Turf removal and replacement

Two reasons people call about replacement. Either the turf has reached fifteen or twenty years and is genuinely worn out, or it was installed badly and has failed early — ruts, low spots, standing water, separated seams, matted fibres that never stand back up.

Diagnosis first

Before quoting a replacement we determine whether the turf failed or the base failed. It matters a great deal to the price.

If the base is sound — still compacted, still draining, still graded correctly — we can pull the old turf and lay new over the existing base. That removes the excavation and aggregate cost, often 30 to 40 percent of a full installation.

If the base is the problem, and on early failures it usually is, replacing the turf alone would waste your money. Ruts, puddles and settling all point downward, not at the turf.

Signs the base failed

• Standing water after rain, or a spongy feel underfoot
• Visible ruts or low spots that appeared within a few years
• Turf that lifts or ripples at the edges
• Seams that have separated as the ground moved beneath

These are freeze-thaw and compaction failures. Kentucky's winter cycling is unforgiving of a base that was not compacted in lifts.

Disposal

We haul away and dispose of the old turf and infill. Some turf is recyclable depending on backing type and condition, and we route it that way where we can.

Partial replacement

If only one area has failed — a pet zone, a high-traffic path — a section can sometimes be replaced rather than the whole yard. Colour matching to weathered turf is imperfect, and we will tell you honestly whether the patch will be noticeable before you spend anything.

What it costs

Replacement over a sound existing base typically runs $5 to $9 per square foot. Full removal and rebuild prices like a new installation. See pricing.