Sod Over Existing Grass: How to do it?

Laying sod could be a tough job, and it’s better to look for a process that makes it easier to put on a new lawn. Laying new sod over existing grass could be an easy way of resodding a lawn. Many would say that laying sod on top of existing grass would be the way to go. You might also say that this process will cut down a lot of your time. But it might end up adding more time than it saves. In this article, we will also provide you with instructions on how to do it correctly and the list of materials and tools needed for such a job.

Can you lay sod over 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. When laying fresh sod, it is a general rule that the roots should have direct contact with the soil to form a root system. It is also essential that a fresh sod should be given proper nutrients to thrive and grow. However, laying sod on the existing grass would be difficult for the roots to reach the soil because of the added layer in between them, which is the grass from your existing lawn. Now, the roots from your new lawn would have to work harder to reach the roots beneath the old lawn. This would hamper your sod from growing its roots and would likely kill your new lawn over a few weeks.

If your new lawn is now dead, you will have to remove two layers of sod to have a fresh one. 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. 

Related Readings: Grubs in the Garden: Know if they are Eating your Grass

Do This Instead

If you decide to have a new lawn, it is best to remove first the existing lawn before installing the fresh sod. 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.

Here is how you can resod your lawn:

1. Remove and dispose of the existing sod. Use a sod cutter to
   make the job easier and faster. You can rent one if you like.
2. remove the grass around the edges of the lawn manually, using a pickaxe.
3. Rake the soil, and remove debris and patches of old grass. If there is live grass left, it will spoil and affect the roots of the new sod, which will cause brown spots.
4. Rototill the soil in order to aerate it and allow nutrients, oxygen, and water to move freely between the roots. It will also allow you to level the lawn easily.
5. Add half an inch of fresh topsoil onto the soil to balance its conditions. This is also important because the old soil might be taken out along with the old lawn. After adding, rake it again to level the soil.
6. Spread the soil evenly and level it using a leveling rake.
7. Use a full drum roller to ensure the leveling of the lawn was done in the best way possible. After doing so, you may want to rake again and give it a final touch before laying the new grass.
8. Start laying your sod, offsetting the seams on each row. When putting pieces in a row, it is vital to push the ends together so the spaces between them will not be visible. 
9. If you need to cut the sod, use a sharp knife to cut it straight or even in shapes that you desire.
10. Keep the fresh lawn moist as you lay it, and water it after. Keep the edges tight as they dry out faster than those placed in the middle.
11. Run a drum roller on the area to make sure that there are no air pockets (the roots touches directly the soil).
12. Maintaining your new sod should not be that hard. Here is a full and detailed instruction on how to maintain your new lawn:

Cheatsheet: Taking Care Of Your New Sod Grass From Day 1 to Yearly Maintenance

Now that you know how to install a lawn properly, here are the best tools that will help you do it: