How to Install Artificial Grass on Your Ground

If you’re going to lay artificial grass  in your garden, then you need some specialised tools. This includes turf cutters, a lawn roller and a power broom.

Artificial grass installation offers a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to natural lawns. The process involves excavating the existing turf, preparing the base with gravel and sand, and meticulously laying the synthetic turf. This resilient solution provides a lush, green appearance year-round, without the need for watering or mowing. It's an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a beautiful, hassle-free outdoor space.

You may also need a weed barrier to stop unwanted growth from sprouting in your fake grass. This is particularly important if you have pets who use your garden for bathroom needs.

Preparing the Ground

Artificial grass installation can be a smart and affordable option for homeowners who want to save money on maintenance costs and reduce the amount of time they spend caring for their lawn. Although it’s generally best to leave installation of artificial grass to professionals, a handy homeowner can make the project go much more smoothly with proper ground preparation.

This includes removing existing grass or weeds, digging out a flat surface for the sub-base materials, and adding drainage layers or other underlayments to prevent pooling or sinking areas. The final appearance of your synthetic turf and its longevity are directly related to the quality of this step.

In addition to excavation, it’s a good idea to lay down a weed barrier fabric. This does not guarantee that weeds will never grow, but it will limit their spread and keep them from reaching the surface of your fake lawn. Some people choose to install a layer of foam underlay, which adds comfort and helps to cushion falls from garden furniture or children’s toys.

This is also the time to install timber edging around your yard, and put in a layer of type 1 crushed limestone base. This is the base that everything else is installed on top of, and it’s essential for keeping your artificial turf stable and even.

Selecting the Right Artificial Grass

A high-quality artificial lawn is an excellent investment that will provide a beautiful landscape and increase the value of your home. However, before you start laying the turf, it is important to choose the right type of grass for your needs and budget.

Consider your level of use, as this will determine the level of wear and tear that the turf will need to withstand. There are many different types of synthetic grass available in a variety of colours, textures and price ranges.

In addition, it is also essential to select a synthetic grass that has been thoroughly tested for harmful substances. This will ensure that your artificial lawn is safe for children and pets to play on.

When choosing a synthetic lawn, it is recommended that you obtain samples of the turf and try them out in your garden to see how they will look. It is also a good idea to view the samples outdoors in natural light, as indoor lighting can alter the colour of the turf.

In addition, you will need to purchase a number of different tools and materials before you can begin preparing the ground for your artificial lawn. These include a shovel, spade and wheelbarrow to remove any existing vegetation, a plate compactor or tamper to compress the soil, a landscaping rake to spread and level the sub-base materials and a spirit level to check that the surface is flat.

Installation Tools and Materials

Artificial grass installation requires a range of tools, the majority of which can be found in most garages and sheds. However, for the more specialized equipment such as a concrete mixer and a power-broom, it is worth investing in quality products.

A Kubota Mini Digger is a good option for digging out existing soil to create the base layer for the turf. It also compacts the final layer and provides a sturdy surface for laying the artificial grass on top. A tamper is another essential tool for tamping down the base layer and making sure it's nice and flat.

Once the base layer is in place, you can nail down the turf using 7-inch lawn spikes. This prevents the turf from shifting or pulling away as people walk across it. Nails can be hammered in by hand, but for ease of use and to ensure you don't pierce the turf blades, a pneumatic hammer is the best option.

Kiln sand should be applied following the nailing to give the turf some weight and help it look more natural. It also helps to keep the turf upright and reduces the heat the grass absorbs during hot weather. A hard-bristled broom or mechanical power-broom can be used to sweep the sand in evenly.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

A properly prepared base layer is essential for a successful artificial grass installation. It ensures a smooth surface, improves drainage and prevents pooling, reduces weed growth and helps extend the life of your turf.

Before laying the base, use a shovel or spade to remove existing grass and weeds. Make sure to kill any existing roots to avoid them coming back. Next, use a wheelbarrow to transport the excavated soil and materials. After that, spread a layer of builder’s sand and level it with a landscaping rake. Compact the sand with a plate compactor or tamper until it’s firm and level.

Finally, lay a layer of weed barrier material to reduce the risk of unwanted growth sprouting through your turf. This step is particularly important if you have pets as urine can penetrate the turf and cause an unpleasant ammonia smell.

Once the base is ready, place your turf and secure it with landscaping spikes or nails at 6” intervals around the perimeter. You may also want to add a layer of infill (such as silica sand or durafill) to help extend the lifespan of your turf. Brush the artificial grass upwards to allow the infill to flow inside.

Ensuring Proper Drainage

One of the most important aspects of laying down artificial turf is ensuring proper drainage. If the soil is too wet, it may prevent the water from draining and can lead to mold growth or even flooding. A layer of builder's sand spread over the area will help reduce the risk of this occurring. Use a landscaping rake to evenly distribute the sand and compact it with a tamper or 2X2 piece of plywood and a rubber hammer. Then, add a layer of infill, such as silica sand or durafill, to extend the life of your artificial grass.

You can also improve the drainage of your artificial grass by installing a french drain in areas that tend to collect puddles. This will accelerate water movement and combat odors caused by pet urine.

Before starting to lay your artificial grass, spray any weeds and grass with a good weed killer to ensure that they are completely destroyed. Then, allow the weed killer to take effect for two weeks before you start your project. This will give it enough time to be fully effective. Once you have removed all weeds and grass, clear the area of any debris and level it. This is the best way to ensure that the base layer will be flat and smooth.

Maintenance and Care

Artificial grass installation can be very durable and will last for many years, but it is important to properly maintain and care for it in order to extend its life. This includes regular cleaning, removing pet waste, and applying pre-emergent weed control. In addition, proper drainage is crucial for extending the life of your artificial turf.

One of the most common problems that homeowners face with their synthetic lawn is improper drainage. When this happens, moisture from sprinklers and rain will accumulate into puddles that will deteriorate the turf over time. To avoid this, it is recommended that you install a simple drainage system before starting your project.

Stains on the surface of your artificial grass can be caused by a variety of things, such as food or drinks spilling. Most of these stains can be easily removed with a water hose and a bit of household cleaner. However, some stains can be more difficult to remove. For these types of stains, you can try mineral spirits to help lift them from the surface.

It is also important to remove pet waste from the artificial grass immediately to prevent it from deodorizing. Regularly sweeping or vacuuming the area with a pet-specific cleaner will help to keep the turf clean and sanitary.

Costs and Considerations

There are many different types of artificial grass installation on the market, each suited for a particular climate, use and budget. A landscape company will be able to help you choose the best product for your needs and install it correctly. They will also be able to estimate the cost of materials and labor for your project.

Before beginning the installation process, make sure that all of your soil is ready to be removed. If there is still a lot of moisture in the ground, it may sink down and cause low spots. You can test for this by digging a hole in the turf and filling it with water. The water should flow freely and not sit there for long periods of time.

The next step is to prepare the base material. This is one of the heaviest and most difficult steps in the process, but it is essential for drainage. A class II road base is recommended, though some gardeners opt to use decomposed granite as a base instead. This is not a good idea and can lead to weed problems, soft surfaces and uneven areas in the future.

Once the base is in place, it's important to grade it with a landscaping rake and bubble level. You will want to create a 2-3% slope if possible. This will improve drainage and prevent pools of water collecting on the turf.