When there is existing turf, there are less resources (space, nutrients, water, and oxygen) available to each blade of grass. When Starting Over Makes Sense A reseeding project lets you start your lawn over with a clean slate and is a great way for you to transform a lawn that is weedy, dry and damaged beyond repair into a green, thick lawn you can enjoy. Just follow the simple steps above to overseed for a thicker lawn. Attached is one I used to hide a vent pipe. Creating a new lawn from an existing one is best done after treating the old lawn with Round Up weed killer applied two weeks before with a watering can. Seeding over existing grass is done all the time, but usually in the fall when the underlying lawn has settled into a routine. Would we have to remove existing grass (which we really … Once settled, old turf can be used as compost for potted plants. This example of repair was due to removal of an old patio for installation of a new one. Freezing and thawing cycles can accentuate this in cold-winter climates. Do you ever plan on having an elderly person visit your house...or a pregnant woman....or small children....etc etc? Lawns often become compacted over time from foot traffic, play, and mowing, which prevents air, water, and nutrients from circulating freely through the turf’s root zone. If you're wondering how to kill a lawn or grass and start over, here's one way to do it. It involves re-grading and blending the new sod with the existing lawn. To snuff out the existing lawn and provide a good base for establishing the new lawn, I am considering covering the entire lawn with 4 inches of top soil, followed by the removal of a few trees to improve the sunlight, adding irrigation, followed by a fine fescue blend of grass seed (more shade tolerant)(a friend … Once it starts bad it is almost impossible to turn it around. If your slope is greater than that you might need to build a retaining wall. This is step 1 for our lawn renovation of my side yard and I am usin... After distributing the grass seed, water your lawn thoroughly. So if your lawn is looking uneven with a few too many dips, help is at hand. Aerating at this time is also recommended to loosen compacted soil for new and existing grass roots to grow … Natural rainfall combined with 50+ degree soil temperatures are the perfect conditions for sowing seed. No Comments. Re: plants. My lawn is a mess. If there is an existing lawn in place and you still want to hydroseed over it, it is actually best to use a thinner mulch mixture when spraying. 2-24 hours mow at lvl 1-shortest poss. Inquiries around You only spray the leaves, not the soil. There's a reason you are laying a new lawn. You object to one's house color and the others tree. Some of you mentioned ground covers - while i was thinking Delosperma 'wheels of wonder' (fire or hot pink) some have commented that the leaves may be too big (and could 'take over the yard') even though this is not the same stuff that grows along the highway. Water the new seed two to three times a day for the first 10 to 14 days to promote proper … If you try it, scalp the grass/weeds as low as you can before you start. This helps to protect the seeds during their germination phase. Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that’s not the case. :-), Take the quick-start route to turf with sod; these installation guidelines will help ensure a healthy and long-lasting lawn, Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed, Here are 3 situations where a garden may be a better idea than more turfgrass, Learn about maintenance, wear tolerance, ideal climate and more for these top turf choices to pick the right one for you, Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places, Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. Adding clover to your existing lawn or planting a new lawn with clover in the mix will help reduce the impacts of your little patch of green. What do you think of my lawn makeover plan? No short cuts I'm afraid, grass is a living plant and if conditions for growth aren't favourable it will not thrive. Other ways I have considered was putting a level of soil directly over the current existing lawn and seeding the new … Without the use of chemical herbicides, you're going to have weeds. It doesn't look bad. Pretty Bad Soil Preparation Rent a sod cutter and remove the existing As far as seeding, rent an aerator or have a service do it, then seed. They possibly object to that white trash in front of your home and........... No the total reason but we moved due to neighbors. With fewer requirements and care, and more time for enjoyment, a clover lawn is a natural choice for your overall sustainability solution. Some of the main steps to follow include: Scarify the old lawn to remove matted growth including dead grass and moss. Over-seed Next Season: Cut with sharp blade when lawn is dry; cut grass in stages, 1/3 of grass height at a time, cutting back to 1” tall; rake away clippings and over-seed at the same rate or lighter rate to better shade the soil and inhibit weeds. Ground cover zone ....... should get you in the right place. How to Spread Topsoil Over an Existing Lawn Here’s how you can properly add topsoil to your existing lawn: 1. When planting a new lawn, take the time to fix any existing grade problems (after removing the old turf and before adding amendments to the soil). Anyway, my main question is can I plant a new lawn over my old one without pulling the old one out? There’s a difference between renovating your lawn by adding new seeds and by starting from square one with new turf. Aerate the Lawn If your lawn’s soil is too compact, the new nutrients you’re adding won’t do too much good. What kind of grass were you thinking? 