Can You Lay New Grass Sod Directly Over Existing Grass – Houston Grass – Pearland – Sugar Land
TL;DR: No, you should not lay new sod directly over existing grass. Successful sod establishment requires maximum “dirt-on-dirt” contact to ensure the roots can bond with the soil. Laying new pieces over old vegetation creates air pockets that prevent the grass from surviving and thriving.
To achieve the best results, you must remove the old vegetation using a tool like a sod cutter to create a flat, smooth, dirt-only surface. This preparation eliminates the barrier between the new sod and the ground, allowing the roots to establish properly once watered thoroughly.
Grass was high quality. Installation was well done. Our builder said it was the best grass installation he’d seen.
Geoff S
TestimonialWhy “Dirt-on-Dirt” Contact is Critical
The most important rule of thumb when installing a new lawn is ensuring as much dirt-on-dirt contact as possible [00:15]. Every piece of sod has a layer of soil on the bottom that needs to press firmly against the ground soil.
When you lay new grass over existing vegetation or weeds, you create a barrier that leads to air pockets [00:25]. These air pockets are detrimental because they dry out the roots and prevent the sod from taking hold. The less air between the two layers of dirt, the better your results will be.
The Risks of “Patchwork” Resodding
It is common for homeowners to try and cut expenses by simply dropping new sod onto “ugly” or dead spots in the yard [00:40]. Some may even try to fill these areas with a little sand before laying the grass.
However, Houston Grass does not recommend simply dropping a piece of grass on top of weeds or old vegetation and watering it [00:53]. While the sod might survive in rare cases, it will never perform as well as it would with proper site preparation. Without removing the old growth, the new grass is set up for failure.
Proper Preparation for Fantastic Results
To ensure your lawn project is a success, you should follow these professional steps:
- Remove Old Vegetation: Use a sod cutter to cut out the area where you want to lay new grass [01:09].
- Create a Smooth Surface: Aim for a good, flat, and smooth surface that is comprised only of dirt [01:13].
- Eliminate Air Pockets: Once the sod is laid on the bare dirt, water it thoroughly to collapse any remaining air pockets and seal the connection between the sod and the ground [01:15].
By starting with a clean, dirt-only surface and using high-quality grass from a trusted source, you can achieve fantastic, long-lasting results for your Houston-area lawn [01:20].
Need professional help with your lawn? Houston Grass provides quality grass from our family farm in Bay City, where our family has been growing grass since 1981. Whether you are in Pearland, Sugar Land, or the greater Houston area, call us at 281-431-7441 to get started with expert installation services.
