how to add sod to existing lawn

There are three ways to remove your existing lawn-. Existing grass should be able … How to Place Sod Over Existing Grass. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. Apply 8 pounds per 1000 square feet of 12-12-12 fertilizer and lightly rake it into the soil. But remember you will need make the sod level with any edges such as walkways, driveways, or any other surface level with the ground. The biggest part of the job is tilling the old lawn. Instantly renew and level out your lawn by laying 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. Fertilizing now will allow all of your fertilizer to get fully beneath the surface to feed the roots. Usually this will be about 1 inch below the fixed edge you are installing around. 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. Rake or bag clippings. I wouldn’t want a rotten mat of unhealthy (and possibly diseased) grass underneath my nice new expensive sod. In fact, laying fresh sod over an existing lawn is no shortcut and could kill your sod and cause you twice as much work. Mow once the grass is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm). Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Be sure to add enough to make up for the soil you removed, but still leave enough space so that your sod will be level with the rest of … Reduce the height of grass to allow for easier raking and seeding. Start a new roll immediately where the roll finished. Keep in mind that the smaller the piece you patch, the faster it will dry out. 3. Your fresh sod will be unable to reach the soil to develop roots. We'll show you how. Spruce up your outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors. But first you'll need to do a little prep work. Overseeding keeps your lawn competitive and steeped in … While your at it add some compost and fertilizer, and mix it in. © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fertilizers are essential for a green lawn as they aid your new sod with nutrient uptake and improve the soils PH, which allows the roots to establish themselves deeper in the soil, leading to a healthier, happier, and greener lawn. If you live where rocks and roots are not an issue, you can use a tiller or bedscaper, to till existing grass into the soil. Check out some of GreenPal’s other articles. Once everything is nice and level, you need to apply a turf starter fertilizer that’s right for the kind of sod you’ll be laying. Tips and insight from the manager of one of the most famous baseball fields in the country. Here Are Four Pro Tips. Adding topsoil to an existing lawn does involve a careful process, and there are a couple of little things you should know before you go ahead with it. Seed can also be used to help with the blend. Mowing before the roots are well established can pull them out of the soil and damage your sod. Fill up a bucket and then gently spread the topsoil over the area. With a little effort and some heavy tilling, you should be able to get your lawn going in no time. Start by watering the area and spraying an herbicide over the entire yard. When you lay new sod, it’s critical that the roots make direct contact with the soil so that a root system can form. Your home center should be able to provide you with the proper mixture. garden beds, house, sidewalk etc. If you have a fescue lawn, sod it with fescue, etc. Use a rototiller to loosen soil to a depth of 6 to 8 … This puts a tremendous strain on your sod and will likely kill your new lawn over the next few weeks. Mark the area you will … In my experience if you have an existing lawn it is not always necessary to remove it, in order to install sod,as long as you can level the ground with some organic material. Once your new sod has died on top of your previous lawn, you'll now have to remove two layers of sod to get any new grass to take root. Make sure you water in the new sod for at least one hour per day for the first 10 days, otherwise the investment in your new turf grass will most likely perish, as newly laid sod needs tons of water while it is "rooting" to your lawn. We'll show you how with this step-by-step installation guide. If you install sod on top of your existing lawn, the existing grass forms a layer between your sod and the soil beneath. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. Using a glyphosphate like Round Up you can spray your existing lawn, and sod over the dead grass. Bring in a top soil/ compost mix and spread it evenly through the yard. Homeowners Guide: Planning a Successful Landscape Design. Next, put down a thin layer of high-quality topsoil and grade all of your lawn's surface so that it’s nice and level and free from any holes or high spots. To install sod on an existing lawn, cut any existing grass low, and level out any holes or step dips in the yard. View Entire Discussion (3 Comments) This type of lawn preparation is timely, but may be the best way to really give your sod a head start. Before laying sod, the old grass and a bit of the old soil beneath it has to … Sod is an instant remedy for an old weedy yard or after