Grass Over Landscape Fabric: 5" Soil Cover Works—With a Catch

40×28 ft area behind garage, covered in landscape fabric. 18 yds topsoil = ~5" cover. Can you seed grass directly? Soil below is junk.

Yes, It'll Grow

5" is enough for turf roots. Grass establishes fine.

The Catch

• Weeds/grass roots penetrate fabric holes.
• When pulled (or aerated), fabric lifts if soil is thin.
• Future renovation = headache.

Verdict

If it's a "forever" lawn, fine. If you might change it, pull the fabric now. Junk soil + fabric = future liability.