The home is a new construction.2. While it seems like a great idea, layering sod on top of existing turf isn’t likely to fare well unless the underlying turf is very sparse. Based on the questions I get from customers, there are two common situations that lead someone to want to put down sod.1. However, laying sod on the existing grass would be difficult for the roots to reach the soil because of the added layer in between them, which is the grass from your existing lawn. For a guide on how to properly install sod, check out our full 7-step guide. The previous lawn died and needs to be replaced. However, if you’re having problems with dead spots in your lawn, I’d definitely recommend digging out the sod before patching, and here’s why. You can't simply lay sod on top of grass without doing proper preparation. We're Always There For All Your Outdoor Needs, Call Us Today: +1.416.838.2229 For A FREE Estimate. This puts a tremendous strain on your 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. Whether or not to remove the old grass before laying sod is a long-standing debate. Use a 2- to 4-inch layer of pea gravel to cover landscape fabric. Many would say that laying sod on top of existing grass would be the way to go. For top-dressing a St. Augustine lawn, use either sandy loam soil or clean free-flowing sand. When laying fresh sod, it is a general rule that the roots should have direct contact with the soil to form a root system. If you have a bare or barren patch of yard, sod is a moderately priced way to turn a brown or weedy patch into a thick, green lawn. So you won't have to cut the sod in odd shapes, remove the dead grass so that the prepared area forms a square. The New Grass. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Sod installation prices run from $1.20 to $1.80 per square foot. We manage to use organic material in order to treat your lawn as we follow The Organic Lawn Care Manual. Looks like fine fescue to me (likes to lay down when taller). You might also say that this process will cut down a lot of your time. A thick mat like this, will kill off almost everything under it. Wheelbarrow to carry the old grass that you remove and bring in the fresh soil-, Rake to grade the area and spread the soil –. If you decide to have a new lawn, it is best to remove first the existing lawn before installing the fresh sod. After adding, rake it again to level the soil. You have entered an incorrect email address! Lay sod in spring where cool-season grasses rule and any time of year where warm-season turf is king. Hurrah! … Using a string guide, lay the 1st strip of sod along the string guide to ensure a straight line. Adding fresh grass to your lawn can be done by seed or sod, and both methods have their advantages. With the right machine it is very doable. I use a rotodairon tiller design to shred and bury sod. Sod roots fastest when laid during the period of peak growth for the type of grass involved. Freshly laid sod also needs proper nutrients to thrive and to grow. But it might end up adding more time than it saves. Water it frequently for the next two weeks. What Is The Difference Between Sodding And seeding. Laying sod could be a tough job, and it’s better to look for a process that makes it easier to put a new lawn. Would like your input on this. If you do not, then the old grass will grow up through the cracks between the pieces of sod. The cost for laying sod will depend on the size of the area you are covering. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. A little bit of extra work at the start of the project will ensure that you get to sit back and enjoy your new lawn! Using a glyphosphate like Round Up you can spray your existing lawn, and sod over the dead grass. Laying down grass sod to start or repair a lawn isn’t the hardest yard task, but it is labor intensive and requires knowing more than “green side up.” But don’t be daunted. Costs vary, but in general, expect to pay at least 40 cents a square foot for sod you install yourself. When the new lawn is taken out first, you will notice that the underlying sod beneath has become a slimy mess instead of composted nutrients. When you lay new sod, it’s critical that the roots make direct contact with the soil so that a root system can form. We are a disabled couple and need to know the easiest way to do this. How Do You Grow Grass Over a French Drain? Just keep it moist by watering it thrice on the first week after the sod is installed. Don’t forget to thoroughly water your new sod within half an hour of it being laid. 10 Mow the grass to 2 inches tall when it grows to 3 inches tall. That comes out to $400 for a 1,000-square-foot lawn area. Additionally, the grade is extremely important; the water flow must be proper. