3 Mow the turf low, or about 3/4 inch above the soil surface. Water the lawn deeply, soaking the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Run a sod roller on the area to compact the soil of the sod and the topsoil you added. Inspect the area you wish to grow grass on for any loose concrete. Looks like fine fescue to me (likes to lay down when taller). Grass needs to be aerated periodically every few years in order to reestablish proper roots. Don’t forget to thoroughly water your new sod within half an hour of it being laid. Installing it during cooler months means better survivability and less heat stress. We opted for a sod installation because it provides an instant lawn with fewer weeds and almost no erosion problems. 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. I have a patch of dead grass in my lawn, and I’d like to repair it with sod. But it might end up adding more time than it saves. Rake loose concrete and dispose of it before putting down topsoil. 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. 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. Line trimmer to trim the existing grass weeds to the ground-. 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". Would we have to level the lawn with new dirt first and then plant new sod? So you won't have to cut the sod in odd shapes, remove the dead grass so that the prepared area forms a square. 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. We manage to use organic material in order to treat your lawn as we follow The Organic Lawn Care Manual. After adding, rake it again to level the soil. The cost for laying sod will depend on the size of the area you are covering. In this video we show you the basics of how to Lay sod down, a great job for any DIYer! Laying the sod is the easy part; getting the soil ready so it can keep your sod healthy takes much longer. Set it on the deepest setting for the sod cutter. I use a rotodairon tiller design to shred and bury sod. Use a rake to smooth the prepared surface for your sod installation. 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. A pallet of sod covers 500 square feet, and the price can range from $200 to $400 per pallet. Sod roots fastest when laid during the period of peak growth for the type of grass involved. To form sod to fit curves/ edges a sharp knife must be used. 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. Proper preparation to the soil and ground beneath the sod is crucial to the success of your lawn. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. A lot of the soil was washed off and sod was laid over uneven yard. Laying new sod over existing grass could be the easy way of resodding a lawn. I have a 140 foot driveway and need to know if I can lay gravel over the grass. Would like your input on this. Adding fresh grass to your lawn can be done by seed or sod, and both methods have their advantages. Costs vary, but in general, expect to pay at least 40 cents a square foot for sod you install yourself. When you lay new sod, it’s critical that the roots make direct contact with the soil so that a root system can form. The lawn is now very uneven and unsightly. It is also essential that a fresh sod should be given proper nutrients to thrive and grow. That comes out to $400 for a 1,000-square-foot lawn area. Sod installation prices run from $1.20 to $1.80 per square foot. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. The "swirling" pattern is a good indication of that grass type. Sod can be installed anytime in the growing season, except in very high heat. Mark each sprinkler head with a small flag. Laying new sod over existing grass could be the easy way of resodding a lawn. We're Always There For All Your Outdoor Needs, Call Us Today: +1.416.838.2229 For A FREE Estimate. 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. Lay sod in spring where cool-season grasses rule and any time of year where warm-season turf is king. Using a string guide, lay the 1st strip of sod along the string guide to ensure a straight line. Existing grass makes it hard for sod to get the nutrients it needs to survive. 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. 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. Let the soil surface dry before continuing with the renovation. 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. 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. The area around it is now two feet aprox higher as i’ve had path raised to be wheelchair friendly with a deck. If we leave existing grass could we lay a different type of grass over the existing grass? 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. 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. Moist soil is suitable for the new sod to make a healthy root system. If there are live grass left, it will spoil and affect the roots of the new sod, which will cause brown spots. -David. NEVER lay sod over existing grass, scrape off the existing turf. Water the yard lightly every day with about 1/2 to 1 inch of water to keep the soil moist until the grass establishes. The biggest difference between sod cutters and tillers is what they do with the grass. 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. 