The appeal of synthetic grass is simple: a green lawn without weekly mowing, constant watering, or stubborn dandelions. How to lay artificial turf on grass the right way depends on whether the installation is temporary or permanent. For event flooring or seasonal use, turf can go directly over existing grass. Permanent lawns need the vegetation stripped, a crushed stone base compacted, and seams secured so they stay invisible.
Can You Lay Artificial Turf Directly on Grass?
Yes, you can unroll synthetic turf directly over an existing lawn. However, the grass underneath will die, decompose, and create uneven settling within months. For permanent installations, most professionals remove the grass first. For a weekend event or seasonal patio cover, a direct overlay works fine. The tradeoffs matter.
Advantages of Installing Over Existing Grass
The primary appeal of direct installation is reduced labor and cost. Here are scenarios where it holds validity:
Cost and Labor Efficiency
Excavation is the most labor-intensive phase of any artificial turf installation. Removing sod requires machinery and disposal fees. By skipping the removal of the top 3–4 inches of soil and grass, a project can save $3–$5 per square foot on labor costs on average. For budget-constrained projects where longevity isn’t the priority, this matters.
Temporary Ground Protection
For events, festivals, or short-term aesthetic improvements like wedding tent flooring, laying artificial turf over grass with a protective underlay creates a clean surface without permanently altering the landscape. The softer feel of grass underneath can actually be desirable for guest comfort in these contexts.
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