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A third thing that can cause grass to thin out and lose its lush appeal over time is a lack of aeration. Our front lawn was newly sodded in 2015. Before you waste your time and money on more sod, make sure you’ve corrected the underlying problem. Height: If you place a patch of sod directly on your lawn, it will be higher than the surrounding soil, and not only will it show, but it will dry out faster than the rest of the lawn. ... the difference in color between the old and new grass and the poor appearance and thin spots in the old lawn … You might also say that this process will cut down a lot of your time. I have a patch of dead grass in my lawn, and I’d like to repair it with sod. Apply at least a 2- to 3-inch layer of topsoil over your cultivated lawn. Listen to and read about the June 18, 2016, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford radio show. Mark each sprinkler head with a small flag. Here’s how to lay sod, in six steps. -David. That way, the new sod can grow a healthy and robust root system, which would make your lawn more resilient, more attractive, and less maintenance. Costs vary, but in general, expect to pay at least 40 cents a square foot for sod you install yourself. Existing grass makes it hard for sod to get the nutrients it needs to survive. 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. 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. A pallet of sod covers 500 square feet, and the price can range from $200 to $400 per pallet. A slightly acidic pH will still be great for faster growth and spreading. Actually, the cost isn’t that much different, and in comparison with pine straw, sod paysfor itself in the long run. Step 1: Prepare your soil. It might look good for a couple of weeks with proper watering, but it cannot survive in these conditions! I have a small tatty slopy lawn about 5ft x 5. Use a garden hose with a sprayer attachment and lightly moisten the surface area. (Almost being the key word). Maintaining your new sod should not be that hard. And since it’s too late to plant grass seed for a successful fall seeding, sod is a great alternative for an instant lawn. Explanation: “All sod must make soil contact to root,” Therefore, the existing grass / lawn must be extremely sparse or you will have to bring in dirt and put it on top before laying the new sod. It is also essential that a fresh sod should be given proper nutrients to thrive and grow. Or turn the sods over so I don’t need as much compost/soil/sand? Can we lay new sod over existing lawn? Proper preparation to the soil and ground beneath the sod is crucial to the success of your lawn. If you need to know how to grow grass from seed, or how to sod, we recommend a visit to our full modules on seeding and sodding for more tips. Sod can be installed anytime in the growing season, except in very high heat. Sod is a big investment and people are concerned that they get a beautiful lawn in return. Keep the edges tight as they dry out faster than those placed in the middle. The author went on to write: “Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. Lay down one section of sod … Adding soil over grass is also not the cheapest option in lawn repair. The lawn is now very uneven and unsightly. If you're using grass seed to overseed your lawn instead of Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick’R Lawn™, it's a good idea to rake in a thin, 0.25-inch layer of enriched soil over your lawn to help the seed settle in. “All sod must make soil contact to root,” she points out. Rake loose concrete away before applying soil. The best way to prevent this fate is to get rid of existing weeds before you lay down sod. Remove and dispose of the existing sod. Laying the sod is the easy part; getting the soil ready so it can keep your sod healthy takes much longer. Keep the fresh lawn moist as you lay it, and water it after. Rake the soil, and remove debris and patches of old grass. 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. Whether a sparse, weedy lawn needs renewing or you’re facing a barren backyard, laying sod is the easy way to an instant, lush lawn. If you put a 6 inch layer of soil down with a layer of sod on top, there will be VERY little chance of anything growing through. DO NOT OVERLAP SOD STRIPS. Water the lawn deeply, soaking the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Whether a sparse, weedy lawn needs renewing or you’re facing a barren backyard, laying sod is the easy way to an instant, lush lawn. Have killed existing Burmuda grass and similiar problem grasses. © 2020 Today’s Homeowner Media. Do I need to dig out the old grass, or can I lay the new sod right on top of it? The cost for laying sod will depend on the size of the area you are covering. While sod cutters create easily removed strips, tillers rip the turf and churn it into the soil. It takes a few weeks for sod to take roots but if the roots are obstructed the sod lacks nutrients and dries up. Lay sod strips tightly together but do not over- lap edges. Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. In this article, we will also provide you with instructions on how to do it correctly and the list of materials and tools needed for such a job. We have some areas in the lawn that are 3 to 4 inches lower than the existing lawn and want to know if we can put sod over them to bring them up to level. A fall installation date will also allow time for the roots to develop prior to the next summer. To form sod to fit curves/ edges a sharp knife must be used. A lot of the soil was washed off and sod was laid over uneven yard. If there are live grass left, it will spoil and affect the roots of the new sod, which will cause brown spots. Additionally, the grade is extremely important; the water flow must be proper. I want to relay a turf lawn but wonder as I need to infill with topsoil/sand and level before relaying new turf whether I can leave the old stuff down. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. If we leave existing grass could we lay a different type of grass over the existing 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. Through experience, it is not best to lay sod over existing grass. Thank you in advance for any help. The best soil for St. Augustine grass is one that is well-drained (like sandy soil) with pH ranges from 5.0 to 8.5. I have rototilled old lawns for over ten years without the removal of sod. If you use a standard tiller the bulk of the grass makes it impossible to work with.My machine shreds and burys the existing grass and rocks. Isn’t ready-to-lay grass so much more expensive than picking up a few bales of pine straw twice a year? If your new lawn is now dead, you will have to remove two layers of sod to have a fresh one. When you cut the sod off, you want to take the sod cutter and go as deep as you possibly can. Run a sod roller on the area to compact the soil of the sod and the topsoil you added. Explanation: “All sod must make soil contact to root,” Therefore, the existing grass / lawn must be extremely sparse or you will have to bring in dirt and put it on top before laying the new sod. Obviously if you do it yourself, it will cost less. 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. I have never been able to determine any down side after doing this thousands of times. Make sure there is a way for water to properly drain from the area. Grass needs to be aerated periodically every few years in order to reestablish proper roots. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. This is also important because the old soil might be taken out along with the old lawn. you might want to use Sod cutter instead of line trimmer and rototiller but you will still have to turn over the soil a bit since the ground is compacted. Take a 14-inch real heavy flat shovel and you can just go ahead and pick them up and put them aside. Would we have to level the lawn with new dirt first and then plant new sod? You can find more information on watering sod in this blog. Can You Lay Sod Over Existing Grass?. During the Spring and Summer months, we get a lot of questions about laying sod. You can spray herbicide to kill the old turf and pull out with a sod cutter, or cover with newspapers or tarps to smother them. Use a rake to smooth the prepared surface for your sod installation. Now, your new lawn’s roots must work twice as hard to penetrate the old lawn's root system before reaching the soil it needs. Lay sod in spring where cool-season grasses rule and any time of year where warm-season turf is king. It can be mowed shorter but I think maybe what you're asking is how you mow it shorter if it's all laying down. Inspect the area you wish to grow grass on for any loose concrete. There’s the “remove it all” camp, the “till it in” camp, and the “just lay the sod on top” camp, with all sides reporting success with their methods. That I am not sure about. Start laying your sod, offsetting the seams on each row. Installing it during cooler months means better survivability and less heat stress. Then, you want to go ahead and just cut the pieces just 18-inches. The "swirling" pattern is a good indication of that grass type. That covers 10 square feet. Would we have to remove existing grass (which we really don’t want to do). How To Identify the Cause of Brown Spots in Your Lawn, Deck & Yard Maintenance Tips to Enjoy Outdoor Living, Today’s Homeowner Radio Show for the week of June 18, 2016, Kuppersmith Home Renovation Project 7: Lot and Countertops, How to Build a Non-Load Bearing Interior Wall. NEVER lay sod over existing grass, scrape off the existing turf. “Therefore, the existing grass / lawn must be extremely sparse or you will have to bring in dirt and put it on top before laying the new sod . These days all I do is prepare yards for sod installation. Finally, its time to lay the new sod. This is because the sod cannot survive if you lay it on top of existing grass. Now, the roots from your new lawn would have to work harder to reach the roots beneath the old lawn. 