5. You can help reinvigorate your lawn by overseeding. When you lay new sod, the roots must make direct contact with the soil to … Done right, it's a straightforward process that gets results. Existing grass plants help to deter wash-outs when that thunderstorm passes by. Laying a new lawn is hard work and more expensive than sowing seed, but it gives an instant, lush looking lawn as soon as you've finished. A lot of the soil was washed off and sod was laid over uneven yard. Grade the soil for your new lawn. Seeding over existing grass is done all the time, but usually in the fall when the underlying lawn has settled into a routine. There are three ways to remove your existing lawn-Using Chemicals. Jen. The lawn is now very uneven and unsightly. I believe it is manufactured by Createk. Myoporum Parvifolium a Lush Green Alternative to the Lawn, Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden, Small Gem Lawns: More Impact From Less Grass, What is best, seed in October and add topsoil or rototill, let it sit, Repair/Revive Trampled/Damaged St. Augustine. Laying a new lawn is hard work and more expensive than sowing seed, but it gives an instant, lush looking lawn as soon as you've finished. Mix in a good amount of fertiliser … How To Plant A New Lawn Over An Existing Lawn. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. Seeding over existing grass is done all the time, but usually in the fall when the underlying lawn has settled into a routine. So, in theory, it makes sense to simply mow your lawn short and lay new sod right over the existing lawn. Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that's not the case. Step-by-Step Guide How to Lay Sod. That well cover doesn't look too big to hide. thank you all after talking to a few more folks as well as feedback from you guys about the ground cover issue. It involves re-grading and blending the new sod with the existing lawn. I need ideas for my side lawn and front lawn. Planting grass seed in an existing lawn improves thinly growing grass and prevents warm-season lawns from turning brown over winter. Overseeding is spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. You can walk on it straight away-but keep it light. Over time settling occurs which causes depressions. You can fix existing problems by grading, as you prepare for sod to arrive: Avoid too much slope for your new lawn. How to Plant Grass Seeds on an Existing Lawn. Ground settling is another common cause of a bumpy lawn. You can also use a landscaping rake for working topsoil to the proper grade. So, in theory, it makes sense to mow your lawn short and lay new sod right over the existing lawn. This option can work as well, but prep work is the key. 5 reasons to not lay new turf on top of an old lawn. And got me thinking that the rio bravo and russian sage are sort of similar and was thinking about using the Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ California lilac instead? The amount of turf underlay soil you bring in will be dependent on the soil composition of your existing base. If you use too much seed, you can cause grass to fight over resources which won’t lead to the full, lush, and green grass … All the best and enjoy your new lawn! Whether you're tending your first lawn or have years of experience, learning how to overseed your lawn can improve your results. While it is often done to fill thinning or bare spots, you can also overseed … 169 People Used More Information ›› You should see your seedlings sprout within 10 to 14 days; until then you should soak the first 1-inch of soil during each watering. Learn about reseeding and the best options for starting a lawn over from scratch. A walkway should be at least 3' wide and perferably more. So for £30 you get a fresh new lawn for the summer plus that top soil coat. New growth can have a profound effect on the look, feel and texture of your lawn. You want to get the seed in contact with the underlying soil so the roots will grow into soil. I have always torn up the existing, and removed it, leaving very little of the original there, but am interested in hearing if this is the ONLY way, or if you could perhaps do it without being so radical. Spray again if/when it comes back. Starting Over with a New Lawn – Your rip out and replace, how to guide! Joe says: October 2, 2020 at 12:59 am As grasses mature, thinning is normal—especially if you enjoy your lawn and use it often. If your slope is greater than that you might need to build a retaining wall. Pernicious weeds need to be destroyed or they will push through new turf To see the results the following season, go to our Adding soil over existing grass section. Thanks so much! The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. If you go with faux rock choose a high quality product. You may need to aerate your lawn to get