Before laying artificial grass, it is essential to prepare the ground for the new surface by excavating it. This step is critical to ensuring the new turf is stable and free from weeds. Next, lay the artificial grass as close as possible to the perimeters of the area to be covered. Avoid cutting or clipping the grass blades.
Sub-base for artificial grass
A sub-base is an integral part of installing an artificial grass lawn. It is the layer directly under the grass and is often a mixture of gravel and sand. However, a sub-base can also consist of concrete, asphalt, or wood. The purpose of a sub-base is to provide adequate drainage and to keep water from accumulating in the area below the artificial grass.
There are several types of sub-base for artificial grass, including crushed miscellaneous base, Class II road base, and decomposed granite. A crushed miscellaneous base is cheaper, while a Class II road base is more expensive. However, both are durable, heat-resistant, and low-maintenance.
Precautions to take before laying artificial grass
Before laying artificial grass, there are some pre-installation steps to ensure your grass looks as good as possible. These include ensuring the area is level and free of large cracks or holes. This will ensure your grass does not shift or sink into the ground.
It is also crucial to ensure that the artificial grass base is properly prepared. Improper base preparation will result in a shorter lifespan for your new synthetic lawn. Even though it is not visible to clients, the base can be neglected, resulting in a ruined appearance.
Another crucial step is to lay down a weed barrier fabric. This weed barrier fabric is a layer of wire installed over the soil to prevent weeds from growing. This layer is heavy and can deter gophers and earthworms from attacking your turf.
Weed barrier fabric is an inexpensive barrier to weeds
Weed barrier fabric is a durable way to prevent weeds. It is a nonwoven fabric made with a hydrophilic treatment to encourage the flow of nutrients into the soil. It is also resistant to tearing. It is usually available in big rolls and is best used in areas with heavy foot traffic. It can be a bit expensive, however.
Another option for an inexpensive weed barrier is cardboard boxes. For free, you can find these lying around or buy some at a local store. If you go early, you can usually get a free box. These are safe and biodegradable but also porous, letting light through but allowing water and nutrients to get through.
Properly excavating the existing turf.
When installing artificial grass in your backyard, you must take a few steps to ensure a successful project. First, you need to remove the existing turf. You can do this yourself using a shovel or a sod cutter or hire a professional landscaper to do the job for you. Once the turf is removed, you will need to excavate between two and six inches below the existing level, depending on your needs. This should remove any roots or large rocks that may be present. If there are any obstacles, you will need to mark the area to ensure the installation is successful. Additionally, you will need to account for the edge configuration of the existing turf.
Before laying artificial grass, you must carefully excavate the existing turf to create a smooth base for the installation. This will help the new turf stay in place and maintain its appearance. To start the excavation process, you should dig down at least three inches of soil from the existing turf, and you can use a string line to determine how deep the surface should be. After excavating the soil, you can use a vibratory plate compactor to compact it. Once the base is compacted, you should nail or staple the artificial grass to the sub-base or the perimeter nailer strip.
Using nails as a sub-base for artificial grass
Using nails as a sub-base is an excellent way to fasten your artificial grass installation securely. Nails should be three to six inches long and placed at least every two feet along the perimeter. It’s also essential to use electro galvanized or steal nails since they will rust and expand, making them more secure. In addition, it’s recommended to install nails every two feet on your installation’s interior area. You can add more nails if installing a larger area than a 20×20-foot section.
Your artificial grass’s quality will depend on its base’s quality. Even the best synthetic grass won’t last very long without a proper sub-base.