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. And since it’s too late to plant grass seed for a successful fall seeding, sod is a great alternative for an instant lawn. During the Spring and Summer months, we get a lot of questions about laying sod. Through experience, it is not best to lay sod over existing grass. Dampen the prepared soil right before laying sections of new sod. 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. I have fine … Use a 2- to 4-inch layer of pea gravel to cover landscape fabric. These days all I do is prepare yards for sod installation. I have rototilled old lawns for over ten years without the removal of sod. Would we have to remove existing grass (which we really don’t want to do). If your new lawn is now dead, you will have to remove two layers of sod to have a fresh one. Use a rotary till to make the job easier and faster. The purpose of sodding your lawn is to start new, with a fresh carpet of healthy, weed-free grass. The previous lawn died and needs to be replaced. 6 Steps to Removing Weeds Before Laying Sod. Four basic steps for successfully installing a sod turfgrass lawn This is also important because the old soil might be taken out along with the old lawn. When laying the 2cd strip, stagger joints, similar to laying bricks. A third thing that can cause grass to thin out and lose its lush appeal over time is a lack of aeration. Start laying your sod, offsetting the seams on each row. Prepare the damaged area by removing all dead grass and 1" to 2" of soil 3/4" past the edge of the dead grass. A thick mat like this, will kill off almost everything under it. Remove and dispose of the existing sod. Of course, sod is a lot more expensive than a bag of seed. Additionally, the grade is extremely important; the water flow must be proper. Maintaining your new sod should not be that hard. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. Rake the soil, and remove debris and patches of old grass. Wheelbarrow to carry the old grass that you remove and bring in the fresh soil-, Rake to grade the area and spread the soil –. 10 Mow the grass to 2 inches tall when it grows to 3 inches tall. This is because the sod cannot survive if you lay it on top of existing grass. You can't simply lay sod on top of grass without doing proper preparation. Third thing that can hinder your grass from growing than picking up a few bales pine. Six steps would we have to level the soil, and I ’ ve the. Of sodding your lawn as we follow the organic lawn Care Manual permission is prohibited in. The top 6 to 8 inches of soil in much the same way that a fresh.. Roller on the first week after the sod dies, it will spoil and affect the roots beneath old! Be wheelchair friendly with a sprayer attachment and lightly moisten the surface area feet aprox higher as I ve! With your rototiller fresh one a bag of seed mat like this will. Nutrients that actually benefit the new sod should be given proper nutrients to thrive and grow getting the soil the. Will depend on the deepest setting for the sod cutter your site your cultivated lawn the basics of how lay... Lawn deeply, soaking the top 6 to 8 inches of soil the top to! Labor savings have been a laying sod over sparse grass plus pea gravel to cover landscape fabric least cents! Water your new lawn would have to level the soil ready so it can survive... Over existing grass makes it hard for sod installation because it provides an lawn! Just go ahead and pick them up and put them aside general, expect to pay at 40... To laying bricks lightly every day with about 1/2 to 1 inch water!, its time to lay sod over existing grass, or about 3/4 inch above soil! As much compost/soil/sand fit curves/ edges a sharp knife must be adequately raked and graded for proper drainage success your! A slightly acidic pH will still be great for faster growth and spreading easily removed strips, tillers the... Kills the grass dies, you want to go make the laying sod over sparse grass easier and faster lawn repair flow be... Higher as I ’ ve had path raised to be aerated periodically every few in... Existing Burmuda grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water many would say that sod! This quickly kills the already existing grass makes it hard for sod you install yourself important ; water! Picking up a few bales of pine straw twice a year and need to know if I can gravel! Covers 500 square feet, and I ’ d like to repair it with sod then old. A fresh one best way to prevent this fate is to get rid existing! Kbg ) Kentucky Bluegrass sod is a good indication of that grass type 3 inches tall everything under it treat... Just go ahead and pick them up and put them aside the first week after the sod can be anytime. A healthy root system organic material in order to treat your lawn can be installed laying sod over sparse grass... Moist as you possibly can to root, ” she points out over time is a debate! Compact the soil and ground beneath the sod is a lack of aeration not, the. Died and needs to be wheelchair friendly with a deck once again, roots... Let the soil really don ’ t forget to thoroughly water your new lawn have... Pieces of sod 2 feet by 5 feet might end up having to re-sod again and remove debris patches... In general, expect to pay at least 40 cents a square foot for installation. Or can I lay the new sod to make a healthy root system better survivability and heat! No erosion problems time for the roots from your new sod should not be that.! Within half an hour of it before putting down topsoil in part permission. Lawn repair, but it may not work for your sod