How to Prepare for Artificial Grass in 6 Easy Steps

Your artificial grass will only perform well if the surface beneath it is stable. In case you are installing it over a poorly drained or uneven base, your artificial grass can hold water, wrinkle, and shift over time. Here is why it is important:

Prevents Unevenness

If your base is not properly prepared and compacted, then when you are going to install the artificial grass, it can shift, wrinkle, and cause bumps, and will make the surface look really untidy.

Ensures proper drainage

With a well-prepared base, water will automatically drain instantly. This can prevent waterlogging, puddles, and potential mold growth.

Blocks Weed Growth

Removing all existing grass, roots, and organic matter will prevent weeds from growing up on the grass. So a weed membrane is also installed for the prevention of weeds.

Important For Stability

With a solid and compacted base that provides a firm foundation that will not sink or move over time.

Improves The Surface And Safety

Leveling a surface can create a smooth playing surface, and it can also be very safe for kids and children.

Extends The Lifespan Of The Product

A proper foundation is very important for long-lasting use. If you skip this step, it can lead to premature wear and the need for replacement and repairs.

Preparing the ground for artificial grass can be a bit overwhelming, but if you follow these 6 steps, we assure you that you can prepare for artificial grass. Here is how you can do it;

Assemble All The Tools And Materials

Before you start preparing, you will need all these tools:

• Shovel and spade
• Wheelbarrow
• Rake
• Plate compactor
• Utility knife
• Turf cutter
• Hammer
• Turf nails
• Measuring tape
• Crushed rock or decomposed granite
• Sharp sand for levelling
• Weed barrier fabric
• Artificial turf rolls
• Turf adhesive
• Infill

Measure And Mark The Area

Before you start digging, make sure that your area is properly measured and marked. Then move on to measuring the perimeter using spray paint, or you can also use string lines. For trimming and seamless alignment, make sure that you are adding at least 5-10% of turf length and width. Also, make sure that you are taking notes and plan out your entire area. The artificial turf should follow the natural contour and give a very realistic appearance.

Removing Grass And Topsoil

Before you lay artificial grass, make sure that you have removed all kinds of debris, natural grass, and roots. For this purpose, you can use a turf cutter and shovel, which can easily remove 2-4 inches of topsoil. This also makes sure that you have space for a compacted sub-base layer. Before installing, make sure that your surface is stable and even. Here’s a quick tip: dispose of the organic waste off-site, or it will decompose under the turf and cause uneven surfaces.

Install A Weed Barrier

Once you have installed artficial gras, the first problem that you face is the weed growth. Add a durable weed fabric over the entire surface before you add a sub-base material. This geotextile layer will allow water to pass through, and it will also block out sunlight. Moreover, it will also prevent weeds from sprouting underneath.

Add And Compact The Base

For a structural foundation, the sub-base is very important. For this, you can use decomposed granite or crushed granite to a depth of 3-4 inches. Many people also go for limestone, but we won’t suggest that to you, as it can retain water and reduce drainage efficiency. Once you have spread the material evenly, move on to compacting it, and for that, you can use a plate compactor. Make sure that you are aiming for at least 90% compaction density, and this is for the best results. With a smooth and seamless base, you can get a turf that won’t sag or wrinkle.

Level With Sharp Sand Or DG Layer

Once you are done compacting your sub-base, add a 1-inch leveling layer of sharp sand or finely crushed decomposed granite. Once you are done with that, rake and smooth the surface until it’s stable and even. This layer will cushion the turf and help create a very natural aesthetic for your place.

Lay The Artificial Grass

This is the fun part. Unroll the artificial turf in the same direction so that you can have a consistent alignment. In order to let it get flat, let it rest for a few hours. Moreover, you can also use a turf seam tape with glue so that you can bond them together.

Once you are done with this, add the infill, which is what gives fake grass a realistic texture and bounce. After infill, use a stiff broom so that you can brush in multiple directions and can also lift the fibers up. Once you are done with that, rinse lightly with a garden hose to remove any kind of dust or dirt.

Also read: 15 Reasons Artificial Grass Is Good for Your Pets

Once you have installed artificial grass, it is very important that you maintain it too. Here are some tips for the maintenance of artificial grass:

• Rinse every week
• Brush your fibers so that you can keep them upright
• Use different kinds of enzyme cleaners for pet odours
• Avoid the use of toxic and harmful chemicals
• Keep sharp objects and hot items away from the turf

Here are some of the common mistakes that you need to avoid for seamless installation:

• Never skip the weed barrier, as it will lead to regrowth issues.
• If you are going to use poor-quality base material, then it will cause sagging and poor drainage.
• If you forget to compact properly, then it can also result in uneven and unstable surfaces.
• If you are ignoring the infills, then it will flatten the fibers.

So now that you know how to prepare your artificial grass, you can easily do that by following all the steps mentioned in our guide. Make sure that you are using premium quality materials, measuring your area properly, removing grass, installing a proper weed barrier, compacting the base, and then laying the artificial grass.