How to Replace Artificial Grass and Reuse the Existing Base

Replacing artificial grass does not automatically mean rebuilding everything underneath it. If the existing base remains stable, suitably level, free from significant deterioration and able to drain correctly, it may be possible to prepare and reuse it for the replacement lawn.

The important step is inspection. Remove the old turf first, expose the installation beneath it and assess what you find. A sound base can avoid unnecessary groundwork, while covering existing defects risks transferring the same problems to the new lawn.

When Does Artificial Grass Need Replacing?

Artificial grass may need replacing when significant wear, damage or appearance problems cannot be resolved through maintenance or local repair. The turf’s condition does not automatically reflect the base underneath.

Signs worth checking include:

• heavily worn fibres

• tears or damaged backing

• failed joins or lifting edges

• persistent appearance problems

• changing garden requirements

Before replacing the entire lawn, check whether the problem is localised. Once replacement is necessary, lifting the turf lets you assess whether the existing base remains suitable.

Can You Reuse the Existing Artificial Grass Base?

An existing base may be reusable if it remains stable, level, free from significant deterioration and compatible with the replacement installation. Age alone should not determine whether it stays.

Use these checks before installing replacement grass.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

The tools and materials depend on how the old grass is secured and whether the base needs repair. Assess the area before buying supplies.

For removal:

• gloves and cutting tools

• tools for removing fixings

For base preparation:

• levelling tools

• repair materials

• compaction equipment where required

For installation:

• replacement turf

• joining and fixing materials

• suitable membrane or infill where required

Once assessed, compare the Tuda Grass artificial grass range before choosing your replacement.

How to Remove Old Artificial Grass Safely

Remove the old turf carefully to preserve the base for inspection. Avoid disturbing supporting layers that may still be suitable.

1. Check the perimeter: Identify how the grass is secured.

2. Locate joins: Look for tape, adhesive and concealed fixings.

3. Release the edges: Remove fixings carefully.

4. Cut manageable sections: Work from the backing where practical.

5. Lift the turf: Avoid excavating the base.

6. Clear debris: Remove old joining materials before inspecting the exposed surface.

Check the Existing Sub-Base for Damage

Once exposed, check the sub-base for stability, movement, unevenness and drainage problems. Focus on areas where the previous lawn dipped or collected water.

Look for:

• loose or shifting material

• dips, ridges or soft areas

• settlement or rutting

• damaged edges

• signs of water accumulation

A straightedge can help reveal uneven areas. If damage appears limited to the turf, check whether you can replace one section of artificial grass before replacing the entire lawn.

Repair Low Spots, Drainage Problems and Uneven Areas

Correct base defects before laying replacement turf. New grass will not resolve unstable groundwork, uneven levels or poor drainage underneath.

Address the cause rather than covering visible symptoms.

Should You Replace the Weed Membrane?

Do not automatically replace or retain the existing weed membrane. Its condition, position and compatibility with the new installation should guide your decision.

Check for:

• tears or deterioration

• displaced edges

• contamination

• existing weed growth

• unsuitable positioning

An intact membrane may remain usable if it suits the planned installation. However, damaged or poorly positioned material may need replacing. Remember, a weed membrane can help reduce growth from below, although it cannot correct drainage, instability or uneven groundwork.

Prepare the Existing Base for the New Artificial Grass

A reusable base still needs preparation before replacement turf is fitted. Check it against current installation requirements rather than assuming it is ready.

Before laying the grass:

• remove debris and old joining materials

• correct dips or loose areas

• check stability and drainage

• inspect perimeter edging

• confirm finished levels

• check the membrane where required

• plan roll layout and pile direction

For the full fitting process, follow Tuda Grass’s artificial grass installation guide.

Lay and Secure the Replacement Artificial Grass

Once the base is suitable and prepared, fit the replacement turf according to the current installation guidance. Do not assume previous fixing positions will suit the new grass.

Plan the roll layout before cutting, keeping the pile direction consistent. Position the turf carefully, trim the perimeter and secure the edges using a compatible fixing method.

Check the finished height beside paving, steps, drainage channels and doors. Different grass constructions or pile heights may affect how the replacement surface meets surrounding features.

How to Join and Finish the New Grass Neatly

Plan joins around the replacement turf rather than automatically recreating old seam positions. Roll width, pile direction and the shape of the garden may make another layout more practical.

For neat joins:

• keep adjoining sections facing the same pile direction

• make controlled cuts through the backing

• support both edges correctly

• use compatible joining tape and adhesive

• bring backing edges together without overlapping them

• keep fibres clear of the joining material

• follow the adhesive manufacturer's application and curing instructions

Tuda Grass’s guide to joining artificial grass correctly covers this stage in more detail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Artificial Grass

The biggest mistake is treating replacement as a turf swap without checking why the previous installation developed problems. Inspect the base before fitting new grass.

If you cannot establish whether the existing base remains suitable, contact us before installing the replacement lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing Artificial Grass

Can You Lay New Artificial Grass Over Old Artificial Grass?

New artificial grass should not normally be installed directly over the old turf. Removing the existing lawn exposes the base, drainage, edging and joins, allowing their condition to be assessed before replacement.

Do You Have to Replace the Base When Replacing Artificial Grass?

No, not automatically. An existing base may remain suitable if its construction, stability, levels, drainage and condition meet the requirements of the new installation. Local defects may be repairable, while widespread instability or drainage problems can require more extensive work.

Can You Reuse the Existing Weed Membrane?

Potentially. Inspect its condition and position first, then check whether it suits the planned installation build-up. Damage, deterioration or an incompatible position may change the decision.

Can You Replace Just One Section of Artificial Grass?

A local repair may be possible where damage is limited to one area, although matching the replacement turf, pile direction, joins and underlying condition all matter. The dedicated Tuda Grass guide on whether you can replace one section of artificial grass explains the process in more detail.

Replacing artificial grass is an opportunity to assess what is still working beneath the lawn. Preserve a sound base where it meets current requirements, repair local defects where appropriate and investigate widespread movement or drainage concerns before installing the new surface. This approach avoids unnecessary excavation without carrying existing installation problems into the replacement lawn.