The Toxic Thatch Layer
When you place fresh turf and topsoil directly over an existing lawn, the old grass is trapped in total darkness. It dies immediately and begins to rot. This rotting layer turns into a thick, spongy barrier of decaying organic matter.
The 3 Consequences of the Shortcut
- 1. Complete Root Failure: Your new turf will try to grow roots, but when they hit that rotting, toxic layer of old grass, they will stop. Your new lawn will never anchor properly.
- 2. The Swamp Effect: The rotting layer acts as a barrier to water. Rain will soak through your new turf and pool on top of the old dead grass, turning your garden into a permanent, foul-smelling swamp.
- 3. Weed Resurrection: The deep-rooted weeds in your old lawn (like dandelions and docks) have enough energy reserves to push straight up through the rotting layer and pierce your expensive new turf.
Always demand a full excavation. We strip every inch of old grass before laying new turf.