Laying turf over an existing lawn can be a convenient way to rejuvenate your outdoor space and achieve a lush, green yard. This method saves time and effort compared to starting from scratch, but it requires careful preparation to ensure the new turf thrives.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to lay turf over existing lawn so that you can get back to using it in no time! So grab your tools, and let’s get started! By following the right steps of how to lay turf over existing lawn, you can create a healthy, vibrant lawn that enhances the beauty of your garden.
Pros and Cons of Turfing Over Existing Grass
Before you begin the process of laying turf over an existing lawn, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you decide if this method is right for your yard.
Pros:
- Time-Saving: One of the biggest benefits is the significant time saved compared to removing the old lawn completely. Instead of starting from scratch, you can achieve a transformed yard in a fraction of the time.
- Easy Installation: Laying turf over existing grass is generally straightforward and requires fewer steps, making it ideal for those looking for a quick solution.
- Preserves Soil Structure: By leaving the existing grass in place, you help maintain the natural structure of the soil, which can benefit the new turf.
- Cost-Effective: Skipping the removal of the old grass can save money on labor and equipment.
Cons:
- Risk of Poor Root Establishment: New turf may struggle to root properly if laid over a thick, uneven layer of old grass, leading to potential patchy growth.
- Drainage Issues: If the underlying grass is too dense or unhealthy, it can impede water drainage, causing the new turf to become soggy or prone to disease.
- Uneven Surface: If the existing lawn is not leveled or smoothed out beforehand, the final yard may end up looking bumpy and uneven.
- Potential Weed Problems: Old grass might still harbor weeds, which can grow through the new turf and affect its appearance over time.
By considering these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision and prepare accordingly to ensure your turfing project is a success!
10 Methods How to Lay Turf over Existing Lawn
1. Assess the Condition of the Existing Lawn
Before you begin laying new turf, it’s important to assess the condition of your existing lawn. If your current grass is patchy, full of weeds, or overrun by moss, it may be a good idea to remove it completely or at least remove the problematic sections. If the lawn is mostly healthy, but uneven or thinning in spots, laying new turf directly over it can work well. Look for areas with drainage problems or poor soil, and make note of these as they may need additional attention when laying the new turf. You should also assess the root health of the existing lawn to avoid compacted areas that could inhibit proper growth of the new turf.
2. Prepare the Lawn Surface
Preparing the surface of your existing lawn is crucial to ensure the new turf establishes itself well. Start by mowing your lawn as low as possible to remove excess grass and allow the turf to make better contact with the soil. Rake the area thoroughly to remove grass clippings, debris, and any dead grass. If there are uneven areas, use a shovel or garden rake to level the surface and smooth out low spots. For larger depressions, fill them with a mixture of soil and compost to create a more even surface. After leveling, lightly rake the soil once more to ensure it’s loose and ready to receive the new turf.
3. Loosen the Soil for Better Turf Establishment
Loosening the soil under the existing grass is an important step to ensure that the new turf has good contact with the soil and can root properly. If the lawn is compacted or the soil has become hard over time, it will be difficult for the new turf to establish itself. Use a garden fork or lawn aerator to loosen the top few inches of soil. This process not only improves drainage but also provides air and nutrients to the turf roots, facilitating better establishment. Be careful not to disturb the existing grass too much, but focus on loosening the compacted areas for improved soil quality.
4. Apply a Layer of Soil or Compost
Once the soil is loosened, it’s time to apply a thin layer of fresh topsoil or compost. This layer provides a nutrient-rich environment for the new turf to settle and establish its roots. Spread the soil evenly across the existing lawn with a spreader or by hand, ensuring that it covers the soil beneath the grass evenly. You should apply enough to create a consistent layer of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The added layer helps with moisture retention and improves soil fertility, creating an ideal foundation for the new turf.
5. Ensure Proper Irrigation Setup
Watering is key to the success of your new turf. Make sure your existing lawn has a proper irrigation system in place before laying the turf, as keeping the turf hydrated is critical during the establishment phase. If you’re working with a manual watering system, ensure you have the necessary tools like hoses and sprinklers available. After the soil preparation, water the existing lawn lightly to ensure it is moist but not soggy. You want to encourage the roots of the new turf to take hold, so consistent moisture is essential for the first few weeks. If the area has poor drainage, you may need to address this with additional soil amendments or drainage systems.
6. Lay the Turf Rolls or Sod
Once the soil is prepared and moist, it’s time to lay the turf rolls or sod. Start laying the rolls from one corner of the garden and work your way across, staggering the seams like bricks to prevent noticeable lines. Make sure the edges of the turf pieces are tightly butted together to avoid gaps where weeds could grow through. If using sod, ensure that the edges meet perfectly without overlapping. This tight placement is important to ensure that there’s no drying out of the turf and that roots can integrate well with the underlying soil. Try to avoid stepping on the newly laid turf to prevent any damage to the sod.
7. Trim the Turf to Fit the Lawn Edges
Once the turf is laid across the lawn, you may find that there are areas where the edges of the turf overlap with flower beds, walkways, or other boundaries. Use a sharp knife or lawn edger to trim the edges of the turf to fit neatly around these obstacles. Be careful to cut straight lines to create a clean, professional-looking edge. You can use a flat board to gently tap the turf into place as you trim the edges, ensuring that the turf stays aligned and secure.
8. Roll the Turf to Ensure Good Soil Contact
After all the turf has been laid, it’s time to roll the area with a lawn roller. This helps ensure that the turf is making good contact with the soil beneath and prevents any air pockets from forming, which could hinder the rooting process. Water the turf lightly again after rolling it to settle it further. If there are any air pockets or areas that appear uneven after rolling, gently lift the turf, add a bit of soil underneath, and roll again until the turf is flat and secure. The goal is to create a tight bond between the turf and the soil to facilitate the establishment of roots.
9. Water Regularly to Encourage Root Growth
After laying the turf, the most important step is consistent and proper watering. Water the newly laid turf immediately after installation to help it settle. Then, for the first few weeks, water the area thoroughly every day or every other day, depending on weather conditions. The grass should remain consistently moist during this period but should never be soaking wet. Gradually reduce watering frequency as the turf becomes established. By keeping the soil moist, you encourage the turf’s roots to grow deeper and stronger, ensuring that the lawn survives the transition to its new surface.
10. Maintain the Lawn Post-Installation
Once the turf is laid and established, it’s important to continue maintaining it properly. This includes mowing regularly, fertilizing periodically, and continuing a consistent watering schedule. After the first few weeks of growth, you can reduce the frequency of watering and switch to a more standard lawn care routine. Additionally, consider applying a light fertilizer to support the ongoing growth of the grass. By following proper maintenance practices, you can ensure that your new turf thrives and becomes a vibrant, green addition to your lawn.
Conclusion
Laying turf over an existing lawn is a practical solution for revitalizing a yard and achieving a lush, green lawn quickly. By following these ten steps—from preparing the lawn surface and loosening the soil to watering regularly and maintaining the turf—you can ensure that the new turf has the best possible chance to thrive. A well-installed lawn provides long-lasting beauty and enjoyment, and with the right techniques, you’ll have a stunning lawn in no time.