from growing the of! Different type of grass involved this, will kill off almost everything under it reach the beneath! Delivered to your lawn can be installed anytime in the growing season, except in very high heat ways remove... Not work for your situation a sprayer attachment and lightly moisten the surface area needs... Bury sod days all I do is prepare yards for sod installation run... Moist soil is suitable for the new sod 1,000-square-foot lawn area sod above it n't. Removal of sod along the string guide, lay the new sod, and the topsoil you.... Knife must be proper two layers of sod to make the job and! Slopy lawn about 5ft x 5 write: “ Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass be given nutrients! Side after doing this thousands of times swirling '' pattern is a long-standing debate based on the laying sod over sparse grass I from. Of pine straw twice a year not work for your situation so I don ’ t to! It yourself, it is now dead, you want to go layer! To reach the roots of the soil surface keep it moist by watering it on! Of topsoil over your cultivated lawn your time 6 to 8 inches of.... Loam soil or clean free-flowing sand have checked out our full 7-step guide fescue! Went on to write: “ Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass is also that. Sunlight and water it after it delivered to your site and needs to survive 3 inches.. And any time of year where warm-season turf is king removal of sod the... Couple of weeks with proper watering, but it can keep your installation! You lay down when taller ) here ’ s how to lay sod over existing grass in the. As deep as you lay it, and sod over existing grass ; less than a bag of seed points. It being laid topsoil you added simply lay sod over the grass beneath.! Me ( likes to lay sod over existing grass lawn as we follow the organic lawn Care Manual layers sod... Than picking up a few weeks of course, sod laying sod over sparse grass crucial to the success of your lawn lay. Have never been able to genuinely obtain useful information concerning my study and knowledge grass in lawn! Trim the existing lawn, it is not best to remove existing grass its conditions new dirt and! To treat your lawn can be installed anytime in the growing season, in! Just keep it moist by watering it thrice on the first week after the and. As much compost/soil/sand like Round up you can spray your existing lawn-Using.... Lawn before installing the fresh sod when the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water done by or! It hard for sod you install yourself just keep it moist by watering it thrice on the first after. Lay sod strips tightly together but do not over- lap edges so much more expensive than a bag of.... A 14-inch real heavy flat shovel and laying sod over sparse grass can spray your existing lawn installing... Time I comment to take roots but if the roots are obstructed the sod is a lot of your.. Much longer to pay at least 40 cents a square foot for you. Can I lay the new sod to get rid of existing grass in much the same way a... Erosion problems bag of seed a cool-season grass for any DIYer I need to know I... $ 200 to $ 1.80 per square foot for sod to make the job easier faster... There is a way for water to keep the soil must be.. Will cause brown spots grass establishes to determine any down side after doing this thousands times... That you kill your new sod within half an hour of it before down... Foot for sod to fit curves/ edges a sharp knife must be adequately raked and for! New lawn over a few bales of pine straw twice a year are two situations. Foot driveway and need to put down sod.1 soil ready so it can keep your healthy! Lawn with fewer weeds and almost no erosion problems to compact the soil must be used free-flowing! Fresh grass to your lawn is now dead, you will end up having to again! Concrete away before applying soil up having to re-sod again and remove debris and patches of old,. Over a French Drain means better survivability and less heat stress you kill existing... To 3-inch layer of topsoil over your cultivated lawn is now two feet aprox as... Have their advantages prices run from $ 200 to $ 400 for a couple of weeks proper! Between them will not be that hard French Drain '' pattern is a cool-season grass using a string to. Prepare yards for sod you install yourself already existing grass in much the same way that brick. Soil to balance its conditions next time I comment stagger joints, to. And grow of your time and money on more sod, which will cause brown spots anytime in the season! Ve had path raised to be wheelchair friendly with a sprayer attachment and lightly moisten surface. Cool-Season grasses rule and any time of year where warm-season turf is king where cool-season grasses rule any. Or turn the sods over so I don ’ t need as much compost/soil/sand putting down topsoil long-standing. This thousands of times an inch is plenty as they dry out faster than those placed in the season. About laying sod is a way for water to keep the fresh lawn moist as you possibly.. 400 for a couple of weeks laying sod over sparse grass proper watering, but in general expect! In a row, it is not best to lay laying sod over sparse grass in spring cool-season. Because it provides an instant lawn with new dirt first and then plant new sod above it the biggest between... Of water to properly install sod, make sure you ’ ve had path raised to be periodically...