Whether you have a sports facility to manage or looking for a solution to your residential lawn needs, artificial grass could be the answer.
Enhancements in production have made it almost impossible to tell from real grass. Plus, you have the added benefit of no watering, no fertilizing, and best of all – no mowing! Here is a comparison to show the differences.
If you are considering artificial turf grass as a DIY project, there are some things you need to know. Here is an artificial grass installation guide.
The Preparation
The area designated for artificial grass needs to be prepared before the actual installation.
Check for any water or electrical lines. Make sure these lines do not fall within 8″ of the perimeter so as not to be damaged by the securing nails or tacks.
About two weeks before laying the grass, the area should be treated with a weed killer. Allow this time to completely get rid of all weeds or left-over grass roots.
The top layer of soil will then need to be removed. Dig down around 4″ to allow adequate room for the base layer.
Adding the Base Layers
If you need to create a drainage system, now is the time.
Next, you may want to lay down a layer of gopher wire to protect your investment. And even though a weed treatment was completed, it is a good idea to add an extra weed barrier.
The base material comes next. This is 3-4″ of crushed rock, gravel, or Type 1 stone. Lay a thick layer of sand on top of the base material and then lightly water the entire area.
Using a plate or hand tamper, completely compact the area. It should feel solid. Level out any uneven areas.
Artificial Grass Installation
Lay out the turf and let it sit for about 30 minutes to fully expand. You then need to mark off the desired measurements on both the base and the grass. All the blades should be facing the same direction.
If you need help with the right kind of turf for your sports activities, here is a buying guide.
When making cuts, allow for any miscalculations in the measurement. Carefully roll out the grass onto the prepared surface. Do not drag it as that will create uneven spots. A carpet stretcher is recommended for an even appearance.
Lay down the next section and secure the two sections together. This can be done with seam tape and nails. Work slowly and avoid overlapping. Apply extra nails around the perimeter.
Post-Installation Tips
You will need a level of infill sand applied on top of the artificial grass. A sand spreader is recommended. Use a stiff brush or broom to settle the sand down into the turf.
Watering the infill will set it. The next day check the appearance, and if needed, add another layer of infill. Once the desired look is achieved, you are ready to go!
Years of Enjoyment
The process of artificial grass installation is a little time-consuming and care is needed to make sure it looks great and stays in place. However, once completed, the area can be enjoyed maintenance-free for years.
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