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How to remove grass to prepare for artificial grass installation
Quick Answer: How to remove your existing lawn
The quickest way to remove your existing lawn in preparation for an artificial grass installation is with a turf cutter and spade. These are expensive to buy for a single project so you might be better off renting one out. If you have a limited budget, cutting the soil by hand can be done with a spade or sod cutter. However this takes a lot more time and effort. Whether you use a machine or hand tools only, you’ll still need to transfer the grass by hand.
Removing your lawn by hand
Using a spade or sod cutter to remove turf
You can remove your existing lawn with a very common grass removal tool – the humble spade! A spade is very easy to source, store and make use of again so they’re handy to have for any garden project.
In order to make room for the subbase for the artificial lawn, you’ll need to remove between 55mm and 70mm of the existing top soil to add your layer of stability membrane, aggregate and granite dust and weed membrane. On to
To start this process you may want to line the area with flags, rope or hose to give yourself a perimeter to work from, then score the perimeter in case your line markings move!
Once you’re happy with the size of space you’re digging up, start creating sections of small squares or lengths about the width of a spade that you can manageably remove. To remove, use the flat side of the spade to scoop through the roots of the turf and dispose as needed.
When is the best time to dig up the grass?
The best time to try and dig up grass is when it is soft but not waterlogged, which would typically but not exclusively be during Spring.
What kind of spade is best to use?
A square headed spade with a D shape handle is typically the easiest to handle, and create leverage to lift your cut grass. Make sure your spade is sharp to make it easier to cut through the soil.
Removing grass with a machine
Using a turf cutter
One of the easiest ways to remove grass is by using a turf cutter. This is a petrol engine tool that lots of landscapers use so that they can save time and energy on a project.
A turf cutter works by setting a blade into the ground to oscillate horizontally, severing the roots of the grass to a certain depth. The depth can be adjusted depending on requirement, and is easily pushed through the turf. Whilst it makes cutting the grass easier, it still requires manual removal of the earth.
Once the earth is removed you have space to create a subbase using aggregate and grano dust. These layers of aggregate are essential for creating a stable, draining lawn.
Can you buy a turf cutter?
Yes you can buy a turf cutter but it may be an excessive cost for a one time job. Instead you’d be better off renting a turf cutter to complete the job as this is much cheaper. A lot of rental companies charge by the week, so weigh up how vital it is for your project.
Will a turf cutter remove grass all year round?
Yes a turf cutter can work throughout the year, though it works more effectively when the ground is softer. Hard ground created by long periods of no rainfall, or winter periods where frost and cold has penetrated can make it more difficult to use.
Is a turf strimmer the same as a turf cutter?
No, a turf strimmer only cuts the top of the grass blades off and does nothing to penetrate the soil. A strimmer is a useful tool for managing overgrown spaces and should be used before a turf cutter to make the ground turf more visible. Hidden rock and rubble can damage the blades of a turf cutter so these should be removed before starting to remove the lawn.
Are There Any Downsides?
Regardless of whether you use hand tools or machines there is some level of effort involved in getting rid of the turf in a garden. A machine makes cutting the lawn quick, but the upfront cost is much greater. If budget is your main concern then you may want to find a cheaper option.
Whilst a spade or sod cutter is much easier and less expensive to buy but the effort is greater and will likely take much longer. If you are on a tight timescale you may want to consider something more heavy duty.
Comparing digging by hand or by machine
| Factor | Dig by Hand | Dig with Machine |
| Effort | Higher | Lower |
| Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best time | Spring | Year-round |
So, what’s the best way to remove lawn grass?
The key to a good artificial lawn installation is a subbase that is stable, drainable and long lasting so a top layer of grass needs to be removed to make room.
If you want to get the job done quickly
- A turf cutter
- Spade
If you want the job done cheaply
- Spade or sod cutter
View our Installations
We provide artificial turf installation for a range of garden styles and sizes. Check out our Portfolio section to see some of the previous projects completed by Trulawn or a Trulawn franchise.
