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Can I fill low spots in my lawn with dirt on top of existing grass?

7 years ago

I have some low spots/depressions in a few areas of my lawn that I'd like to level off. Can I just fill them in with top soil on top of the existing grass, and then seed? Or do I need to remove the existing grass first? It will be several inches deep in spots. I've already googled this question and most of the answers I've found say to lift up the existing sod, add soil to level, and then replace the sod. Seems like a lot of work and the grass isn't all that healthy in those areas to begin with, so I figured I could just throw dirt right on top of the existing grass and start with new seed.

I just ordered a bunch of topsoil mixed with mushroom compost for a vegetable garden I am building, so I figured I would use some of that dirt to level off my lawn also.

Featured Answer

cooper8828

7 years ago

I have filled in a pretty large low spot that way, but I have old-style Bermuda grass. I have no idea what the low spot was from, but I suspect there used to be a large tree there. I did mix topsoil and compost and rake it out. The grass filled back in just fine.

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Comments (8)

lazy_gardens
7 years ago
Remember that seeding cool-season grasses is best done in the fall.

You'll have to pamper that grass to get it established and keep it alive over the summer.

Why has the grass failed in those areas? I'd figure that out before re-seeding, because it might affect the new grass.
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The light bulb came on. Why didn't I think of cutting back the sod? It's only a spot about 6x6 feet around. The trees around this area are a Brandon Cedar and I think the other one is some type of ash tree. They're on the outer edges of this low spot. The cedar has been there probably 25 years, and the ash maybe 35. We planted an Amur Maple last year near the other edge of the dip. The maple is within an area where I built it up about 4 inches and surrounded it with bricks to contain the soil. We have crappy clay soil with about 4 inches of topsoil. I used all my compost in other areas last year, so there's no organic matter at all, except a spot beyond the low part. From what the responses are, probably lifting the sod, filling it in, and then slowly adding organic matter to the top would be my best plan of action. Right? Or....could I kill the grass with cardboard, and do a shallow lasagna bed and plant hostas? As long as it's shallow enough, would the trees adapt? And, if I did this, could I build it up even more as the years go by if I want to?
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lytleric
Original Author
7 years ago
House is new to me and previous owners were a little lax in lawn care. I figured new, fertile topsoil should help improve the conditions regardless. Yes, I am aware that seeding is best done in fall but I figured I'd give it a shot this spring and hope for the best.

So to answer my question, can I put the topsoil directly on top of existing grass, or do I need to remove it first?
albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
7 years ago
｡◕‿◕｡

GW needs a forum just for fixing previous owners faux pas.
reeljake
7 years ago
If it's warm season grass like Bermuda or st. Augustine, right on top works fine. For cool season grasses I have no idea
Ted (Zone 4) IA
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
One thing you can do, is add about 1/4" to 1/2" of clean sand at a time. The existing turf will re-establish itself at the new height over time, and then continue on with another layer of sand. Adding "dirt" or soil can be problematic if it is of a heavier or clay type. The idea is not to add a layer of poorly draining soil on top of well drained soil. Sand of course drains well, but it will incorporate organic material over time and become good soil.

Fall is THE time to do this though, trying to get turf to grow in the spring is kind of a rookie move. As soon as summer starts to wane (late August round these parts) prepare your seedbed, put some seed down and fert and water it in every day for a couple weeks. It is the only way to go for cool season turfgrasses. The problem in the spring and summer is every friggin' weed on the planet is going to compete with the young seedlings. In the fall the temps are more conducive to bluegrass germination and growth and the weed competition is far less.
dchall_san_antonio
7 years ago
We really need to know where you live and what kind of grass you have. It makes a big difference. That's why you're getting opposing views above.
lytleric thanked dchall_san_antonio
lytleric
Original Author
7 years ago
I am in Paoli, PA, northwest of Philadelphia, which is right on the border between zones 6b and 7a. Not sure what type of grass I have, but would assume whatever is native to the area? I purchased some new seed from the local lawn care company that I will be using this year.

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