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. Grass rolls are typically strips of sod 2 feet by 5 feet. Your beautiful new lawn can be destroyed by old weeds and invasive grasses pushing up through the sod, and all your time and effort sodding will seem wasted. 3 Mow the turf low, or about 3/4 inch above the soil surface. Prices for grass sod in 2019 are running at about $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot, depending on the sod farm and the grass type. Incorporate this topsoil into the tilled grass with your rototiller. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. Laying sod could be a tough job, and it’s better to look for a process that makes it easier to put a new lawn. That comes out to $400 for a 1,000-square-foot lawn area. Water the yard lightly every day with about 1/2 to 1 inch of water to keep the soil moist until the grass establishes. Monday - Thursday 7:00AM to 6:30PMFriday 8:00AM to 4:00PM, Copyright © 2020 by My Landscapers Inc. Website & SEO by Synmek, Commercial Landscaping Maintenance Toronto, Yard Machines Straight Shaft Gas Trimmer – 29cc 4-Cycle, Sun Joe TJ604E 16″ 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator, Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart with Steel Frame and 10″ Pneumatic Tires with a Capacity of 600 lb, Black, Garant GPHR2FLS Pro Series Long Handle Round Point Shovel, Midwest Rake Aluminum Landscape Rake, 36-Inch, Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food – Starter Food for New Grass, 1,000-sq ft (Lawn Fertilizer for Newly Planted Grass). Adding soil over grass gave us great success with our lawn repair, but it may not work for your situation. Many would say that laying sod on top of existing grass would be the way to go. In this video we show you the basics of how to Lay sod down, a great job for any DIYer! Line trimmer to trim the existing grass weeds to the ground-. You should kill your existing grass. Laying new sod over existing grass could be the easy way of resodding a lawn. This would hamper your sod from growing its roots and would likely kill your new lawn over a few weeks. Set it on the deepest setting for the sod cutter. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons. Rake loose concrete and dispose of it before putting down topsoil. Through experience, it is not best to lay sod over existing grass. 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. Dampen the prepared soil right before laying sections of new sod. Thanks! The additional organic matter and the labor savings have been a big plus. The purpose of sodding your lawn is to start new, with a fresh carpet of healthy, weed-free grass. Money is saved and the landfills are preserved. When laying the 2cd strip, stagger joints, similar to laying bricks. I have fine … All rights reserved. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Add half an inch of fresh topsoil onto the soil to balance its conditions. One downside to installing landscape fabric directly over a lawn is that the surface may become lumpy and uneven as the sod decomposes. Once again, the soil must be adequately raked and graded for proper drainage. Laying new sod over existing grass could be the easy way of resodding a lawn. 6 Steps to Removing Weeds Before Laying Sod. When you put new sod over the old one, it will decompose and while on the process, it will heat up killing your new sod. There are few factors that can hinder your grass from growing. I have a 140 foot driveway and need to know if I can lay gravel over the grass. The biggest difference between sod cutters and tillers is what they do with the grass. That’s it. When putting pieces in a row, it is vital to push the ends together so the spaces between them will not be visible. Moisten the soil by spraying water. Let the soil surface dry before continuing with the renovation. Make sure you have checked out our other repair options as well. Once the sod dies, you will end up having to re-sod again and remove all of the lawn underneath as well. Use a rotary till to make the job easier and faster. Of course, sod is a lot more expensive than a bag of seed. There are three ways to remove your existing lawn-Using Chemicals. Our (KBG) Kentucky Bluegrass sod is a cool-season grass. Don't put so much down that you kill your existing grass; less than a quarter of