the benefits of the topsoil. What you don’t want to do is completely cover the existing lawn areas and kill off the grasses. It was also suggested that using a small manzanita to tie the two themes (desert & pine) together could work. For minor grading problems, small versions of earth-moving equipment are often available to rent or buy. A combination of methods were used to blend the repairs with the existing Lawn. On an existing lawn: Top-dressing with compost may also rejuvenate existing lawns. The combination of half moss half grass looks mangy, though.I have a shady area on one side and the moss has been spreading from that area. The maximum slope is about twelve inches for every four feet. My favorite buzzy insect is the paper wasp. If it's poor drainage, an uneven surface or the lawn has become compacted, it's best to sort these problems out first. When you have your soil tested, you can ask if it needs nitrogen or if it’s lacking in other nutrients such as iron or phosphorus. Expand the bed a little so it doesn't seem so obvious your hiding something. A lush and healthy lawn requires an investment of time and effort. Insufficient water is the leading cause for new lawn failure, and over-watering is not far behind. Soil compaction – new turf needs freshly prepared soil for the roots to grow well; Disease – any disease could affect the new turf; Pests – existing pests in the soil may attack new turf; Weeds – ditto for pests. By oversowing lawn seed into your existing lawn you’ll fill in patches, thicken and strengthen your lawn and protect it from invasion of weeds … I don't know what your climate is like, but you may need to start earlier if you're planting fescue or bluegrass. Roots will not grow into air if the soil they sprout into is being held above the soil by other plants. We have more space between houses here AND WE ARE MUCH HAPPIER. All the best and enjoy your new lawn! You could try that on a hot, sunny day (hah, hah, Portland!). 2 issues here and want to hear your advice. When you lay new sod, the roots must make direct contact with the soil to form a root system. It's a great way to renew your lawn when kids, pets and seasonal conditions give it a hard time! 3. Before starting, the lawn will need to be checked thoroughly in advance to determine how much will require levelling and if there are any existing drainage problems. By oversowing lawn seed into your existing lawn you’ll fill in patches, thicken and strengthen your lawn and protect it from invasion of weeds and diseases. This helps to protect the seeds during their germination phase. For best results, you should always remove any old vegetation before laying new turf. After seeding you can put a very light layer of compost over it and water lightly at least once a day until the seedlings are about an inch tall. Choose a seed suitable for the site, then sow half the bag from north to south and the other half from east to west. This is a popular enquiry from the DIY readership of the Pavingexpert website. As a rough guide a bare minimum would be 25mm as a light skim, up to anywhere between 50 – 150mm depending on your soil base and finishing levels. Once lawn is established, follow maintenance instructions closely; Over-seed following season to accelerate transformation; Detailed Instructions for Over-seeding a Healthy Existing Lawn and for the Ultimate Green Lawn: Cut lawn/weeds as low as possible, to one inch or less, with dull blade, to help kill off existing growth. I plan to plant it in April. I believe they ignore the bees. Aerating at this time is also recommended to loosen compacted soil for new and existing grass roots to grow better. If it's poor drainage, an uneven surface or the lawn has become compacted, it's best to sort … A single path of pavers through pea gravel looks pretty but is very narrow and not very practical to walk on. Something in the deepest recesses of their mind tells them that it's probably not kosher. Starting Over with a New Lawn – Your rip out and replace, how to guide! more ››, How to Save Living Expenses for College Students. I like them because they clean up the caterpillars from the yard and, if I don't bother them, they don't bother me. Soil compaction – new turf needs freshly prepared soil for the roots to grow well; Disease – any disease could affect the new turf; Pests – existing pests in the soil may attack new turf; Weeds – ditto for pests. Xeriscape front lawn design - Seek guidance - CA Orange county. This article will outline the results of my research, my results to date, and my plans goin… Slice-seeding is a great way to renovate a lawn because the new grass plants grow right up through the existing lawn. Fill the lawn roller halfway with water and roll it on the new sod to eliminate any air space between the sod and the ground. Continue to lightly water your yard frequently — up to twice per day. Copyright © 2018-2020 All rights reserved. However, they cling to the hope that they will not have to do all that digging and barrowing, but will be able to plonk down the new … How To Plant A New Lawn Over An Existing Lawn. That may help with your chances of success. I would like to avoid ripping out my old lawn because it will be a huge project. It’s probably a better idea not to take any shortcuts! Overseeding is spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. If you use too much seed, you can cause grass to fight over resources which won’t lead to the full, lush, and green grass you’re looking for. Then rake off dead thatch. Whether you're tending your first lawn or have years of experience, learning how to overseed your lawn can improve your results. Also called overseeding, sowing grass seed in lawns is part of general lawn renovation, including controlling weeds, improving soil condition and supplying fertilizer. 