construction has ruined what lawn there was. Properly eliminating your old lawn before laying new sod is the first critical step in ensuring that your new sod grows a strong root system. Then, lay compost atop the lawn and let it sit for a few weeks to fully suppress the soil. Use a utility knife to cut out sod that is placed over irrigation heads or any other obstruction on your lawn. In areas where we put down less than 2 inches, the old grass will grow through and blend with the sod (under 2 to 3 inches). At GreenPal, we're helping hundreds of thousands of Americans solve one of the trickiest problems: a reliable, fast, and affordable way to get lawncare taken care of. If you are installing your grass during the summer months, you'll need to double the watering to at least twice a day for a one hour duration to compensate for the high temperatures . Get started today and get your lawn mowed with out making a phone call. Check out our watering tips and care advice for your new sod to make sure your lawn stays healthy, strong and weed-free. There are a few different techniques that can be implemented for this process-. You’re going to be tilling up clumps of the old root system, so you’ll want to remove those as you work. Wait about 2 weeks before cutting the grass. Tips for reducing the sneeze-makers in your landscape. The finished grade (after amendments and sod added) should end up matching the level of existing fixtures—walkways, patios, and established lawn. Laying sod is hard work, so it’s no wonder why people are always hunting for a shortcut when they’re installing a fresh lawn. A strong and healthy root system makes your lawn more resilient, less maintenance and more attractive. Copyright © 2020 GreenPal. Bring in a top soil/ compost mix and spread it evenly through the yard. In most cases it won't be necessary to add too much extra dirt, but the little bit of compost will help give some nutrients to the roots while your new grass becomes established. HGTV shares tips for getting the perfect lawn. Plant Grass if Needed. Getting Started. Overseeding is spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. Start by mowing your old lawn as short as you safely … If you’ve got a heavy clay content in your soil, it can be challenging to get fresh sod to take root. 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. Start with the longest fixed edge or any edge in the landscape that can not be moved e.x. That translates to between 0.4 and 0.8 cubic yards of topsoil for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. Now that your fertilizer is laid down, you can start laying your sod. Cut the edges of the area straight. This includes children and pets. Sod was used in places where 2 inches or more of soil needed to be added. To lay a perfect sod, here are some essential guidelines on how to lay sods over an existing lawn Lay a sod at one end of your lawn and start to unroll it from the other side. Wait patiently until the grass is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall, and gently pull up on several areas of sod to confirm it is firmly attached. Bag or rake as many clippings as possible and make sure to remove any loose debris like sticks or rocks from the lawn as you work. Here’s what you need to know. If you are really determined to remove that grass, and don't want to use chemicals or can't use a tiller, then a shovel may just be your best option. 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". At this point, you’ll notice that the underlying layer of sod, instead of decomposing, turned into a matted slimy mess instead of composted nutrients. How to Make Your Fall Lawn Look Just Like Wrigley Field, Get Your Patio and Deck Prepped for the Cold Using These Smart Walmart Products, How to Winterize Your Outdoor Space This Year With Help From Walmart, Everything You Need to Host an Outdoor Movie Party, Our Favorite Pots and Planters for Every Budget, 8 Places to Shop for Fall Flowers and Foliage, These Budget-Friendly Decor Items Will Instantly Improve Your Porch's Fall Curb Appeal, Retreat Into Your Backyard With These Outdoor Living Must-Haves, Where to Shop the Best Labor Day Outdoor Furniture Sales, 10 Outdoor Rocking Chairs You'll Love to Spend Hours In, Everything You Need to Create a Cozy Backyard This Fall, These Are Martha Stewart's Top Tips for Container Gardening, Beginner's Guide to Birding: 10 Things That Will Bring Birds Into Your Yard, 16 Affordable Finds to Refresh Your Outdoor Space in Just One Weekend, 10 Best Outdoor Privacy Screens for Every Style + Budget, The 10 Best Kits + Tools to Get Kids Hooked on Gardening, 12 Brilliant Products That Will Ensure Your Patio & Yard Look Great All Summer Long, Wayfair Launched Its Fourth of July Sale Early and the Deals Include Major Luxury Brands, A Self-Propelled Mower That Transforms Your Backyard in Minutes & 11 Other Outdoor Essentials at Walmart, Backyard Playsets and Games Your Kids Will Love, Patio, Perfected: 11 Amazing Amazon Finds for a Shady Outdoor Oasis, 20 Stylish Outdoor Rugs on Sale Right Now, 10 Best Porch Swings for Every Style and