Membrane new lawn before seeding?

[ashthekid]

This may seem like a silly question but is it advisable to lay a membrane down before starting a fresh new grass lawn?

Just thinking of anything to protect against any weeds etc down the line?

Or is any sort of membrane a bad idea?

[Temp]

Never heard of that being done. There are weed killers like Verdone and Depitox that kill weeds not grass. Think most weeds arrive by seeds being spread in wind and bird poop.

[Conor]

Nope, won't to a thing apart from inhibit any natural soul processes. You'll still get weeds. We've weeds growing out of a pile of bricks ffs.

[TheMitchells]

Please do not use a membrane - it does not do any good as weeds will come in from wind and birds, neither of which will be stopped by the membrane but it isnt good for worms and they are the lifeline of good soil and that includes the soil under lawns.  Just make sure the weeds are killed off before you start the lawn.  Good luck!

 

[Thedreamer]

If you want a weed layer why not use cardboard.

 

The cardboard will break down and will benefit any worms as well.

 

Membranes belong under gravel, decking etc.

[saveasteading]

The membrane would keep weeds from coming from below. But over time there would be lots of weeds from seeds anyway.

And it is plastic which at some stage will break down within the ground which is a bad thing.

 

So no membrane please. 

Cardboard works well, or simply turf or seed with good prep.

 

No mow May is upon us. try to find a way of having insect-friendly areas.