated by mud although the pitch recovered well afterwards. Had Dave seen anything like it before?
"Not really, no. That's probably the worst winter I've seen in the 14 years that I've been here. It was almost a throwback to the winters of the 60s and 70s."
So, what exactly is happening at the moment?
"At the moment, they're Koroing the top off. This involves stripping off the existing turf layer which is predominantly full of annual meadow grass, a shallow rooting grass which doesn't bind into the surface. Meadow grass is an invasive species, blown in on the wind and not one that you'd plant."
"Once this is done, they will then install 100 tonnes of sand in bands which are 35mm wide by 250mm deep at 250mm intervals across the pitch."
"The next step is to spread and mix 100 tonnes of sand into the top 75mm of the pitch surface which will help with the drainage and allow the root structure of the grass to develop better."
"Finally, it will be over seeded and fertilised ready for next season with a mix of four types of perennial rye grass."
It's looking pretty bare out there at the moment, how long will it take to see the results of the work?
"Give it three weeks and you'll see real results. I should definitely expect to be mowing within four weeks."
"The result will be a stronger, more resilient and better drained surface for the team to perform on. I think players and supporters alike will notice the difference."