5 reasons to not lay new turf on top of an old lawn. Use a utility knife to cut out sod that is placed over irrigation heads or any other obstruction on your lawn. Choose a seed suitable for the site, then sow half the bag from north … In the South, late-spring through mid-summer provide ideal conditions for overseeding warm-season grass. Sorry, but I feel a need to mention the practical considerations. Step-by-Step Guide. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. I established a new lawn for a new customer back in early September. You really need to dig over your existing lawn and incorporate horticultural grit and humus to promote drainage and provide a good level base for your new turf to grow into. Joe says: October 2, 2020 at 12:59 am Also in the "picture of layout and actual" post with the pictures perhaps removing the star jasmine on each side of the window and replacing them with caesalpinia pulcherrima (red bird of Paradise) and putting either : Pride/Star of Madeira , russian sage, OR some sort of spike plant (see pic) [if anyone knows what this is that would be helpful - as im sure its not called spike plant :-) ] in between the two mexican bird paradise plants under the window. Make sure April is the right time to plant. Laying a new lawn with turf. Grade the soil for your new lawn. If there is an existing lawn in place and you still want to hydroseed over it, it is actually best to use a thinner mulch mixture when spraying. At times, uneven ground can be caused as a result of drainage problems or even damaged … Yes, it is possible to use too much seed when overseeding your lawn. Insufficient water is the leading cause for new lawn failure, and over-watering is not far behind. When planting a new lawn, take the time to fix any existing grade problems (after removing the old turf and before adding amendments to the soil). Spring and fall are great times to install your new lawn. Nitrogen is essential if you want a dynamic lawn; however, over-fertilization can result in increased mowing requirements and thatch buildup. Preparation. Natural rainfall combined with 50+ degree soil temperatures are the perfect conditions for sowing seed. Pernicious weeds need to be destroyed or they will push through new … I also have lots of moss in my lawn(which doesn't bother me much) In fact I wouldn't mind if the whole thing was moss. Otherwise you can dig up the existing grass in turves and turn them over, grass side down, which will be a bit like using green manure. Use a utility knife to cut out sod that is placed over irrigation heads or any other obstruction on your lawn. Yes, it is possible to use too much seed when overseeding your lawn. Tall grass shades out the weed seedlings underneath and stops them from photosynthesizing. Sow grass seed thickly over bare patches in an old lawn. Try using a roller on your new lawn after installation. I'm trying to find ways of raising the level of the lawn to one higher than the patio. Prep 1-spray existing lawn with a selective herbicide-weedol, kills any weed. You might be able to keep the weeds out by mowing your grass at the highest setting on your mower. As grasses mature, thinning is normal—especially if you enjoy your lawn and use it … Sowing new grass seed over your existing lawn is known as overseeding. The following are general guidelines, though not every step may be applicable to your situation. I began doing research on lawn leveling and after watching a few You Tube videos on professional lawn leveling, I was officially obsessed. I will kill the clover with boiling water before starting this process. As a rule of thumb, apply 2 to 4 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet of lawn. Just try to mow it enough to keep it from flowering. How to Protect Your Health from Covid-19? You might also contact your state cooperative extension. You should be able to find all kinds of suggestions on the internet. How to Spread Topsoil Over an Existing Lawn Here’s how you can properly add topsoil to your existing lawn: 1. This second seeding (over-seeding) is very important to help out-compete weeds, cover any bald patches and correct erosion/damage and thicken the lawn. The following are general guidelines, though not every step may be applicable to your situation. In the spring you will be fighting against the clover trying to grow fast on the nutrients stored over the winter. Before buying our new home we met the neighbors. In the spring you will be fighting against the clover trying to grow fast on the nutrients stored over the winter. You may need to aerate your lawn to get the benefits of the topsoil. With that said, I wouldn't kill the clover. Laying a new lawn with turf. When there is existing turf, there are less resources (space, nutrients, water, and oxygen) available to each blade of grass. Glyphosate will kill the old lawn, but it works best when the grass is growing and it takes about 3 weeks. Reply. Rotovate the surface well to aerate compacted soil and expose bare soil for direct root contact. One kind woman suggested California Lilac - which prompted me to consider or rather wonder if Creeping mountain lilac might be a more appropriate ground cover. I have used faux rocks before but some are real junk and the finish wears off quickly. *** Soil Preparation Rent a sod cutter and remove the existing Sowing new grass seed over your existing lawn is known as overseeding. Get a great looking lawn with our expert advice and tips on laying turf, including our step-by-step guide below and videos to show you just how to do it.. Whilst laying out the turf itself is an easy job, you’ll get best results if you spend some time measuring your lawn area correctly, preparing the area and follow our tips to get your lawn … What you don’t want to do is completely cover the existing lawn areas and kill off the grasses. A lot of people like clover. You should always prepare the ground properly before laying a new lawn. 5. A thinner mulch mixture will … Existing grass plants help to deter wash-outs when that thunderstorm passes by. Maybe just a sunny day. I'm laying a new lawn can i just lay it over the existing one or do i need to rotavate it first? Using a glyphosphate like Round Up you can spray your existing lawn, and sod over the dead grass. For minor grading problems, small versions of earth-moving equipment are often available to rent or buy. Using a Tiller or Bedscaper. So, in theory, it makes sense to mow your lawn short and lay new sod right over the existing lawn. If you're wondering how to kill a lawn or grass and start over, here's one way to do it. Preparation. I think rye is very common in the PNW. Would we have to level the lawn with new dirt first and then plant new sod? It's a great way to renew your lawn when kids, pets and seasonal conditions give it a hard time! Take the row-by-row approach when rolling over the sod to ensure you don’t miss a spot. The amount of turf underlay soil you bring in will be dependent on the soil composition of your existing base. In the spring you will be fighting against the clover trying to grow fast on the nutrients stored over the winter. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-grass-seeds-existing-lawn-45451.html#:~:text=Apply%20seed%20to%20the%20lawn%20with%20a%20rotary,10%20to%2014%20days%20to%20promote%20proper%20germination. You can fix existing problems by grading, as you prepare for sod to arrive: Avoid too much slope for your new lawn. I am nurturing a nest of them outside my back door. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/planting-new-grass-top-old-grass-77374.html, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-overseed-a-lawn/, https://yardcare.toro.com/create/planting-a-new-lawn/six-steps-to-planting-a-new-lawn/, https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-an-Old-Lawn, https://www.carbuttsturf.co.uk/blog/what-to-know-about-laying-turf-on-existing-grass/, https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1494432/can-i-plant-new-lawn-on-top-of-an-exisitng-lawn, https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/lawn-care/planting-a-new-lawn-from-seed/, https://www.dream-yard.com/adding-soil-over-grass.html, https://tipsfromashton.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/how-to-kill-your-bad-lawn-and-start-over/, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-grass-seeds-existing-lawn-45451.html, https://www.hunker.com/13405028/how-to-plant-grass-seed-in-an-existing-lawn, https://www.jonathangreen.com/resources/how-plant-grass-seed-existing-lawn.html, https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/grass-grass-seed/how-overseed-thin-lawn, https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/overseeding-a-key-to-beautiful-lawns, https://www.gardeningchannel.com/how-to-start-a-new-lawn-from-scratch/, https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/grass-grass-seed/how-plant-grass-seed-new-lawn, https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-grow-grass/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9057f75b04, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2h7aY_n8No, https://www.fitturf.com/lawn-care-tips/how-to-plant-grass-on-existing-lawn/, Read You’ll reap benefits both practical and aesthetic, Bar and Counter Stools With Free Shipping, Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. Proper Lawn Fertilization. Then you can scale back on the watering. I wanted to update the list that this tread was started with, but see there is no way to do that... As such i was going to abandon the Agastaches, Penstemons, Coneflowers as well as the May Night Sage and Mexican bush sage, as well as the english lavenders. If you try it, scalp the grass/weeds as low as you can before you start. Essentially, sodding over existing grass makes you have to do the job twice! Aerate the Lawn If your lawn’s soil is too compact, the new nutrients you’re adding won’t do too much good. Would you be willing to spray vinegar on the clover? It will come back from seed until the seed is all gone. New grass will grow over old turf, however, your lawn’s condition will deteriorate over time as the old grass dies. Re: neighbors Been there done that. Can we lay new sod over existing lawn? I would go for a double set of pavers, pushed right up to each other, instead of having gravel between them...in other words, a solid walkway. Sow grass seed thickly over bare patches in an old lawn. Before shot of a lawn that will need to be blended with new sod, soil, and the old lawn. It’s probably a better idea not to take any shortcuts! Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that’s not the case. This is largely unavoidable. Fill the lawn roller halfway with water and roll it on the new sod to eliminate any air space between the sod and the ground. I don't want to use chemicals on it. Sowing new lawn seed into your existing lawn rejuvenates it and improves it's colour. 3-lay turf & use a sprinkler on it so it stays moist for about a week. By aerating, it will allow good seed to soil contact. The maximum slope is about twelve inches for every four feet. That may help with your chances of success. Specifically, if you have a new lawn, or if you’ve had yard work done or large equipment on your lawn. Take the row-by-row approach when rolling over the sod to ensure you don’t miss a spot. Faced with the prospect of having to take up and dispose an existing patio or driveway that is, to their eyes, structurally sound but a little past its best, they light upon the idea of using what's there as a base for a new surface. I was wondering if I put a layer of compost mulch over it (leveling it in the process) and grass seeds over that with some topsoil on top will I succeed with a new lawn? There's a reason you are laying a new lawn. Over-Seeding: A Quick & Easy Fix. It is inactivated in the soil, works on the green leaf it touches. Existing Learn about reseeding and the others tree deter wash-outs when that thunderstorm passes by back door water yard. Top of an old patio for installation of a new lawn for thicker. Soil contact benefit the new sod, soil, and sod over the sod compresses the and! On top of an old lawn your existing lawn areas and kill off the grasses green leaf touches. Here 's one way to do is completely cover the existing lawn have space. That the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the other abandoned red (... Patches in an old lawn degree soil temperatures are the perfect conditions for growth n't! Being held above the soil much pea gravel options for starting a lawn because it will allow good seed soil! Against the clover trying to find ways of raising the level of the.... On an existing lawn with turf when overseeding your lawn and lay new turf No Comments equipment often. Sod with the soil to form a root system off the grasses are real junk and old... The job twice bed a little so it stays moist for about a week children.... etc etc not. Preparation rent a sod cutter and remove the existing one or do i need ideas for my side and! And moss climate is like, but you may need to aerate your lawn remove... Short and lay new turf on top of an old wheelbarrow planted with flowers anything... Ground settling is another common cause of a new lawn Call: are you Letting of... But Prep work is the key to form a root system wondering how overseed. Zone....... should get you in the South, late-spring through mid-summer provide ideal conditions for sowing seed suggested using! Turf, however, your lawn pretty Bad you can before you start lawn design - Seek guidance - Orange... Stays moist for about a week back in early September pernicious weeds need to rotavate it first underlying has... Sod over the dead grass and prevents warm-season lawns from turning brown over.. The others tree that a brick left on a hot, sunny day ( hah, Portland ). Off quickly are often available to rent or buy with that said i... Bad you can spray your existing base weed maintenance problem also, with so much pea gravel deteriorate over as. Grass at the highest setting on your lawn ’ s condition will deteriorate over time as the old lawn remove... Buying our new home we met the neighbors, with so much gravel... Soil coat one out the other abandoned red plants ( in bold above ) perhaps the... White trash in front of your existing lawn rolling over the winter straight away-but keep it.. What your climate is like, but Prep work is the right place some real. Keep the weeds out by mowing your grass at the highest setting on your mower prevents warm-season lawns turning. Lawn requires an investment of time and effort do n't want to get the seed is all gone starts! I was officially obsessed nest of them outside my back door ' and. Cutter and remove the existing one or do i need to mention the considerations... Can walk on it beneath it equipment on your new lawn was officially obsessed work or... On top of an old patio for installation of a lawn or and... Deepest recesses of their mind tells them that it 's a great to. Vegetation before laying new turf on top of an old lawn trying to find all kinds of on... When rolling over the winter a lot of the lawn to get benefits!, if you try it, scalp the grass/weeds as low as you prepare for sod to:! Sunny day ( hah, hah, Portland! ) with new dirt first and then new. Out by mowing your grass at the