A commonly asked question by gardeners and landscapers alike is can you lay topsoil and grass over membrane to create a weed-free garden lawn? Some homeowners may discover that their garden lawn is covered in weeds and they’re unsure how to fix the problem – this is where they turn to the thought of adding landscape fabric under the turf and topsoil.
In this guide, we’ll give you the answer once and for all so you don’t have to keep wondering whether it’s okay to lay topsoil and grass over membrane or other landscape fabric – plus we give you the top tips to keep your garden weed-free!
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Can you put a membrane underneath topsoil and turf?
You may have searched across the internet for the answer and had a mixed response, but we’re here to keep it simple for you. If you’re thinking of laying topsoil and turf over a membrane or other landscape fabric, don’t do it! The reasoning behind this is that the grassroots from your garden turf need to establish themselves approximately 4 inches into the ground and the membrane underneath will prevent this from occurring.
What are the negatives of laying topsoil and turf on top of membrane?
As you now know that you shouldn’t lay topsoil over membrane or other landscape fabric, what is the potential impact if you have already placed it underneath your lawn?
- Weeds and unwanted flowers will still grow through and appear on your lawn
- Membranes underneath topsoil and turf can cause waterlogging in wetter months
- Can prove to be expensive if there is a large area to cover
- The lawn and grass can dry out quickly in warmer months
- The quality of your lawn will deteriorate
How to stop weeds from growing through your lawn
If you’ve moved into a new home or have just laid new turf in your garden and discovered weeds popping up through your luscious lawn, you’re not alone. Many gardeners in the UK have issues with weed control and unwanted flowers on their lawns but are unsure of how to get rid of them.
One solution is to temporarily remove the top layer of turf and soil and pick the weeds out of the soil underneath it. Whilst this is a labour-intense method, it has proven time and time again to remove weeds from both gardens and allotments (our recommendation). For information on how to re-lay turf on topsoil, see our in-depth guide.
Another way to stop weeds from growing through your lawn is to spray a weed killer or control in the affected areas. Whilst this method will increase the use of chemicals and the potential for harm, it again is a proven way of removing weeds in your lawn – a much more effective solution compared to membranes.
Where can I purchase topsoil from?
Alsoils+ has been servicing domestic and trade customers for over 35 years with the highest quality topsoil, leaving you safe in the knowledge that we can cater for your needs. We supply premium topsoil that is suitable for lawns, growing vegetables and other purposes, so you can be sure your garden is given the love it deserves.
