The Ultimate Landscaping Sin
If a tradesman offers to lay new turf directly over your old, mossy, or weed-filled grass, send them away immediately. This 'cowboy shortcut' might look okay for a few weeks, but it is guaranteed to fail.
Why Laying Over Old Grass Fails
When you trap an old lawn beneath new turf, the old grass dies and begins to decompose. This creates a highly toxic, spongy layer of organic matter called 'thatch'.
- It destroys drainage: The rotting layer traps water, turning your new lawn into a squelchy, smelly swamp.
- It breeds disease: The decaying matter is a breeding ground for fungal diseases like Red Thread, which will quickly infect your new grass.
- Weeds will return: The deep-rooted weeds from your old lawn will easily push their way through the new turf.
We never cut this corner. We always strip the old lawn completely, removing the thatch and weeds to give your new turf a clean, healthy start.