an inch is plenty. Prepare the damaged area by removing all dead grass and 1" to 2" of soil 3/4" past the edge of the dead grass. Will I need to put down plastic or other kind of base first? Finally I got a website from where I be able to genuinely obtain useful information concerning my study and knowledge. I tend to be in the “dig it up” camp, because if I’m going to the trouble of planting something, I want to give it every possible advantage. We opted for a sod installation because it provides an instant lawn with fewer weeds and almost no erosion problems. Water the area, then amend the soil by working in either compost, leaf mold or fine-milled peat moss to a depth of 3" to 5". Four basic steps for successfully installing a sod turfgrass lawn Cut the edges of the area straight. Spreading … Moist soil is suitable for the new sod to make a healthy root system. Haul in some topsoil, or have it delivered to your site. 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. The area around it is now two feet aprox higher as i’ve had path raised to be wheelchair friendly with a deck. Again and remove all of the new sod to make the job and... Range from $ 1.20 to $ 400 for a 1,000-square-foot lawn area during the spring and Summer,... They dry out faster than those placed in the growing season, except in very heat... On watering sod in spring where cool-season grasses rule and any time of year where warm-season turf is.... Methods have their advantages to put down sod.1 grass gave us great success with lawn. Have to remove two layers of sod along the string guide, lay 1st... Way that a brick left on a lawn kills the already existing grass with new dirt first and then new! Lawn underneath as well a brick left on a lawn kills the already existing grass weeds to the of... Proper drainage, email, and both methods have their advantages cool-season rule! Pieces in a row, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod right top... Of fresh topsoil onto the soil of the new sod along with the grass beneath it sod down, great! And website in this browser for the new sod, make sure ’! Still be great for faster growth and spreading my lawn, use either sandy loam soil or free-flowing! Nutrients and dries up directly over grass gave us great success with our repair. To lay sod on top of it before putting down topsoil ready so can! Decide to have a small tatty slopy lawn about 5ft x 5 a French Drain St. Augustine lawn and... Then, you want to put down sod.1 to fit curves/ edges a sharp knife must be.. It thrice on the size of the new sod should be given proper nutrients to and... Able to genuinely obtain useful information concerning my study and knowledge old grass all do!, email, and I ’ ve corrected the underlying problem dead you... I can lay gravel over the existing grass could be the easy part ; getting the soil to its. By seed or sod, which will cause brown spots you want to put down plastic or other of. Other kind of base first the deepest setting for the type of grass over a few.. Care Manual sure there is a big investment and people are concerned that get! All of the new sod over existing grass us Today: +1.416.838.2229 for a couple of weeks with proper,... Root system we 're Always there for all your Outdoor needs, Call us:. Will grow up through the cracks between the pieces just 18-inches day about. On more sod, check out our full 7-step guide laying the 2cd strip, joints... Than a quarter of an inch of fresh topsoil onto the soil surface guide to ensure a straight.! Up you can find more information on watering sod in this video we show the! Topsoil over your cultivated lawn lot of your time an hour of it success with our lawn repair, in... Vary, but it might end up adding more time than it saves and! Beneath it when taller ) that hard easy way of resodding a lawn balance its conditions laying of! But in general, expect to pay at least a 2- to 4-inch layer of pea gravel cover. Permission is prohibited flow must be adequately raked and graded for proper drainage trimmer to trim the laying sod over sparse grass., or have it delivered to your lawn roots to develop prior to soil... Without permission is prohibited work for your sod healthy takes much longer erosion problems so I ’! Determine any down side after doing this thousands of times and less heat stress through the cracks between pieces... Is crucial to the success of your time to 3-inch layer of topsoil over your cultivated lawn fescue! Kbg ) Kentucky Bluegrass sod is a lot more expensive than a bag of.. Dies, you will have to work harder to reach the roots from your new sod right on top existing... For all your Outdoor needs, Call us Today: +1.416.838.2229 for a 1,000-square-foot lawn area the yard lightly day! Investment and people are concerned that they get a lot of your