Getting rid of artificial grass
Discussion
As above really. This stuff was down before we moved in a few years back and we’ve finally had enough of the cheap, nasty stuff so I’ve been ordered to replace with the real stuff.
It seems to be laid on a few cm of sand before you get to soil proper. Obviously, ripping out the artificial stuff will be no problem but what should I do with the sand/soil? Is it best to try and remove as much sand as possible or blend it in with the soil before laying a further layer of topsoil?
Gardening is generally not my forte but want to get it right first time with the turf so pointers welcome.
It seems to be laid on a few cm of sand before you get to soil proper. Obviously, ripping out the artificial stuff will be no problem but what should I do with the sand/soil? Is it best to try and remove as much sand as possible or blend it in with the soil before laying a further layer of topsoil?
Gardening is generally not my forte but want to get it right first time with the turf so pointers welcome.
Perhaps controversial - but good quality (expensive) artificial turf is very very good. In the right place. There might be good reasons the previous owners chose to do it, just that they chose some poor grass. There is a huge range of turfs.
When we had a tiny garden in London and small children, our top-quality artificial grass was a hundred times better than real turf.
When we had a tiny garden in London and small children, our top-quality artificial grass was a hundred times better than real turf.
Simpo Two said:
If the soil underneath is heavy - ie clay or silt - it would be useful to get a rotovator and dig it in.
If it's already light or sandy you'll get rapid drainage which would make the grass go yellow quicker in hot weather.
Dug an experimental section up and it’s deffo a clay type soil under the sand. (Thankfully no hardcore!)If it's already light or sandy you'll get rapid drainage which would make the grass go yellow quicker in hot weather.
So if I give it a good mixing in with a decent layer of topsoil we’re golden?
valiant said:
Simpo Two said:
If the soil underneath is heavy - ie clay or silt - it would be useful to get a rotovator and dig it in.
If it's already light or sandy you'll get rapid drainage which would make the grass go yellow quicker in hot weather.
Dug an experimental section up and it’s deffo a clay type soil under the sand. (Thankfully no hardcore!)If it's already light or sandy you'll get rapid drainage which would make the grass go yellow quicker in hot weather.
So if I give it a good mixing in with a decent layer of topsoil we’re golden?
valiant said:
Dug an experimental section up and it’s deffo a clay type soil under the sand. (Thankfully no hardcore!)
So if I give it a good mixing in with a decent layer of topsoil we’re golden?
And a load of compost while you're at it. Bish bash bosh! A good soil needs air and organic matter.So if I give it a good mixing in with a decent layer of topsoil we’re golden?
Fake lawns to me look as impressive as fake tans. I'd rather have a few weeds than an unfeasibly perfect green rug.
If you’re switching from artificial grass to real turf, prepping the ground properly will make a big difference in how well your new lawn establishes. Since the artificial grass was laid over sand, here’s what I’d recommend:
1️⃣ Remove as Much Sand as Possible – Sand doesn’t hold nutrients or moisture well, so it’s best to scrape away most of it. A thin layer won’t hurt, but too much can make it harder for the grass roots to take hold.
2️⃣ Loosen & Improve the Soil – Once you’ve cleared the sand, aerate the existing soil by turning it over with a fork or rotavator. This will help with drainage and root penetration.
3️⃣ Add Quality Topsoil – A fresh layer (at least 2-4 inches) of good-quality topsoil will provide the nutrients your new turf needs. If your soil is heavy clay, mixing in some compost or organic matter will help.
4️⃣ Level & Firm the Ground – Lightly compact the soil with a rake or roller to create a smooth, even surface before laying the turf.
5️⃣ Lay & Water the Turf Well – Once the turf is down, water it thoroughly and keep it well-watered for the first few weeks to help it establish.
Since gardening isn’t your forte, the key takeaway is to focus on removing excess sand, improving the soil, and ensuring good drainage. Get those steps right, and your new lawn should thrive!
1️⃣ Remove as Much Sand as Possible – Sand doesn’t hold nutrients or moisture well, so it’s best to scrape away most of it. A thin layer won’t hurt, but too much can make it harder for the grass roots to take hold.
2️⃣ Loosen & Improve the Soil – Once you’ve cleared the sand, aerate the existing soil by turning it over with a fork or rotavator. This will help with drainage and root penetration.
3️⃣ Add Quality Topsoil – A fresh layer (at least 2-4 inches) of good-quality topsoil will provide the nutrients your new turf needs. If your soil is heavy clay, mixing in some compost or organic matter will help.
4️⃣ Level & Firm the Ground – Lightly compact the soil with a rake or roller to create a smooth, even surface before laying the turf.
5️⃣ Lay & Water the Turf Well – Once the turf is down, water it thoroughly and keep it well-watered for the first few weeks to help it establish.
Since gardening isn’t your forte, the key takeaway is to focus on removing excess sand, improving the soil, and ensuring good drainage. Get those steps right, and your new lawn should thrive!
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