Topping up soil level with old turf

[andyste1]

I'm going to be putting down a patio (and sub-base of course!) in one corner of the garden, but I first need to top up the soil level by a few inches. Elsewhere in the garden I'll be digging out an existing lawn ready for replacing with artificial turf.

Probably a silly question but can I use what I remove from the latter to top up the level of the former? It'll obviously be a mix of turf and soil, so I'm concerned that as the turf rots down it will cause problems for the patio on top of it.

[lutonlagerlout]

you are correct,the turf will rot down and sink
you could compost it for a couple of years,but realistically it needs to go
LLL

[Tony McC]

Never, ever build-up levels for paving with topsoil or any organic matter, especially not turf. It *will* decompose and it *will* settle and it *will* take your paving down with it.

Levels should only ever be regulated using suitable sub-base material or a concrete blinding.