Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below. New sod cannot be placed over existing growth, so to prepare your lawn, kill all the weeds and stray plant life. Some gardeners theorize that leaving a layer of grass beneath new sod affects the sod's ability to take root in the soil and increases the chance that the new lawn will die from lack of nutrients, including the vital need for moisture. Do Not Lay Sod Over Old Turf Unfortunately, the answer is exactly the one you were probably hoping it wouldn’t be. Nope. You may consider adding a layer of topsoil on top of existing grass, or, better yet, remove old sod with a sod … For more information, please read our privacy policy, How to Lay Sod over Existing Lawn (Quick Guide 2021 Update), Best Sprinkler Heads 2019 Buying Guide (Updated). As professional turf layers we know that’s a recipe for a ruined lawn, for a variety of reasons. We can see why you’d think it could be a good strategy – like laying landscaping fabric, sod could starve existing grass for sunlight and effectively kill off the original layer. There are few factors that can hinder your grass from growing. This stresses your new lawn and can result in dead patches. Typically, they charge for all of the steps, which can include hauling away your old lawn. You can do that, but we do not advise it. Placing new sod over old will raise the height of the area. White started his career as a sportswriter and later worked as associate editor for Maintenance Sales News and as the assistant editor for "The Observer," a daily newspaper based in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. White has written more than 2,000 news and sports stories for newspapers and websites. The nutrients that exist in sod are minimal, and sod can dry out or begin to struggle due to a lack of nutrients. Whether or not to remove the old grass before laying sod is a long-standing debate. Most homeowners go to the expense—in both work and actual financial burden—of removing their lawns before applying sod. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Once the sod dies, you will end up having to re-sod again and remove all of the lawn underneath as well. … Though it is generally thought to be OK to lay sod over an existing lawn, some landscapers and homeowners prefer to remove any existing lawn before installation of sod. This option will save you money on … The major secret to laying sod and being successful is for it to take roots and acquire as many nutrients as possible since sod has limited nutrients. Sod, though, can be applied directly over existing grass. If you want to install sod on bare ground, till the soil. Start by dampening the soil with a sprinkler or hose, then rake out any footprints you’ve … 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! 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. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. February 6, 2018. The lawn does not need to be treated with herbicide. Ideally, you should wait seven to 10 days after the last application of Roundup before laying new sod. Laying sod involves adding several inches of soil and roots as well as the grass. The conditions in your lawn may not be good for your turf grass to flourish because they keep drying up and dying each time you plant grass seeds. Best grain free dog food for skin allergies. A lush lawn is a sight to behold. Laying sod is hard work: little wonder people are always looking for a shortcut when landscaping their yard. I'm Julia, a gardener at heart and full-time blogger. My neighbors house was built 3 years ago and it had some grass and some field grass, the came in and sodded over the whole thing. This is because the sod cannot survive if you lay it on top of existing grass. Share it with your friends, too! You should also test a soil sample if you are laying sod over grass. This article is for you. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. 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. Should laying new grass on an old turf be done? Provide your sod with a conducive environment that will encourage roots to spread and regardless of whether you lay the sod over bare ground or grass it will flourish. If you want the new sod to look its best and with no old weeds or old grass growing through it, till the ground and remove the old grass first. 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. Also, you do not need to till your yard. ​A week before laying the sod, water your lawn and let the water settle in. How to measure a dog for a harness? Let us take this opportunity to quench your thirst about knowing that how to lay sod over the existing lawn in the most existing manner. The advantage of laying sod is that it requires less attention compared to planted grass seeds and it survives all the diverse weather conditions. 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. Based in Central Florida, Ron White has worked as professional journalist since 2001. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Sod is an instant remedy for an old weedy yard or after construction has ruined what lawn there was. The main problem with this job is that it can be difficult for the root system of your new lawn to grow in properly. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. 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. Should laying new grass on an old turf be done? The sod takes several weeks for the roots to spread out then you can start fertilizing it after about seven weeks after laying it. When you lay sod in your yard, its health relies heavily on its ability to develop roots in the soil, where nutrients and water needed for growth are available. When you are replacing a patch of dry sod, measure the area that you will replace and cut your new sod according to the area you have measured. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Bob Vila:Laying Sod: Shortcut to a Beautiful Lawn. If your grass has died, one option is to lay new turf however, another option is to reseed over the existing sod or turf. Why not to lay turf over old grass. When you are unrolling the sod on your lawn you might leave some gaps between sod rolls; fill this space with soil. The sod should quickly take root in your soil, adhering to the existing lawn after just a few weeks. This can place the grass line higher than sidewalk areas, leaving space for erosion to damage the new sod. If you lay fresh sod on top of an existing lawn, you’ve made it very difficult for your new sod’s roots to reach the soil bed. Laying sod is hard work: little wonder people are always looking for a shortcut when landscaping their yard. Lay the Sod. You may also like . Then, lay compost atop … One of … It might look good for a couple of weeks with proper watering, but it cannot survive in these conditions! When laying fresh sod, it is a general rule that the roots should have direct contact … Sodding is normally required when your lawn grass becomes dead for some reason or it could also be some patch of dead grass in your lawn… You can’t simply lay sod on top of grass without doing proper preparation. This can place the grass line higher than sidewalk areas, leaving space for erosion to damage the new sod. It has always looked great!! The faster it takes root, the better it performs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. “All sod must make soil contact to root,” she points out. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches with a mechanized tiller to break up the grass and its root system. Based on the pictures and updates in the previous thread it looks like you're the one that did the clearing. The cost for laying sod will depend on the size of the area you are covering. Why not to lay turf over old grass. Because sod is much more expensive than grass seed, many individuals avoid sodding over grass out of fear that it will lead to the demise of the new sod. Applying sod directly over grass is advantageous because it requires less work. I want to share my experiences with, tips and tricks that I have learned from my time gardening, I hope to share these amazing tips, tricks, with other gardening lovers, just like me! “Therefore, the existing grass / lawn must be extremely … Some professional landscapers support saying it has worked before, and others discourage … So this is all about how to lay sod over an existing lawn to get the desired results without any issues. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University. 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! February 15, 2016. We can see why you’d think it could be a good strategy – like laying landscaping fabric, sod could starve existing grass for sunlight and effectively kill off the original layer. This article is for you. First of all, a few of the reasons why NOT to lay turf over old grass… This option will save you money on excavation costs of removing the old soil and grass. 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. Start by watering the area and spraying an herbicide over the entire yard. Obviously if you … This ensures all weeds are dead and the glyphosate has degraded and will not harm new grass. My goal isn’t just to give you facts. 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. in case you do no longer, the recent sod will die off in some weeks because of the fact the roots won't have the skill to penetrate the previous useless grass below it. This often means less expense. Through experience, it is not best to lay sod over existing grass. Sodding your lawn is a quick and easy way to replace struggling or dying turfgrass. It also leaves a gap for lawn pests to get into the new sod. Spending time in the dirt surrounded by my plants and nature is the best way to spend my time. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. The main problem with this job is that it can be difficult for the root system of your new lawn … There is no enough evidence to choose a side on whether you can lay Sod over existing grass. you should water the recent backyard oftentimes, too, to maintain it from dying. Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that’s not the case. Lay new sod in the spring or fall for the best results. How to Place Sod Over Existing Grass. This is particularly true if you are hiring people to sod your lawn. Laying sod involves adding several inches of soil and roots as well as the grass. Essentially, sodding over existing grass makes you have to do … Although more expense than seed, sod can be applied to your lawn in a single day. And these are nice neighborhoods with beautiful lawns. Use a lawn roller to … In some cases, it might be possible. As professional turf layers we know that’s a recipe for a ruined lawn… There’s the “remove it all” camp, the “till it in” camp, and the “just lay the sod on top” camp, with all … Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that’s not the case. Grass provides a functional ground cover in yards and parks as well as guarding against soil erosion along … There are differing opinions about this topic, which is why you should talk to a sodding professional near you to find out if it’s possible to lay sod over your particular lawn. You can purchase a soil test from most garden centers, and you can have the soil sample tested by your local extension service. This could be because only a small portion of your lawn is dead and therefore laying new … When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod … For example, some landscapers remove grass before applying sod near sidewalks and driveways, where it is better to have the base of the soil even with the hard surfaces. Most people result to laying sod to give their lawn the beautiful and classic green look. Placing new sod over old will raise the height of the area. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. First of all, a few of the reasons why NOT to lay turf over old grass. There are three ways to … Plant your sod over an existing lawn, while still ensuring good sod to soil contact. Can You Lay Sod Over Grass or Existing Lawn? So, in theory, it makes sense to mow your lawn short and lay new sod right over the existing lawn. The main nutrient that the dead grass layer provides is nitrogen. ! If your ground is already bare, you only need to grade it to ensure that it is level and drains water well. Now, your new lawn’s roots must work twice as hard to penetrate the … Some lawncare experts shy away from applying sod over existing grass when they are concerned about the level of the sod in comparison with other surfaces. March 1, 2018. You do need to take out the old turf before you put in new sod. You also need to test your soil to determine if nutrients should be added. 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! For example, some professionals say the new sod will kill the existing grass underneath and release nutrients that will benefit the new sod. You may consider adding a layer of topsoil on top of existing grass, or, better yet, remove old sod with a sod … Call 281-431-7441. He specializes in sports and business. The roots can dry out rapidly during hot summer days. Adding soil over grass can be another effective form of repairing a lawn. Ensure that the lawn I even before laying sod. However, you should also … Sod also requires much less care than sown seed. I am in Texas and literally all of the neighborhoods around here lay St. Augustine sod right on top[ of the existing lawn. Leekgarden.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. At the very least we recommend that you cut the existing grass down with a weed eater and then lay the grass over that. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Deal with old sod. However, sod is expensive as compared to planting grass seeds but if you look at the expenses of maintaining your turf grass and sod, you may see sod as the cheaper option. Adding soil over grass can be another effective form of repairing a lawn. ​There is no enough evidence to choose a side on whether you can lay Sod over existing grass. 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. Remove the dry sod and dig at least 2 inches or as much as you will be required to ensure that the new sod is on the same level as the rest of your lawn. It also leaves a gap for lawn pests to get into the new sod. Top 10 Dishwashers reviews. It takes a few weeks for sod to take roots but if the roots are obstructed the sod lacks nutrients and dries up. How to Keep Birds from Eating Grass Seed: 6 Easy Ways. 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