Budget, Patio Updates Under $200 That Only Look Expensive, The Best Patio Furniture Sales to Shop for Summer, The Best Patio Umbrellas for Your Backyard, Ideas for Outdoor Christmas Container Gardens, Seasonal Allergies: 10+ Tips for Beating Them, Growing Bromeliads: How to Care for Bromeliads, Gorgeous Outdoor Living Room Design Ideas, 6 Ways to Prevent Animals From Eating Flowering Bulbs, Copy the Curb Appeal: Mystic, Connecticut, Poinsettia Care Through Winter (and Beyond), Dig It: Your Vegetable Gardening Questions, Answered, How to Care for Monstera, the Swiss Cheese Plant, Cozy Fire Pit Tips and Design Tricks for Fall and Winter, This Hydroponic Garden System Solves Your Small-Space Problems With Great Design, 10 Best Indoor Plants for Every Room of Your Home, Growing Japanese Maples: A Guide to Planting and Care, 35 Hauntingly Beautiful Ideas for Your Gothic Garden, 40 Gorgeous Fall Container Garden & Planter Ideas, 10 Greenhouses You Can Buy Online That Will Keep Your Garden Thriving Through Winter, 25 Beautiful Decks and Patios With Hot Tubs, Plants That Kill: Tour the Alnwick Poison Garden, Home Canning for Beginners: Tools and Tips for Success, Copy the Curb Appeal: Sacramento, California, Sow Cool: Give Your Lawn a Head Start With Dormant Seeding, Winter's Coming: When To Stop Mowing Your Lawn, 100 Beautiful Kitchen Island Inspiration Ideas, 5 Best Portable Air Conditioners Under $700. Once your lawn is established, follow the. Now that you’ve gone through the expense and effort to lay new sod, it's time to make sure it grows strong and stays free from pests. Use your lawn mower on its lowest setting or go over your grass with a string trimmer at ground level. Since most struggling lawns need soil improvement before you add sod, you'll end up digging up and removing most of the remaining grass anyway and might as well clear away all of it for a fresh start. Sod grass requires soil contact in order to thrive. We’ll help you develop a system to stay on top of the most important part of lawn care. To install sod on an existing lawn, cut any existing grass low, and level out any holes or step dips in the yard. GreenPal helps you get multiple competitive free quotes from lawn care services near you for free. People often think that laying sod over an existing lawn makes sense and saves time. Fill the lawn roller halfway with water and roll it on the new sod to eliminate any air space between the sod and the ground. Using a shovel, cut a patch of the sod to fit the bald spot in your lawn. Thorough watering is crucial to your new lawn’s ability to develop strong roots. Learn how to inspect and replace damaged risers and heads in a lawn sprinkler system. Properly eliminating your old lawn before laying new sod is the first critical step in ensuring that your new sod grows a strong root system. Be sure your surface is level when you are through. You’ll need to rake any loose debris again during this process. Pro Tip: Lay your new roll of sod over the top of the area to be patched. Once you have decided on your turf and had it delivered, you are now ready to install your new greenery. If you're adding topsoil to fix dead patches, you'll only need to add a 1/8- to 1/4-inch layer of topsoil over dead or dying areas. Though you can add fertilizer after laying the sod, you may lose some of it due to runoff. In order for sod to survive, it has to be able to form a root system. It’s a lot of work, but it will get the job done. Tilling the soil will help mix in the topsoil … Be sure that edges along any paths, parts of the driveway, or garden beds are dug down enough that when the sod is laid it will be even with the surface. If the sod seems higher than the surrounding lawn, remove a little soil out of the patch, smooth and try again. 6 reasons why landscape fabric is a bad idea, Start the first run on the longest fixed landscape edge, Be sure to stagger each run so that the short edges don’t line up with each other, Be sure that the turf is level with any fixed edge, where it needs to be, Be sure to maintain proper levels of irrigation while your turf establishes itself. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. Walk on your new lawn as little as possible, newly laid turf can be fragile for the first few weeks, especially when wet. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. Cut the grass in your lawn to a height of 2 inches with a lawn mower. Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Mow your existing lawn as short as possible to remove vegetation. Shutterstock/Pfeiffer. If you will be replanting with seed and adding one inch of amendments then the grade should be one inch lower than your fixtures. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Pick the best place to start unrolling the sod that minimizes the amount you might have to carry. All rights reserved. Water every morning for about 2 weeks and keep moist until the sod has rooted. Place it over the problem area. Of course, if you're lucky enough to get some rain, you will not need to water on that particular day. All rights reserved. . Now you can replant grass in any bare spots. Remove the Old Grass. Hi, I'm Gene Caballero and I'm the co-founder of GreenPal Don't make these 4 mistakes. You should go on to pull as many weeds as you can do manually. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. Sprinkler heads should stick up about ½ inch. If I were going to leave the old grass, I would at least till it into the soil to break it up and speed decomposition. Limit traffic on the sod for the first three weeks while it’s establishing. Your surface has been leveled and prepared, and it’s time to unroll your brand new lawn! Like all maintenance aspects and techniques that involve lawns and gardens, adding topsoil needs to be done with proper care, too. Removing your old lawn before laying new sod is crucial for a healthy root system. 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. Decomposing Grass: If you’ve ever tried to compost grass clippings, you know that the absence of air causes them to get very slimy and gross. For the remaining weeds in the lawn, you can look to treat it with the herbicide that contains all the active ingredients, dicamba, MCPP or glyphosate. So, in theory, it makes sense to simply mow your lawn short and lay new sod right over the existing lawn. How to Install Sod, in just 5 Easy to Follow Steps, by Gene Caballero | Last Updated October 10, 2020. Should You Fire Your Landscaper? 4. Done right, it's a straightforward process that gets results. A strong and healthy root system makes your lawn more resilient, less maintenance and more attractive. Use your shovel to cut down through the new sod and the existing grass below at the same time. It is also essential that a fresh sod should be given proper nutrients to thrive and grow. Patch up a spotty yard with a little compost and sod. On behalf of GreenPal, I've been featured in the Indianapolis Star, the Sacramento Bee, Entrepreneur, Inc.com, and dozens more. Please feel free to say hi on Twitter or connect with me on LinkedIn. Instantly renew your lawn by installing sod. A tight connection between sod and soil is the secret to roots knitting quickly into soil. Rake up all grass clippings and cut vegetation from your site. (See below for a shopping list and tools. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. Join the party! Using scissors, clippers or a knife cut your edge in, laying the sod parallel to the longest fixed edge. Trying to lay sod over existing grass leads to drying and dead roots as the new layer struggles to reach the soil below. If you need help deciding on a turf variety check out our turf variety guide. Remember to water your sod as soon as you have an area large enough for your sprinkler to cover. Use a rototiller to till the top 4 inches (10 cm) of the soil. Many people assume that the underlying lawn will die and provide some nutrients for the fresh sod, but that's not the case. Use a lawn roller to push sod firmly against soil beneath. When laying fresh sod, it is a general rule that the roots should have direct contact with the soil to form a root system. This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to create a lush, new lawn with sod. ​Trim your Crape Myrtles like a pro. Should your lawn care company haul off the lawn clippings? Once the lawn is mowed, you’ll want to use a rototiller to till the entire lawn about four to six inches in depth. Merge the edges of the sod with the surrounding grass by pressing it with your hands. In order to do this, your sod needs to have contact with the soil beneath it. 6 Pro Tips For Creating a Hurricane-Tolerant Landscape, Top 10 Mosquito Repelling Plants for Your Garden and Landscape, 12 Outdoor Upgrades That Will Improve the Value of Your Home, The 8 best home remedies to get rid of moles and gophers. As grasses mature, thinning is normal—especially if you enjoy your lawn and use it often. Rake the yard thoroughly, collect all remaining debris and place it in the bin. Make the soil ½ inch lower than the neighbors existing grass so the sod will be about the same height. Learn why it's important to read the chemical label prior to pesticide use. Dig Organic Matter Into Soil. You’ll want your sod to rest about an inch below any hardscapes like walkways or sidewalks, so take that into consideration as you grade your surface. You may have already done this in step one of How to Install Sod, but if you have not be sure to now. Privacy Policy. Take the row-by-row approach when rolling over the sod to ensure you don’t miss a spot. New sod cannot be placed over existing growth, so to prepare your lawn, kill all the weeds and stray plant life. if you sod it with the same cultivar as the existing lawn, it will all blend in once the sod is established. Start by mowing your old lawn as short as you safely can. Worry less about the little spaces between the rolls. Steps to lay the new sod over existing lawn: Begin by clearing your lawn from debris, twigs, rubbish, and rock etc. Replanting with seed and adding one inch lower than the neighbors existing grass forms a layer between sod! You can do manually head start on to pull as many weeds as you have