Whether you want to install artificial grass at your home or business, there are a few things you need to know. The first thing is how to lay down the turf, and the second thing is how to secure the turf to the base layer. The third thing is how to prevent weeds from popping up through the grass.
Prepare the base
Whether you are planning to install artificial grass on your own or are hiring a professional, it’s important to prepare the base before installation. Not only will it help prevent damage to the new surface, but it will also ensure a good look.
Before digging, be sure to locate any utilities. For example, if you have an electrical cable or a telephone line, you’ll need to be able to get to them without causing any damage. If you don’t have access to heavy machinery, you may need to hire artificial grass installation company to do it for you.
Depending on your climate and location, you can choose from decomposed granite, gravel, or crushed drain rock. These are all suitable for preparing the base before installing artificial grass.
You will need at least three inches of base material for your project. This helps your turf drain more efficiently. Depending on your location, you can expect to have a drainage gap around every six inches.
Lay down the turf
Whether you are installing artificial grass for the first time or you are an expert, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. During this process, you will need to use the right adhesives, staples, and seam tapes. If you skip a step, you may end up with a messy installation or problems down the road.
To get an even surface, it is important to level the ground. You can do this by raking and walking repeatedly over the area. A heavy drum roller can be used to flatten the dirt.
To prevent weed growth, you can use sand or crushed stone. If you live in a mild climate, you can also use type one stone or decomposed granite. You can also use gravel as the base material.
You can also secure your turf with landscape nails. Place them every 3 to 4 inches on the edges. These will help the edge stay in place while the rest of the turf dries.
Secure the turf to the base layer
Whether you’re installing an artificial lawn in a backyard or an entire commercial area, you’ll need to secure the artificial grass to the base layer. It is important to use the proper quantity of glue and fasteners. A wrong amount of adhesive can cause your fake grass to fail to bond, while excess glue can be difficult to remove.
To start the process, you’ll need to remove the turf from its roll. This can be done with a utility knife or a weed trimmer. You’ll also need to brush off any sand from the turf. You can use a stiff-bristled broom to remove any remaining sand. You may need to hose off the turf to get rid of any excess sand.
To secure the turf to the base layer, you’ll need to use an adhesive and seam tape. Depending on the type of adhesive you choose, you’ll need to allow time for it to dry. The drying time will depend on the ambient temperature.
Prevent weeds from popping up through the grass
Taking preventive measures is the best way to avoid weeds popping up through artificial grass. You can do this by using a weed barrier or installing a geotextile layer. A quality weed barrier will be porous enough for water to pass through. This will make the weed barrier effective in blocking weeds from growing and causing damage.
A weed barrier will also reduce the need for a lot of maintenance. It can be laid under or above your sub-base. It is also important to ensure the weed barrier is strong and durable. If it is damaged, you will need to have it replaced. It should be installed by a turf professional.
A sand layer is another option to help prevent weeds from coming up through artificial grass. It is used as a levelling layer and will prevent existing seeds from rooting. This is ideal for sloped areas.
You can also use a pet friendly weed killer. This is an effective alternative that will not harm the fake grass. You can buy them at department stores or online. Alternatively, you can brush the area to remove the problem seeds.
