Installing artificial grass over existing natural grass
We do not recommend installing artificial grass directly on top of existing natural grass
Vegetation, roots and organic matter must be removed before preparing a firm, level base with adequate drainage.
If you lay the rolls on top of existing turf, the surface may sink, retain moisture and lose stability over time. The result might look fine at first, but it will be difficult to keep it even and long-lasting.
At Turfgrass, we recommend first assessing the condition of the ground and preparing the base according to the garden’s intended use, the type of soil and the drainage conditions.
Can artificial grass be laid directly on top of natural grass?
Technically, it is possible to lay it on top, but it is not a recommended solution. Natural grass does not provide a stable base and will continue to change even after being covered.
The grass and roots can break down, creating gaps and leaving soft patches. Furthermore, an uneven surface makes it difficult to ensure the seams are aligned and that water drains away properly.
To achieve a stable finish, you must first remove the vegetation and prepare the ground.
Why you should remove the natural grass before installation
Removing the natural grass is not merely an aesthetic step. It allows you to correct problems that would otherwise remain hidden beneath the new surface.
- Stability: topsoil and roots can give way as they decompose.
- Levelling: bumps and unevenness would carry over into the final finish.
- Drainage: a poorly prepared base can encourage water to accumulate.
- Weed control: removing vegetation reduces the likelihood of it reappearing.
- Anchoring: edges and joints require a consistent surface.
- Durability: a stable base helps to maintain the shape and finish for longer.
The quality of the installation depends largely on what lies beneath the artificial grass, even though that part is no longer visible once the work is complete.
Direct installation versus installation on a prepared base
Appearance | On natural grass | On a prepared base |
|---|---|---|
Stability | May subside as the vegetation degrades. | Rests on a compacted surface. |
Levelling | Retains existing bumps and unevenness. | Allows for the correction of slopes and irregularities. |
Drainage | May be affected by the vegetation cover. | Planned according to the terrain and drainage. |
Fixing | The edges and joints are less robust. | Allows for more secure fixing and finishing. |
Durability | Greater risk of movement and subsidence. | Better performance if the groundwork is done correctly. |
What you need to do before installing artificial grass in a garden
1. Remove the natural grass and its roots
Remove the topsoil and any organic matter that might decompose or create soft patches.
2. Inspect the site
Check for any subsidence, stones, large roots or drainage problems.
3. Determine the gradient and drainage
The surface must channel water towards a suitable drainage point and must not allow puddles to form.
4. Prepare a stable base
Add and compact the appropriate materials to achieve a firm, even surface.
5. Install a weed barrier where appropriate
The mesh can help to limit the growth of vegetation from the ground, but it is no substitute for prior clearance or a proper base.
6. Level the surface before rolling out the rolls
Check the final finish of the base before laying the artificial grass.
For the full process, see our step-by-step guide to installing artificial grass.
What base is required after removing natural grass
The base must provide stability, allow for levelling and cope effectively with the site’s drainage. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for all gardens.
- Soil type: clay soil does not drain in the same way as sandy soil.
- Intended use: a decorative area does not withstand the same level of foot traffic as a play area.
- Slope: this must facilitate water run-off.
- Condition of the ground: corrections may be required if there is subsidence or soft patches.
- Fixing system: this must be decided before the base is completed.
You can also check out our guide on the best base for installing artificial grass to compare the most common surfaces.
Common mistakes when replacing natural grass with artificial grass
Covering vegetation without removing it | Grass and roots do not form a stable base and may deteriorate beneath the new surfacing. |
Levelling only superficially | Defects in the base will eventually show through in the artificial grass. |
Failing to check drainage | An installation that looks correct may fail if water cannot drain away properly. |
Relying solely on weed barrier fabric | The mesh is a supplementary measure; it does not replace cleaning, root removal or compaction. |
Installing before compaction | A loose base may settle unevenly after installation. |
Choosing the product without considering its intended use | The model must be suited to footfall, the climate and the function of the space. |
When should you call in a professional installer?
Although some small projects can be carried out yourself, we recommend seeking professional help when:
- The ground is uneven or has subsided.
- There are drainage issues.
- The plot is large or has a complex shape.
- There are trees, roots, manholes or other features that need to be incorporated.
- You need a uniform finish in a high-traffic area.
- You’re not sure which underlay or fixing method to use.
Our team can help you find a professional via the ‘Find an installer’ section.
What you should check before you start
- Before replacing natural grass, check:
- The exact dimensions of the area.
- The type and condition of the ground.
- The existing slope.
- Rainwater drainage.
- The presence of roots, stones or soft patches.
- How the garden will be used.
- Expected footfall.
- The method of installation.
- Finishes alongside walls, paths and kerbs.
- Whether professional assistance will be required.
To choose a solution tailored to your garden, take a look at our range of artificial grass for gardens.
Do you want to replace your natural grass without making any mistakes?
Frequently asked questions about installing artificial grass over natural grass
Can you lay artificial grass on top of natural grass without removing it?
We do not recommend this. The vegetation and roots may deteriorate, causing subsidence and making levelling and drainage more difficult.
Do you have to remove all the grass before laying artificial turf?
Yes. It is advisable to remove the topsoil, roots and organic matter before preparing a stable base.
What do you put underneath artificial grass after removing the natural grass?
It will depend on the ground and the drainage. The base must be firm, compacted, level and prepared to allow water to drain away.
Does weed barrier fabric allow artificial grass to be laid on top of natural grass?
No. The mesh can complement site preparation, but it does not replace the removal of vegetation or the creation of a suitable base.
How can you prevent artificial grass from sinking in a garden?
You must remove the organic matter, rectify any soft patches, prepare a suitable base and compact it evenly.
Can artificial grass be laid on land with poor drainage?
Before installing it, you must rectify the problem. Covering an area where water collects does not address the cause and may compromise the result.
Advice from the lawn expert
Do not lay artificial grass directly onto existing vegetation. The most important part of the project is not laying the rolls, but preparing a base that will remain stable once the grass and roots are no longer there.
Before you begin, we recommend that you:
- Completely remove the natural grass and roots.
- Check the slope and drainage.
- Correct any subsidence and soft spots.
- Compact the sub-base evenly.
- Define joints, edges and fixings.
- Choose the model based on how the garden will actually be used.
Proper preparation prevents many of the problems that arise months after installation and helps to maintain a more uniform and durable surface.
Ready to transform your garden?
At Turfgrass, we help you choose a solution tailored to the terrain, the use and the needs of your space.
