How to Replace Artificial Grass with a Real Lawn

Step 1: Assess your lawn and plan ahead

When you’re ready to rip up that artificial grass, take a moment to assess your lawn and plan your approach before diving straight in. Consider the size of your lawn and the specific needs of your outdoor space – will you need professional assistance, or can you take a do-it-yourself approach? Start thinking about the grass seed you want for your lawn and what you will need to maintain it, to ensure a smooth transition from artificial grass to real grass.

Step 2: Remove and replace the artificial grass

Start by removing any pegs or stakes that secure the artificial turf. Carefully lift and roll up each piece, treating it like a carpet. Use a spade to cut through stubborn areas, remove sand and rubble, and anything due to the artificial lawn’s installation.

Some artificial grass lawns are placed on top of concrete, so if your artificial lawn is laid like this, you must remove the concrete and replace it with a quality soil.

Step 3: Prepare the soil for seeding

Properly preparing the soil for grass seed is an important step to ensure the ideal environment for successful germination. Once the artificial grass has been removed, make sure to clear away any remaining debris, stones and weeds from the area. Then use a garden fork to help you loosen the soil, making it easier to work with while improving its aeration and drainage. Then finally, you can level the surface with a rake to ensure an even and level distribution of soil across your garden.

It would also be a good idea to apply a Pre-Seed Fertiliser to give your new grass seed the best possible start to germination and healthy growth.

Disposing of artificial grass

Although it is technically feasible to recycle plastic turf, the process requires separating plastic components from other materials like sand and rubber found in the turf. This separation task is intricate, time-consuming, and expensive and is currently unavailable at public recycling centres in the UK.

If you dispose of old artificial grass at the nearest waste disposal site, it will likely end up in a landfill. So, it is advisable to explore reuse options whenever possible. There are various ways to repurpose artificial grass, such as using it as a cover for compost bins, a convenient liner for rabbit hutches or dog kennels, or a soft surface for balconies or roof terraces. If you cannot find an alternative use for it, consider advertising it on local online groups to see if someone else can make use of it.

Step 4: Choosing the right grass seed

Selecting the best suited grass seed for your garden and its needs is crucial for the longevity of a successful lawn. By considering your soil type, how much your lawn will be used and if any areas are covered in shade, you will be sure to get a lawn that grows greener and thicker! A high-quality seed mix that suits your desired lawn characteristics, such as requiring grass seeds that grow well in shade or you may need grass seed that grows well in clay soils - these specialist grass seeds will provide the best growth and give you the garden lawn you’ve been dreaming of!

Step 5: Sow the grass seed

Follow our guide on how to sow grass seed for the best results. But start by using our Grass Seed Calculator to ensure you get the perfect amount of seed required for your lawn.

Tips for sowing grass seed

• Dig the soil, breaking it up to a depth of 20-25cm
• Pull weeds out by hand or use a weed killer
• Add topsoil if your soil is of poor quality or dips need to be filled in
• Level the seedbed by raking it
• Use a seed spreader or your hand to sow the grass seed at our recommended rate of 50g per m2
• Rake the seed in after sowing so it sits in amongst the soil
• Firm down to improve seed-to-soil contact using a roller or by foot

Step 6: Water and care for your newly seeded lawn

Once you have sown the seeds, what you do next will greatly impact their success! It’s important to give the seeds a gentle but thorough water as soon as they have been sown, Then, daily over the next 6 weeks, keep watering the seedlings and keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as it can wash the seeds away or encourage the development of fungal diseases. Regularly monitor the moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Aftercare for your seedlings

• Continue to water your lawn daily for the next six weeks
• You can skip watering on days when it's raining outside
• Your new lawn will take up to 6 weeks to fully establish
• Once your grass blades hit heights of 5-7cm and when there is even coverage throughout the lawn, it's time to give your lawn its first mow

Step 7: Maintaining your lawn

Once your new lawn has fully established, keep an eye out for any weeds that may naturally appear. Be sure to act quickly with removing them to prevent the weeds from outcompeting your grass for nutrients.

You’ll also want to introduce a regular fertilising schedule for your lawn to ensure it stays green, lush and healthy all year round. Explore our full guide on finding the right fertiliser to help you easily pick the best fertilisers for your lawn care plan! Continue to follow proper lawn maintenance practices, including scarifying, aerating, and overseeding as necessary.

For further reading on enhancing your garden, you can find more information in our Help & Advice and Frequently Asked Questions areas.