How To Remove An Old Lawn Before Laying Sod
Take the old lawn out completely, roots and all, before you lay new sod. For most Sacramento Valley yards the fastest clean method is a sod cutter, which slices the old turf off in strips. If the old lawn is full of Bermuda grass or tough weeds, kill it first with a herbicide and confirm nothing regrows before you cut it out. Then prep the soil and lay fresh sod on bare, level ground.
Why can't you lay new sod over old grass?
New sod needs to touch bare soil so its roots can grow down quickly. Old grass underneath leaves an air gap, keeps the new roots from reaching the soil and can grow back up through the seams. It also raises the lawn, so the sod no longer sits flush with sidewalks and mowing strips. Clearing the old lawn is step one of the prep work in our guide on how to prepare for your new lawn.
Which removal method should you use?
Pick the method that fits your yard size, your timeline and how weedy the old lawn is.
- Sod cutter (rental): best for most yards, with fast, clean removal in strips. It is a heavy machine, so mark sprinkler heads first. Bermuda grass roots can remain.
- Herbicide, then remove: best for lawns with Bermuda grass or tough perennial weeds. Follow the label, then wait and check for regrowth before removing.
- Smothering (tarp or cardboard): a no-chemical option when you are not in a hurry. It takes weeks and works slowest in cool weather.
- Hand digging: fine for small areas and narrow strips. It is hard work, and it is easy to leave roots behind.
What do you do if the old lawn has Bermuda grass?
Bermuda grass is common in Sacramento area lawns and spreads by underground runners, so cutting off the top alone usually is not enough. Kill it first with a herbicide labeled for Bermuda grass, following the label exactly, then water and wait to see if any green comes back. Treat any regrowth again before you remove the dead turf. Skipping this step is the most common reason old grass shows up in a brand new lawn.
What comes after the old lawn is gone?
Rake out leftover roots, rocks and debris, then till, add topsoil if needed, work in a starter fertilizer and roll the surface level about an inch below hard edges. Our soil prep guide walks through each step. Measure the area with the sod calculator, then follow our DIY sod laying tips once your fresh-cut sod arrives.
When should you order your sod?
Order once the old lawn is out and the soil is close to ready, so the sod does not sit waiting on you. CalTurf cuts sod fresh to order at our farm in Davis, with pickup or delivery across Sacramento, Yolo and Solano counties. Request a quote or call Chris at (530) 364-5155, Monday to Saturday, 8 to 4.
Common questions
Can I just till the old grass into the soil?
It is not a good idea for most lawns. Tilled-in grass and weeds, especially Bermuda grass, can resprout through your new sod, and the clumps leave the surface uneven. Remove the old turf first, then till.
How deep should a sod cutter cut?
Set it just deep enough to take the grass and its main root layer, so you keep as much of your topsoil as possible. After removal, follow the soil prep steps to till and level before laying sod.
How long after removing the old lawn can I lay sod?
As soon as the soil is prepped and level. If you used a herbicide, wait until you are sure nothing is regrowing and follow the label for any waiting period before planting.
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