I have three small lawns, each of which is below the level of the adjacent paths. They are inherited from the previous owner of the house and have not sunk in recent years. I want to raise the levels.

I have read that a new lawn requires to be laid on four inches of topsoil. Can I put four inches of topsoil on top of the existing lawns and then sow seed or put on readymade rolls? Or do I have to dig up the existing grass?

I don't want to re-use the sods of the existing grass as there are a lot of weeds (creeping buttercup, dandelions, clover, daisies, speedwell and one that looks like pale green miniature spinach).

John