Synthetic Grass Installation

Keeping a healthy yard with living green grass is no small miracle. If you live in an area where rainfall is low or water restrictions are high, it can be even more difficult to create that soothing patch of greenery. Whether you lack the time, patience or resources to invest in maintaining a living lawn, synthetic grass installation may be the best solution for you.

There are many advantages of owning an artificial lawn, but the low maintenance and low need for attention are among the top benefits. The installation is so simple it’s a great entry level project for an aspiring DIY enthusiast.

Nevertheless, the longevity of the artificial lawn will depend on the quality of this installation work. With this in mind, you’ll want to know what the task looks like and how it’s best accomplished before you begin. Here is what you need to know about how to install synthetic grass.

1. Buy Good Quality Synthetic Grass

The first step will be choosing a good spot and selecting the artificial material of choice. Remember, that the price is just a tag but value will be what you get left with. You don’t want to be swapping out artificial lawns every 5 years when a good brand should last up to 25 (in the right conditions), with this in mind buy the quality that will survive the traffic and sunlight to which it will be exposed.

Choose the right type of synthetic grass for your purpose. You have three main types to select from, they are:

Polypropylene Artificial Turf

The most economical of all synthetic turf alternatives, polypropylene is a choice that numerous people pick. It can be made in an assortment of styles and is really well priced, polypropylene isn’t the best choice for large areas.

It has a low melting point, and it isn’t tough and not the best for high traffic. In the event that you will go for this kind of synthetic turf, definitely don’t use it in large areas. Instead this type of grass would be better used in little areas, for example, a putting green.

Polyethylene Artificial Turf

If you can afford it you should consider using synthetic grass grass that’s made out of polyethylene. In spite of the fact that it is more costly than polypropylene, it looks a lot more natural and is much tougher. Actually polyethylene synthetic grass looks and feels so normal that you will have trouble recognizing this kind of turf from genuine grass.

Polyethylene artificial turf is perfect for a wide range of uses, including edging, pool areas, outside play spaces and whole yards.

Nylon Artificial Turf

On the off chance that durability is the main thing that you’re searching for, than nylon fake turf is the best choice for you. It can withstand exceptionally high temperatures and extreme weight, while holding its unique shape. Nylon turf is really solid, it normally isn’t utilized in huge applications as a result of its high price. So, it’s an extraordinary alternative to use nearby polyethylene turf for additional quality.

2. Selecting the Spot

You probably already have a spot chosen for your new lawn so it’s time to begin installation. But, first take a look at where you hope to lay your grass. Is it on Dirt? An existing lawn? If there is an existing lawn you will need the sod cutter to lift the sod and prepare it to be transplanted.

If you have dirt floor or may be a dying lawn that can’t be salvaged, no problem. All we have to do is prepare the ground. You will need a shovel, wheelbarrow, gardening gloves and some time set aside to carry out this fairly simple task.

Begin by pulling up all the weeds, rocks and obstacles in the area, you will want to clear about an inch or so from the top of the lawn leaving a smooth even surface to work on. If there is an existing sprinkler system simply shut off the water supply and remove the heads. If you should change your mind in the future the system will be intact.

3. Prepare the Ground

One of the most important steps when Installing synthetic grass is site preparations. By preparing the ground properly we can make sure that the artificial grass is smooth and not attracting weeds or pooling water. If you’ve cleared out that half inch you may notice that the ground is not 100% smooth, Use crushed gravel or decomposed granite to fill in the holes and create a level surface. Use a roller to ensure the surface is perfectly flat.

If you’re afraid that weeds will be an issue, you can lay down an additional weed control fabric that will control this problem. Depending on the artificial grass you have selected you may choose to add an underlayer which adds some additional cushioning between the ground and the artificial grass. Making it more conducive for sitting and playing.

Remember not all lawns and surfaces will need all this treatment, but selecting the best preparation for the situation will ensure maximum longevity from your artificial grass. One other addition that can be added before flattening the ground is a gopher shield, like wire netting placed below and around the area being grassed. This keeps the pesky rodents from popping up in the middle of your artificial grass and destroying it.

4. Installing the Artificial Grass

Your artificial grass will be delivered in a big roll, or several big rolls depending on how much area they must cover. Depending on the shape, dimensions and possible obstacles in your path you will need to plan this step carefully. Larger areas will need to be laid out in strips, just like regular turf. Make sure the orientation of different patches of grass all face the same direction. If you have set the pieces snuggly together with no overlap or spaces, there will be no difference between pieces and the whole thing will look seamless.

5. Secure the Lawn in Place

To ensure that your artificial grass is not moving around, wrinkling or gathering you will want to keep it secure in one place. There are many ways to do this depending on the ground below and surfaces nearby. Some people like to add a layer of silica sand to the surface of the grass to keep it in place and this does help a bit, but can also make a big mess.

The best option is a set of large galvanized steel nails that are driven into the ground every 1.5 around the edge of the grass. Make sure these are not stretching the turf too tightly but laid down relaxed with no tension. Make sure the spikes are laid flush with the ground so that no part of the steel spikes are exposed.

As a final word in our guide to how to install synthetic grass, you will want to remember that this is not real grass and all that entails. For example, synthetic grass doesn’t need to be watered but can get very hot in the sunlight. So it can help to hose off the lawn before going out there barefoot, to ensure no burned feet. This is especially important when allowing small children to play on the lawn.

Making sure that water drains away easily will also be good for homes with pets as cats and dogs will treat artificial grass like regular grass and leave their messes here. Artificial grass is waterproof and these messes won’t develop burn marks like a real lawn will. Just pick up solids and wash away urine with a disinfectant solution.