If you've got unsightly bare patches in your lawn, you might be considering buying some rolls of fresh new turf to lay over your grass.
While the experts we spoke to say it is possible to do this, it's not generally recommended if your lawn is to thrive long-term. “It’s not a good idea to lay turf over grass, as it’s unlikely the turf will actually survive,” says Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture. “In order for turf to survive when laid, it needs to be able to form a root system, which requires the turf to have contact with the soil underneath it.”
It is possible to have some success laying turf in patches as part of your lawn care routine, especially if there is no grass left at all, but there are also plenty of situations where you shouldn’t do this. Here’s what the experts have to say about it.
Is laying turf over grass a good idea?
If you lay turf over existing grass there will be a layer between the turf and the soil, and the turf will also make it harder for the existing grass to access the light, water and nutrients it needs.
“In addition, any diseases or pests that are affecting the old lawn can potentially be passed on to the new turf, and any missed weeds will also be able to push through,” says Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture.
“Laying turf straight over grass is very much a quick fix rather than a long-term solution,” agrees Tom Clamp, head of technical at Pelsis Doff. “If the existing lawn is flat, healthy and weed-free, the turf may knit in reasonably well. However, that’s rarely the case when turf is being replaced.”
Although it’s not recommended, if you do decide to try a shortcut, it's essential that you first prepare the area thoroughly before laying any fresh turf.
Richard Barker is an expert in horticulture and the commercial director at LBS Horticulture. He is keen to share his knowledge with both experienced and beginner gardeners, and prides himself on keeping up to date with the latest horticultural trends.
Tom Clamp is head of technical at Pelsis Doff, manufacturer of premium garden care products. With over a decade of experience in the horticultural industry, Tom ensures the highest standards in horticultural and pest control solutions, driving innovation and providing technical expertise to support professionals across the industry.
Removing old grass before laying new turf
In order for new grass to properly take root and be successful, you should remove old grass and treat the soil before laying new turf.
“You cannot lay new turf over a lawn, as the older grass underneath will begin dying off and this can then affect the quality of the new turf,” says Richard Barker. “Turf needs to be able to directly contact soil to root properly, and without this the turf may experience poor growth and patchiness.”
The older grass can also create a thatch layer that will hold moisture, Richard points out, which can cause garden drainage issues within the lawn. “Laying turf directly over grass can also look lumpy and make the ground uneven, which can make it unsafe for use and harder to mow the lawn.”
Methods for removing old grass
The most reliable way to achieve a great finish is to remove the old turf or grass completely, exposing areas of bare soil so the new turf can root properly.
“For small to medium lawns, this can be done by hand using a sharp spade or half-moon edging tool,” says Tom. “While labour-intensive, it allows you to inspect and improve the soil beneath.”
Try this Carbon Steel Lawn Edger by Hardys Garden Tools, available from Amazon to make quick work of removing old turf. You can also use a sharp shovel like this Nitoope Multifunctional Garden Shovel at Amazon to neatly remove patches of old grass.
For larger areas, Tom suggests hiring a mechanical turf cutter, which is much faster and gives a consistent depth, making it easier to level the ground for a professional-quality result. “The old turf doesn’t have to go to waste. It can be composted, stacked grass-side down, to break down into topsoil, or reused to level uneven areas elsewhere in the garden.”
Preparing the ground
Before laying any new turf, it’s important to prepare the area carefully. “Remove as much old grass and root material as possible,” says Tom. “Clear away any stones, weeds or other debris. Lightly cultivate and level the soil. Firm the ground so the turf will sit flat and make good contact with the soil. "
Tom also suggests working in a pre-turf lawn fertiliser like this Pro-Kleen Pre Lawn and Seed Starter Fertiliser from Amazon or a fertiliser like this Multi-Purpose Iron Sulphate Fertiliser, Feed and Tonic from Amazon.
If the soil is very compacted you might need to rotavate it with an Electric Tiller Rotavator and Cultivator for Garden at Amazon or similar. Levelling it out first will also help it take root and look even.
You’re far better off taking the extra time to prepare the ground properly and making sure it's the best time of year to lay new turf as well. This will reward you with a much stronger, longer-lasting lawn.
FAQs
Can turf be used to patch a lawn, or is grass seed better?
Match the method to the size and use of the patch. Use turf for larger bare areas or where you need instant, robust cover such as high-traffic areas. Use grass seed for small patches you can fence off to stop people walking on it. Aim to match turf or seed type to the surrounding lawn for a consistent look. Find out more about how to overseed a lawn for the best results.
“Turf can work well for larger bare patches when you need a quick visual fix,” says Tom Clamp, head of technical at Pelsis Doff. “That said, the edges can remain visible against existing grass, and without good soil preparation and regular watering, even small turf patches can struggle to establish.”
Cost is also a factor, as patching with turf is usually more expensive than seed. “Using grass seed to patch lawns is best for smaller bare areas, creating a seamless blend with the existing lawn, and is a more cost-effective repair,” says Tom. “The downsides are that grass seed takes longer to establish, plus it’s vulnerable to birds and drying out if not watered carefully.”
It's important to know when to reseed a lawn, however, as grass seed can only be used at certain times of the year to ensure that the seed germinates. The best time to do this in your lawn care calendar is spring or autumn.
“Instead of buying new turf, you can also use existing turf from your garden by extending a garden border and taking the turf from there,” says Richard.
Sometimes a lawn can look especially patchy after you've been over it with a rake to remove all the dead grass. We explain what to do after scarifying in our expert guide in order to help your lawn bounce back healthier than ever.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
