My goal isn’t just to give you facts. If you’re in the market to lay new turf over a struggling lawn or playing field, you’ll need to prepare the ground first – exactly how you’d prepare it to allow the sod to make root-to-soil contact. Although more expense than seed, sod can be applied to your lawn in a single day. Although it can be the easiest way to have a new, fresh lawn, laying sod over an existing one would not be the best option. Grass provides a functional ground cover in yards and parks as well as guarding against soil erosion along … Whether or not to remove the old grass before laying sod is a long-standing debate. It also leaves a gap for lawn pests to get into the new sod. Want to know if you can lay new grass on an existing lawn; Are looking for tips on how to properly lay sod, Then read on! This is because the sod cannot survive if you lay it on top of existing grass. And these are nice neighborhoods with beautiful lawns. The Big Tips: Best Ways to Water Lawn without a Sprinkler System, How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower: The Best Guide You Need To Follow, How to Kill Dallisgrass Without Calling a Professional (2021 Update), How Long for Grass Seed to Germinate: The Surprising Truth, Help! Can You Lay Sod Over Grass or Existing Lawn? The nutrients that exist in sod are minimal, and sod can dry out or begin to struggle due to a lack of nutrients. The lawn does not need to be treated with herbicide. Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that’s not the case. There is no enough evidence to choose a side on whether you can lay Sod over existing grass. Lay the Sod. Laying sod involves adding several inches of soil and roots as well as the grass. You may consider adding a layer of topsoil on top of existing grass, or, better yet, remove old sod with a sod … If your old lawn just has a small, pitiful remnant, put it out of its misery and scrape … Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches with a mechanized tiller to break up the grass and its root system. How to Place Sod Over Existing Grass. You can do that, but we do not advise it. ​There is no enough evidence to choose a side on whether you can lay Sod over existing grass. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. Top 10 Dishwashers reviews. Why not to lay turf over old grass. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their dogs; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The main problem with this job is that it can be difficult for the root system of your new lawn to grow in properly. This stresses your new lawn and can result in dead patches. Leekgarden.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Want to know if you can lay new grass on an existing lawn; Are looking for tips on how to properly lay sod, Then read on! Normally when you hire someone to install sod over existing grass they're supposed to remove the existing grass, amend the soil with organic matter (compost) and fertilizer, then install sod and roll it. Why not to lay turf over old grass. It might look good for a couple of weeks with proper watering, but it cannot survive in these conditions! Ask the internet “Can I lay turf on existing grass?” and the answer is generally a resounding no – but of course it’s more complex than that, so here’s what to know about laying turf on existing grass for the best results. February 15, 2016. However, you should also … Placing new sod over old will raise the height of the area. New sod cannot be placed over existing growth, so to prepare your lawn, kill all the weeds and stray plant life. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. One of … First of all, a few of the reasons why NOT to lay turf over old grass… Some professional landscapers support saying it has worked before, and others discourage … If your ground is already bare, you only need to grade it to ensure that it is level and drains water well. Sod also requires much less care than sown seed. If you want to install sod on bare ground, till the soil. Some professional landscapers support saying it has worked before, and others discourage laying sod over existing grass, and they have evidence of the epic fails. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Bob Vila:Laying Sod: Shortcut to a Beautiful Lawn. Start by dampening the soil with a sprinkler or hose, then rake out any footprints you’ve … Also, you do not need to till your yard. You can purchase a soil test from most garden centers, and you can have the soil sample tested by your local extension service. At the very least we recommend that you cut the existing grass down with a weed eater and then lay the grass over that. Through experience, it is not best to lay sod over existing grass. Ensure that the lawn I even before laying sod. Laying sod involves adding several inches of soil and roots as well as the grass. Deal with old sod. He specializes in sports and business. The main nutrient that the dead grass layer provides is nitrogen. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. It has always looked great!! Start by watering the area and spraying an herbicide over the entire yard. Essentially, sodding over existing grass makes you have to do … As professional turf layers we know that’s a recipe for a ruined lawn… Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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