Can you lay turf over patchy grass?

Put simply, yes, you can. But, just because you can do something doesn't mean that it's the best course of action to take. That isn't to say, though, that installing turf over grass doesn't have benefits. Let's dive into the pros and cons.

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

If you have an existing lawn this needs to be removed first. We do not recommend laying turf on existing grass, as this will prevent the new turf from rooting well. It's also possible for weeds to come through the new turf.

What happens if you lay turf on uneven ground?

Doing so may hamper the turf's drainage systems and weed barrier, which will likely result in your grass becoming waterlogged as it is unable to drain away standing water as well as it would on an even surface.

Can you lay turf with gaps?

When you lay turf for a new lawn, it's important that the pieces butt up tightly together. You will be able to see where the join is, but you shouldn't be able to see a tangible gap between turfs.

When should you not lay turf?

Avoid laying turf from mid-spring to early autumn, as it would struggle to establish during hot weather and would need repeated watering.

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Is October too late to lay turf?

Turf rolls can be laid at any time throughout the year, which includes Autumn. When temperatures fall below freezing and there is ground frost, it is not a good idea to lay turf. You can lay turf all year round, provided there is no snow or frost. Autumn is a good time due to the cooler temperatures and more rain.

What month is best to lay turf?

Turf can be laid any time of year except on to frozen ground, however ideal times to lay turf are in early-mid autumn and early spring, when the ground is relatively warm – which will promote new root growth – and increased rainfall may reduce the need for manual watering.

Do I need topsoil before laying turf?

Turf is a made up of thousands of living plants and all plants need growing medium to support them. So the answer to the question “Do you need topsoil to lay turf?” is a hearty yes.

How long does it take for turf to establish?

New turf usually takes 6 weeks to establish its root system if laid properly. Once the turf cant be lifted mow the turf to its highest recommended cutting height which is listed on our website for each turf type. Gradually reduce the height over several cuts remembering not to mow more than 1/3 of the leaf off per mow.

Do you need padding under turf?

If there's even a tiny possibility that people can fall from a height on your artificial grass, then padding is a must. Foam shock pads help prevent injuries by cushioning and absorbing the impact of falls.

What is wrong with newly laid turf?

Dry edges and gaps

The most common problem area for new turf are the edges of each slab. Dry edges are a very common sign you are not watering your new turf enough. The edges are the first to dry out, and while the slab may be green in the middle the edges can turn yellow.

Does turf grow on 2 inches of soil?

Turf ideally needs around four inches of top soil to root in. Not everyone will need to add four inches however, you may just need to add an inch or two depending on the quality and depth of the existing soil.

How do you fix patchy grass?

Rake the area well, picking up any leaves and debris in the turf. Cast the seeds over the turf, and then spread about a half an inch of compost or topsoil on the lawn. To get good seed-to-soil contact, gently rake the seeds and soil into the grass. Water the seeds in the early morning and evening until they germinate.

Is it better to seed or turf a new lawn?

Grass seed is much cheaper, and your soil requires some preparation. It takes around 5-6 weeks and at least three mowings before it's ready for regular use. Turf, on the other hand, offers instant results. But you need to wait at least four weeks before the grass plants have developed roots.

Will turf grow through topsoil?

If you're looking for a short answer, then yes, you can put topsoil over grass and existing garden lawns. Although it's possible for grass to grow through the topsoil, this can only be successful depending on the thickness of topsoil applied as a top dressing.

Can I just lay turf over dirt?

You should never lay artificial grass directly on top of existing grass or bare dirt. A base is required to keep the artificial turf laying flat and even, allowing for drainage and preventing tears and damage.

What should you put down before laying turf?

Spread a general-purpose fertiliser over the ground one week before laying the turf. Prepare the area, levelling the ground and removing big stones. If the surface is uneven, wheelbarrow in some topsoil, pour it on top and even it out with a rake.

How long does turf last once laid?

Once turf has been cut and rolled, the shelf life is typically 24 hours. After this the turf will begin to deteriorate and die. However in the height of summer this figure can drop to less than half, giving your harvested turf 12 hours or less before it has to be unrolled and laid.

What do you put under turf before laying?

Geotextile paper is the most commonly used underlayment for artificial turf, which is also called a geotextile mat. When installing artificial turf, it is very important to install the geotextile paper under the turf. There are many reasons for installing the geotextile underlayment.

Why can't you walk on new turf?

For a spring sowing, I recommend waiting 8-12 weeks before walking on the grass. A seeded lawn takes much longer to mature than turf. Until your grass has a strong root system, I would advise not walking on it any more than necessary. You may have green shoots but that doesn't mean your grass is “done”.

What is the best base for turf?

A proper sub-base comprised of either class II road base (also known as crushed miscellaneous base or CMB) or decomposed granite will provide an excellent foundation for your artificial grass and will help ensure you get the most out of your investment.

How do you remove old grass and lay new turf?

Can you walk on turf as you lay it?

Avoid walking on new turf (except when watering) for at least four weeks after laying it. If laid during cooler months of the year, wait at least six weeks before walking on it. Once the roots have taken, therefore, when it is difficult to lift the edge of turf from the ground, then you can walk on it.

How do I prepare my lawn for turf?

How soon after laying turf should you water it?

Water as soon as you have laid your turf. For a large lawn, you might want to have the sprinkler working on a laid section while you are working on the next bit. You are encouraging roots to sink deep into the soil, so the top 10cm of soil needs to be wet. It's vital that you water your new turf every single day.