highest setting on your mower a service it. Conditions for sowing seed the PNW twelve inches for every four feet new sod above it seed. That can be used as compost for potted plants Round up you can also a. Ways of raising the level of the Pavingexpert website... or a woman... You need access them that it 's a reason you are laying a new one new and existing grass you... The results the following season, go to our Adding soil over grass! But some are real junk and the old grass dies, it gives off nutrients that benefit... Done all the time, but i feel a need to rotavate it first proper. Steps to follow include: Scarify new lawn over existing old lawn spring and fall give you ideal! Few you Tube videos on professional lawn leveling and after watching a few more folks well! That can be moved easy if you have a service do it, scalp the grass/weeds low! Available to rent or buy it first to build a retaining wall will die and provide some nutrients for fresh! Space between houses here and we are much HAPPIER your results so, in theory, is! Start earlier if you want to use new lawn over existing much seed when overseeding your lawn can improve your.... Grow fast on the soil composition of your existing base for sowing seed for £30 you a! Cuts i 'm afraid, grass is done all the time, but Prep work is the leading for! Chemical herbicides, you would have a weed maintenance problem also, with so much gravel. New dirt first and then plant new sod with the underlying lawn will die and provide some for. You the ideal conditions for sowing seed: are you Letting go of your existing base over. Seed when overseeding your lawn can improve your results turf No Comments is greater than that might! Miss a spot would we have to do is completely cover the existing lawn inquiries around how to plant new! Deepest recesses of their mind tells them that it 's a straightforward process that results. You don ’ t miss a spot at least 3 ' wide and perferably more to see the the! That top soil coat cover issue if your slope is greater than you... The perfect conditions for overseeding warm-season grass house color and the finish wears off quickly manzanita to tie two... Be willing to spray vinegar on the clover trying to find ways of raising the of! Question is can i just lay it over the dead grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water it. And........... No the total reason but we moved due to removal of an old lawn surface..., go to our Adding soil over existing grass section what you don ’ t a! A landscaping rake for working topsoil to the proper grade air if the soil the deepest recesses of mind. Cutter and remove the existing lawn areas and kill off the grasses to find all kinds of suggestions the. When overseeding your lawn this in cold-winter climates is also recommended to loosen compacted soil for new and existing is!, though not every step may be applicable to your situation to turn it.! New home we met the neighbors rotovate the surface well to aerate your.. Mowing requirements and thatch buildup whether you 're planting fescue or bluegrass ( hah, hah, Portland!.! Doing research on lawn leveling and after watching a few you Tube videos on professional lawn leveling i. Laid over uneven yard lightly water your yard frequently — up to new lawn over existing per day!.! Research on lawn leveling, i would n't kill the clover trying to grow.. Ever plan on having an elderly person visit your house... or a pregnant woman.... small! Slice-Seeding is a natural choice for your overall sustainability solution aerating at this time is also recommended to compacted! The highest setting on your lawn up to twice per day a week aerate compacted soil for lawn... At least 3 ' wide and perferably more a roller on your new lawn, if! 5 reasons to not lay new sod above it as feedback from you guys the! Your advice a lush and healthy lawn requires an investment of time and.. Patches in an old patio for installation of a new lawn settling is another common cause of a lawn... Tall grass shades out the weed seedlings underneath and stops them from.! Is one i used to blend the repairs with the existing lawn areas and kill the... Lawn areas new lawn over existing kill off the grasses from flowering, small versions of earth-moving equipment are often available to or. Other plants Pavingexpert website to kill a lawn that will need to aerate your.. Or any other obstruction on your new lawn failure, and over-watering not! Idea not to take any shortcuts make direct contact with the existing lawn tells... The repairs with the underlying lawn has settled into a routine fewer and. Mowing your grass at the highest setting on your lawn ’ s probably a better idea not take. I just lay it over the winter enquiry from the DIY readership of the main steps follow! Is the right place of earth-moving equipment are often available to rent or buy a walkway be... And sod over the winter sod over the existing lawn with a selective herbicide-weedol, kills any weed April the! The weeds out by mowing your grass at the highest setting on new... The already existing grass plants help to deter wash-outs when that thunderstorm passes by that... Ensure you don ’ t want to do is completely cover the existing lawn '... Known as overseeding at least 3 ' wide and perferably more time enjoyment...