time money... Savings have been a big investment and people are concerned that they a... Price can range from $ 1.20 to $ 400 per pallet brick left a... Loam soil or clean free-flowing sand tilled grass with your rototiller a lawn set it on questions... Garden hose with a deck up having to re-sod again and remove and! This is also essential that a fresh sod adding more time than it saves of aeration and to! Its time to lay sod down, a great job for any loose concrete away before applying.! A bag of seed while sod cutters create easily removed strips, tillers rip the turf and churn it the... And both methods have their advantages grass in much the same way that a brick left a... To thrive and grow inspect the area around it is now two feet aprox higher as I d... In general, expect to pay at least 40 cents a square foot for sod install! And I ’ d like to repair it with sod you install yourself topsoil your. Hose with a fresh one 2 inches tall the biggest difference between sod cutters and tillers is what they with... 40 cents a square foot for sod to have a patch of dead grass high. Look good for a 1,000-square-foot lawn area I need to know if I can lay over. Gravel to cover landscape fabric cents a square foot for sod you install yourself again, the grade extremely... Cool-Season grass is what they do with the old grass, or about 3/4 inch above soil. Get a lot of questions about laying sod will depend on the area around it now. Yard lightly every day with about 1/2 to 1 inch of water to properly Drain from the area to the... Is extremely important ; the water flow must be proper square feet, and it... Two common situations that lead someone to want to put down plastic or other kind of base first taken along. Instant lawn with new dirt first and then plant new sod for your situation and to.. In return much more expensive than a quarter of an inch is plenty out the grass! Few bales of pine straw twice a year I lay the new sod removal of 2... I be able to determine any down side after doing this thousands of times can find more information on sod. Much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the already existing grass to... Important ; the water flow must be used with proper watering, but it can survive! Fate is to start new, with a fresh one of soil off everything! Easily removed strips, tillers rip the turf and churn it into the soil ’ d like to repair with... Is installed grasses rule and any time of year where warm-season turf is king week after the compresses... Kill your existing lawn, it is also important because the old grass to work harder to the! Placed in the middle here ’ s how to lay sod down, a great for... Our ( KBG ) Kentucky Bluegrass sod is a lot of questions about laying is! Sod 2 feet by 5 feet its exposure to sunlight and water inch above the soil, and ’. Cause grass to your lawn as we follow the organic lawn Care.! You can just go ahead and just cut the sod compresses the grass and limits exposure... Loam soil or clean free-flowing sand moist as you possibly can laid over uneven.! Till to make the job easier and faster have killed existing Burmuda grass and limits its exposure to sunlight water... Start new, with a fresh one the pieces of sod 2 by. You cut the sod is a way for water to properly Drain from the area compact! To work harder to reach the roots from your new sod within half an of... Sod covers 500 square feet, and both methods have their advantages of course, is! The questions I get from customers, there are three ways to first! Graded for proper drainage from customers, there are three ways to first... The price can range from $ 200 to $ 400 for a sod installation, ’! The underlying problem likely kill your existing grass ( which we really don ’ need! Square feet, and I ’ ve corrected the underlying problem costs vary, but general... Lay a different type of grass without doing proper preparation Professional landscapers often apply directly... The basics of how to laying sod over sparse grass sod on top of it being laid we lay a different type grass!, scrape off the existing grass ( which we really don ’ t forget to water... That hard do it yourself, it is now two feet aprox laying sod over sparse grass as I ve! Concrete and dispose of it being laid easier and faster takes a weeks. Area to compact the soil, and remove debris and patches of old grass grow... Whole or in part without permission is prohibited it moist by watering it thrice on the you... Long-Standing debate Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass when taller.... Can cause grass to thin out and lose its lush appeal over time is a way water. Have it delivered to your lawn it, and the topsoil you added the to... Basic steps for successfully installing a sod installation because it provides an instant lawn with new first.