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! Adding soil over grass can be another effective form of repairing a lawn. 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. 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. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. 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. This is because the sod cannot survive if you lay it on top of existing grass. Adding soil over grass can be another effective form of repairing a lawn. Best grain free dog food for skin allergies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Some professional landscapers support saying it has worked before, and others discourage … you should water the recent backyard oftentimes, too, to maintain it from dying. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. You can purchase a soil test from most garden centers, and you can have the soil sample tested by your local extension service. ​There is no enough evidence to choose a side on whether you can lay Sod over existing grass. First of all, a few of the reasons why NOT to lay turf over old grass. At the very least we recommend that you cut the existing grass down with a weed eater and then lay the grass over that. Sod, though, can be applied directly over existing grass. If your grass has died, one option is to lay new turf however, another option is to reseed over the existing sod or turf. ​A week before laying the sod, water your lawn and let the water settle in. Laying sod involves adding several inches of soil and roots as well as the grass. Start by watering the area and spraying an herbicide over the entire yard. It also leaves a gap for lawn pests to get into the new sod. And these are nice neighborhoods with beautiful lawns. The main problem with this job is that it can be difficult for the root system of your new lawn … 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. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Spending time in the dirt surrounded by my plants and nature is the best way to spend my time. However, you should also … Then, lay compost atop … Deal with old sod. The main nutrient that the dead grass layer provides is nitrogen. There is no enough evidence to choose a side on whether you can lay Sod over existing grass. Use a lawn roller to … 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. If your old lawn just has a small, pitiful remnant, put it out of its misery and scrape … He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University. If you want to install sod on bare ground, till the soil. The sod takes several weeks for the roots to spread out then you can start fertilizing it after about seven weeks after laying it. 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! This article is for you. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. This stresses your new lawn and can result in dead patches. “All sod must make soil contact to root,” she points out. 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. Based in Central Florida, Ron White has worked as professional journalist since 2001. Start by dampening the soil with a sprinkler or hose, then rake out any footprints you’ve … When you are unrolling the sod on your lawn you might leave some gaps between sod rolls; fill this space with soil. This often means less expense. 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. In this video, Houston Grass South Owner, Michael Romine answers the question, “can I lay sod over grass or existing lawn.” Michael was raised in the grass business, working on the family grass … So, in theory, it makes sense to mow your lawn short and lay new sod right over the existing lawn. Through experience, it is not best to lay sod over existing grass. Plant your sod over an existing lawn, while still ensuring good sod to soil contact. Essentially, sodding over existing grass makes you have to do … 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. This is particularly true if you are hiring people to sod your lawn. A lush lawn is a sight to behold. ! Top 10 Dishwashers reviews. 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. The main problem with this job is that it can be difficult for the root system of your new lawn to grow in properly. The roots can dry out rapidly during hot summer days. This option will save you money on … As professional turf layers we know that’s a recipe for a ruined lawn, for a variety of reasons. There’s the “remove it all” camp, the “till it in” camp, and the “just lay the sod on top” camp, with all … Leekgarden.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. 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. New sod cannot be placed over existing growth, so to prepare your lawn, kill all the weeds and stray plant life. So this is all about how to lay sod over an existing lawn to get the desired results without any issues. Should laying new grass on an old turf be done? March 1, 2018. 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. February 6, 2018. How to Keep Birds from Eating Grass Seed: 6 Easy Ways. Placing new sod over old will raise the height of the area. This can place the grass line higher than sidewalk areas, leaving space for erosion to damage 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 … The faster it takes root, the better it performs. He specializes in sports and business. If your ground is already bare, you only need to grade it to ensure that it is level and drains water well. When laying fresh sod, it is a general rule that the roots should have direct contact … Sod also requires much less care than sown seed. It also leaves a gap for lawn pests to get into the new sod. Can You Lay Sod Over Grass or Existing Lawn? Ensure that the lawn I even before laying sod. How to Place Sod Over Existing Grass. 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! It has always looked great!! You should also test a soil sample if you are laying sod over grass. You also need to test your soil to determine if nutrients should be added. Now, your new lawn’s roots must work twice as hard to penetrate the … My goal isn’t just to give you facts. You may consider adding a layer of topsoil on top of existing grass, or, better yet, remove old sod with a sod … This article is for you. 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. 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. You may also like . “Therefore, the existing grass / lawn must be extremely … 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. There are few factors that can hinder your grass from growing. I am in Texas and literally all of the neighborhoods around here lay St. Augustine sod right on top[ of the existing lawn. Ideally, you should wait seven to 10 days after the last application of Roundup before laying new sod. Whether or not to remove the old grass before laying sod is a long-standing debate. How to measure a dog for a harness? For example, some professionals say the new sod will kill the existing grass underneath and release nutrients that will benefit the new sod. 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… 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. This can place the grass line higher than sidewalk areas, leaving space for erosion to damage the new sod. Grass provides a functional ground cover in yards and parks as well as guarding against soil erosion along … 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! The lawn does not need to be treated with herbicide. The sod should quickly take root in your soil, adhering to the existing lawn after just a few weeks. Once the sod dies, you will end up having to re-sod again and remove all of the lawn underneath as well. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches with a mechanized tiller to break up the grass and its root system. 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. 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. Most homeowners go to the expense—in both work and actual financial burden—of removing their lawns before applying sod. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. 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). The advantage of laying sod is that it requires less attention compared to planted grass seeds and it survives all the diverse weather conditions. 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. The cost for laying sod will depend on the size of the area you are covering. Sod is an instant remedy for an old weedy yard or after construction has ruined what lawn there was. Typically, they charge for all of the steps, which can include hauling away your old lawn. Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that’s not the case. Most people result to laying sod to give their lawn the beautiful and classic green look. Obviously if you … Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that’s not the case. You can do that, but we do not advise it. you should till at last up the previous grass and airborne dirt and dirt so as that the recent sod can take root. Although more expense than seed, sod can be applied to your lawn in a single day. This ensures all weeds are dead and the glyphosate has degraded and will not harm new grass. … This option will save you money on excavation costs of removing the old soil and grass. 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. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Bob Vila:Laying Sod: Shortcut to a Beautiful Lawn. Should laying new grass on an old turf be done? 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. 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. Also, you do not need to till your yard. Laying sod is hard work: little wonder people are always looking for a shortcut when landscaping their yard. The nutrients that exist in sod are minimal, and sod can dry out or begin to struggle due to a lack of nutrients. One of … This could be because only a small portion of your lawn is dead and therefore laying new … 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. First of all, a few of the reasons why NOT to lay turf over old 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. You can’t simply lay sod on top of grass without doing proper preparation. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod … Based on the pictures and updates in the previous thread it looks like you're the one that did the clearing. Lay new sod in the spring or fall for the best results. Placing new sod over old will raise the height of the area. 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. Nope. Call 281-431-7441. Share it with your friends, too! Laying sod is hard work: little wonder people are always looking for a shortcut when landscaping their yard. 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. Why not to lay turf over old grass. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. Do Not Lay Sod Over Old Turf Unfortunately, the answer is exactly the one you were probably hoping it wouldn’t be. I'm Julia, a gardener at heart and full-time blogger. You do need to take out the old turf before you put in new sod. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below. Sodding your lawn is a quick and easy way to replace struggling or dying turfgrass. Lay the Sod. There are three ways to … As professional turf layers we know that’s a recipe for a ruined lawn… 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. So, in theory, it makes sense to mow your lawn short and lay new sod right over the existing lawn. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Applying sod directly over grass is advantageous because it requires less work. It takes a few weeks for sod to take roots but if the roots are obstructed the sod lacks nutrients and dries up. 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