sowing grass seeds/laying turf on an existing lawn.

[Stringman_uk]

We have a a 50sqm garden that has a ratty looking lawn.
I would like to either re turf it or sow grass seeds.

My initial idea was to rotovate the area and then either lay some topsoil, seeds and more topsoil or lay turf over the rotovated garden.

Or would I be better off Killing all the grass off and then doing the above?

I realise its probably too late to do it now so will probably do it in spring.

Thanks in advance

 

[RrogerD]

Perhaps some pictures...
You certainly DO NOT want to be killing anything off. You'll never get anything to grow on it again.
If the area is generally level then I'd simply dress with a thin layer of topsoil mixed with grass seed.
If not level / flat and has various undulations then fill with more topsoil first. Be sure to 'tramp down', otherwise it will sink later anyway.
Be careful with what seed you're adding to make sure that it matches in with current.

 

[foxhole]

I found the grass seed for shaded areas very good at repairing lawn (especially on areas in frequent or constant shade .

 

[StephenStephen]

What's the problem with the lawn?

Guessing from what you've written (pics would be helpful), I'd suggest mow it quite short, sow some grass seed (CHECK IT'S NOT TOO OLD as some DIY places sell grass seed which has had its day). and maybe brush a little topsoil/compost over the top.
Depending on where you are, it's probably not too late/cold to get grass seed to germinate.

 

[Old Salt]

Too cold now for proper germination. Loads of “how to’s” on you tube, lawnright, Daniel Hibbert to name 2. Use the time between now and spring to improve drainage, level and fertilize.

 

[Stringman_uk]

Thanks for all the replies
Yes you are all correct photos would help.
Sadly we had a bit of a tree pruning day so you cant see the lawn at the moment!
The moment its clear I will post some pics
The lawn is very patchy with some bald spots and lots of "non grass"
I dont want or expect cricket green grass but just a full lawn would be nice.
A few years ago we shrunk the border and laid a strip of turf, this looked good (better than existing lawn) for a year or so but quite a bit has died off.

I guess my idea (hope) was that i could rotovate the existing lawn so it is all good(ish) topsoil the level it off and lay some seeds (or mixed seeds with topsoil).
As you have said, all a bit moot without photos

 

[yorksbuilder]

Rotovate and add topsoil and level

Then seed at the beginning of April

Good luck!

 

[Old Salt]

Follow the process. Watch Daniel Hibbert & Lawn Right on you tube. Mine was originally turfed 5 years ago but has been overseeded the last 2 years. This was taken in September and it still looks good now.