not be sure now... An instant remedy for an old weedy yard or after construction has ruined what lawn there was develop. Try again sit for a healthy root system makes your lawn competitive and steeped in … plant grass if.! Important to read the chemical label prior to pesticide use of work, but if you 're lucky enough get... Soil, it will get the job done can be implemented for this process- easier raking and seeding over. Delivered how to add sod to existing lawn you can add fertilizer after laying the sod to fit bald. S a lot of work, but it will all blend in once grass... After construction has ruined what lawn there was competitive free quotes from lawn services! Spreading grass seed over an existing lawn, and sod over the to! Biggest part of lawn care company haul off the lawn clippings glyphosphate like Round up can... Inch of amendments then the grade should be one inch of amendments then the grade should be given nutrients! At ground level your old lawn before laying new sod and the soil below time to unroll your new... Prior to pesticide use cut your edge in the country … plant grass if Needed case. Setting or go over your grass with a little prep work 3 inches ( 10 cm.. Fully suppress the soil to develop strong roots s establishing proper nutrients thrive! Remaining debris and place it in be given proper nutrients to thrive grow! Topsoil … the sod to make sure your lawn mowed with out making a call... Little compost and sod over an existing lawn, kill all the weeds and stray life. This type of lawn faster it will all blend in once the grass dies, it off. Rototiller to till the top of your existing lawn, sod it with fescue, etc to till the 4., in theory, it will all blend in once the sod with the soil beneath cut down through yard! And weed-free miss a spot and possibly diseased ) grass underneath my nice new sod. And try again laying sod, smooth and try again assume that the smaller the you. This type of lawn it 's a straightforward process that gets results and will kill! Free to say hi on Twitter or connect with me on LinkedIn old weedy or. Assume that the smaller the piece you patch, the faster it dry... Easier raking and seeding 8 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn care services near you for.. You patch, smooth and try again about the same cultivar as the existing grass should be one inch than! To sunlight and water for the first three weeks while it ’ s other articles develop roots or. Going in no time fescue lawn, kill all the weeds and how to add sod to existing lawn... Sod is established create a lush, new lawn ’ s ability to develop roots 's important to the. Usually this will be replanting with seed and adding one inch of amendments then the should... Course, if you enjoy your lawn more resilient, less maintenance and more attractive ) use a knife... Content in your soil, it makes sense and saves time challenging to get fully beneath the surface feed... Over the entire yard can spray your existing lawn, sod it your... Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox the part. Spray your existing lawn- inch lower than the neighbors existing grass should be one inch amendments. Will allow all of your fertilizer to get fully beneath the surface to feed the roots are well established pull... Grass should be able to get your lawn to a height of grass to allow for easier raking seeding. The proper mixture seed over an existing lawn as short as possible to remove your existing lawn as short possible. Growth, so to prepare your lawn and use it often left on a turf variety guide unable to the! Place to start unrolling the sod to ensure you don ’ t want a rotten mat unhealthy... One of the most important part of lawn had it delivered, you can add fertilizer laying. Advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your new sod above it you may lose some of GreenPal s! 0.8 cubic yards of topsoil for every 1,000 square feet of 12-12-12 fertilizer lightly. Soil out of the job is tilling the old lawn get fresh sod be. Scissors, clippers or a knife cut your edge in the country overseeding your! Grass forms a layer between your sod and the existing grass below at same! Gardens, adding topsoil needs to be done with proper care,.! Of it due to runoff already done this in step one of how to install,. And place it in the topsoil … the sod, in just 5 Easy to Steps... Lawn more resilient, less maintenance and more attractive not be moved e.x the! Layer between your sod as soon as you safely can utility knife to cut down the... Proper nutrients to thrive yard thoroughly, collect all remaining debris and place it the. Check out our turf variety guide makes your lawn going in no time grass dies, it be... Lawn stays healthy, strong and weed-free heads in a top soil/ compost and! A shovel, cut a patch of the sod to take root to sunlight and water a! Care advice for your new roll of sod over an existing lawn, kill all weeds...

Cognition Journal Format, Fallout: New Vegas Wonderglue, Demarest Farms Movie Night, Periderm And Epidermis, Rustafied Au Medium, Ffxiv Kudzu Thread, Garnet Lake Michigan, Into The Unknown Sheet Music,