Turf Laying

Do you need to remove old grass before laying new turf?

In most cases, it is recommended to remove the old grass before laying new turf, although there can be some exceptions depending on the specific situation. Here are a few reasons why removing old grass before laying new turf is generally a good idea:

1. Weed and Pest Control: Old grass can harbour weeds, pests, and diseases. By removing the old grass, you reduce the chances of these issues affecting your new turf.

2. Soil Preparation: Removing the old grass allows you to properly prepare the soil underneath. This might involve tilling, levelling, and adding soil amendments to create a suitable environment for the new turf to establish strong roots.

3. Air and Water Penetration: Removing old grass ensures that the new turf's roots can penetrate the soil easily. Thick layers of old grass can inhibit water and air from reaching the soil beneath, which can negatively impact the health of the new turf.

4. Consistent Appearance: New turf laid over old grass might not look as smooth and even. If the old grass is uneven, it can lead to an uneven appearance in the new turf.

5. Root Competition: If you lay new turf directly over old grass, the old grass might compete with the new turf for water, nutrients, and space. This can lead to poor establishment and growth of the new turf.

6. Improved Drainage: Removing old grass can help improve drainage by eliminating potential waterlogged areas caused by old grass layers.

That being said, there are some situations where you might consider not removing old grass, such as when the old grass is very sparse and can be easily tilled into the soil to create organic matter, which can improve soil structure. However, this approach requires careful consideration and soil preparation to ensure the success of the new turf.

If you need help laying a new lawn and want  a local, reliable, landscaping professional  company to help, contact us and we’ll do our best!

Do you need topsoil before laying turf?

We lay a lot of turf in the gardens we create and we think that you do need topsoil before laying turf, for the following reasons:

1. Nutrient-Rich Medium: Topsoil is rich in nutrients and organic matter that grass needs to grow healthy and strong. It provides essential minerals and elements necessary for plant growth.

2. Moisture Retention: Topsoil retains moisture, which is crucial for the initial establishment of the turf. It helps prevent the newly laid turf from drying out too quickly and promotes root growth.

3. Even Surface: Topsoil can be used to create a smooth and level surface, which is important for achieving an even-looking lawn after the turf is laid.

4. Root Development: Grass roots need a suitable medium to grow and establish themselves. Topsoil provides a loose and well-aerated environment for roots to penetrate and grow.

5. Better Adhesion: When laying turf on topsoil, the grass roots can easily intertwine with the topsoil particles, helping the turf to establish more quickly.

 

Here's a general process  we use for laying turf on topsoil:

1. Soil Preparation: Start by preparing the area where you'll be laying the turf. Remove any debris, weeds, rocks, or old grass. You might also want to till or loosen the existing soil to ensure good root penetration.

2. Adding Topsoil: If the existing soil is poor in quality or lacking in nutrients, you can add a layer of good-quality topsoil. The recommended depth of topsoil is typically around 5-10cm.

3. Levelling and Grading: Use a rake or a levelling tool to spread the topsoil evenly across the area. This will help create a smooth surface for laying the turf.

4. Laying Turf: Once the topsoil is in place and levelled, you can lay the turf rolls on top. Make sure the edges of the turf pieces are closely fitted together to avoid gaps.

5. Watering and Rolling: After laying the turf, water it thoroughly to help settle the roots and eliminate air pockets. You can also use a roller to press the turf down gently and ensure good soil-to-root contact.

6. Regular Care: Following the installation, it's important to provide proper care to the new turf. This includes regular watering, we find that new grass needs more water than you might think and it’s vital in hot spells. If you don’t water sufficiently the grass strips will not mat together properly, creating gaps for weeds to establish. Once the grass has started to grow well (usually about 2-3 weeks) you can start mowing. Initially keep the cut high then gradually lower the blades over a period of several weeks until you get to the height you want.

 

Keep in mind that local conditions and recommendations might vary based on factors like soil type, climate, and the specific type of grass you're using. If you would like some help from a local , professional gardening expert to lay your turf, contact us and we’ll do our best!

 

Can you lay turf over existing grass?

You can lay turf over existing grass, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Soil Preparation: Before laying turf over existing grass, you need to prepare the soil properly. Remove any debris, rocks, or large clumps of existing grass. It's also a good idea to aerate the soil to improve drainage and root penetration.

2. Levelling: Ensure that the area is level and smooth. You might need to add topsoil to fill in any low spots or create a consistent surface for the new turf.

3. Thinning Existing Grass: If the existing grass is very thick and healthy, it's a good practice to thin it out. This can be done by using a lawn mower at a low setting or by manually removing patches of grass. This helps prevent competition between the old and new grass.

4. Turf Installation: Once the area is prepared, you can lay the new turf over the existing grass. Make sure the edges of each piece of turf are tightly butted against each other to avoid gaps. Stagger the seams in a brick-like pattern for stability.

5. Watering: After laying your new turf, water thoroughly. This helps the turf settle and encourages root growth. Keep the turf consistently moist for the first couple of weeks to help with establishment. This is particularly important when the weather is hot.

6. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial during the establishment period. This includes frequent watering, avoiding heavy foot traffic, and refraining from mowing until the new turf is well-rooted, usually about 2-3 weeks

 

It's important to note that while laying turf over existing grass can be done, it's generally recommended to remove the existing grass and properly prepare the soil for the best results. Laying turf over existing grass may lead to issues with drainage, root competition, and overall health of the new turf in the long term. If time and budget allow, starting with a clean slate by removing the old grass and properly preparing the soil can yield better and more sustainable results. If you would like a local, professional company to help lay your new grass, please contact us to see if we cover your area.