Can You Lay Sod Over Existing Grass?

We all love the idea of a healthy, green lawn, but probably not the back-breaking work involved in achieving it. Sod installation is by far the most effective shortcut to a beautiful lawn, providing instant green coverage to your outdoor space. Yet, some homeowners seek an even easier route, often wondering: can you lay sod over existing grass?

In a previous article, we discussed whether it's possible to lay sod over dead grass. This time, we'll explore if you can lay sod over living, existing grass and why it's usually not the best way to go.

Key Takeaways

• Laying sod over existing grass leads to poor root establishment, faster drying out, and risks of pest and disease transfer. For new sod to thrive, direct contact with the soil is essential, which is not possible when sod is laid over current grass.
• Proper sod installation requires removing the old turf, preparing the soil through grading and aeration, fertilizing, and ensuring the sod has sufficient moisture. Following the right steps allows the new grass to root deeply and grow into a healthy, beautiful lawn.
• Bethel Farms offers premium-quality warm-season grasses, ideal for sod installation. With different grass varieties grown in optimal conditions, Bethel Farms ensures strong root development and provides expert advice for achieving a lush, resilient lawn.

The Problems with Laying Sod Over Existing Grass

Initially, laying sod over an existing lawn may seem like an instant fix for a dying or thinning lawn. You may think the grass underneath will die off, leaving the new sod to thrive. However, while this may sound practical, it rarely works in the long run.

The key to a successful sod installation is direct contact between the new sod and the soil beneath. Without contact, the new sod will not root properly, leading to various issues that can keep it from establishing properly.

Poor Root Establishment

The key concern when laying new sod over old sod is that the roots will not establish as they should. Your new sod needs to send its roots down into the soil to access the water and nutrients necessary for growth. When there's a layer of current grass underneath, the new sod will not root properly.

Without direct soil contact, the roots are unable to penetrate deeply enough to anchor the sod and absorb nutrients efficiently. As a result, your new lawn will be shallow-rooted and susceptible to drying out, disease, and pest infestations.

Drying Out Sod

In addition to hindering proper rooting, the grass underneath acts as a barrier, trapping air pockets between the sod and the soil. These air pockets can cause the new sod to dry out faster since it's not receiving enough moisture from the soil beneath.

When the roots dry out, the lawn is at risk of dying from lack of nutrients and water. This often leads to patchy, thin layers of sod that fail to grow into the healthy, beautiful lawn you desire.

Poor Soil Preparation

Installing sod over an old lawn also interferes with proper soil preparation. For new sod to thrive, the soil must be adequately prepared, which involves grading, aerating, and enriching the soil to ensure the best conditions for rooting.

Without leveling the soil first, laying sod over existing turf will cause the new sod to sit higher than these surfaces, leading to drainage issues and an uneven lawn prone to erosion.

Pest and Disease Transfer

Another issue with laying sod over existing grass is the risk of pests and diseases being transferred from the old turf to the new sod. Any weeds, insects, or fungal diseases present in the existing lawn can easily make their way into the new sod, spreading and causing damage. Without removing the old lawn and addressing these issues, you may find yourself constantly battling infestations and diseases, affecting the health and longevity of your new grass.

What You Should Do Instead

Now that you understand the pitfalls of laying sod over existing grass, what should you do instead? The best approach is to remove the old turf altogether before installing sod. This ensures that the new sod can successfully establish its roots and grow into a healthy, green lawn.

• Remove the Existing Turf: Use a sod cutter to strip away the current grass, ensuring you remove any weeds and dead patches as well.
• Prepare the Soil: Till the soil to a depth of 4–6 inches, breaking up any compacted soil. Add a layer of topsoil and enrich the soil with fertilizers or organic matter.
• Level the Surface: Ensure that the soil is level with other surfaces like sidewalks and driveways. Proper grading will prevent water pooling and promote even growth.
• Water the Soil: Lightly water the soil to create a moist environment for the sod to root properly.
• Lay the New Sod: Carefully lay the sod in a staggered pattern, pressing each piece firmly into place to remove any air pockets. Make sure the edges are tight to avoid gaps where weeds could grow.

For more detailed instructions, check out our comprehensive guide on how to lay sod, which covers every step of the process for creating a beautiful lawn.

Why Choose Bethel Farms

When re-sodding your lawn, choosing the right grass is just as important as the installation process. At Bethel Farms, we offer a variety of premium-quality warm-season grasses ideal for the temperate Florida climate. Whether you need bermudagrass for its drought tolerance or another resilient variety, we provide grasses grown in optimal conditions to ensure healthy root development.

With expert guidance and superior products, Bethel Farms sod is proven to help you cultivate a stunning new lawn.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem appealing to lay sod over existing grass for an easy fix, this method often leads to poor results. New sod needs direct contact with the soil beneath, proper moisture, and a well-prepared base to grow into a lush, healthy lawn. By removing the old lawn and following the proper steps for sod installation, you’ll give your new grass the best chance at thriving.

For high-quality grass sod for sale and expert advice, trust Bethel Farms to provide the grass you need for your next sod installation project. With our superior products and years of experience, you’ll be well on your way to a resilient, beautiful lawn.