Artificial Turf: The Installation Process
Affordability, low maintenance, and longevity have made artificial turf one of the most sought-after landscaping options today. If you are tired of maintaining natural grass lawn and all the hassles that come along with it and are looking to replace it with synthetic grass to transform the look of the outdoors, here are all the things that you can expect during the installation process.
Pre-installation
The artificial grass installation process starts with the installer inspecting the area for underground hazards like electricity lines, water pipes, and drainage pipes. Move the electric wires about six to eight inches away from the perimeter. Cover the sprinkler heads or remove them if not required. The location of all the unused sprinklers will be marked to avoid uneven areas.
Area preparation
Area preparation involves preparing the ground where the turf will be installed. It includes:
Spraying the whole area with a non-toxic weed killer to destroy all grassroots and weeds. This is done at least two weeks before the installation to ensure no signs of life are left.
The top layer of the soil is removed by digging down three to four inches of soil. After this, we use a hand tamp to compact any loose dirt. The process will make room for the new base.
If the land is well-draining, drainage won’t be an issue as synthetic grass drains well. If artificial grass turf is installed on a poorly draining soil or a hard surface, a well-planned efficient drainage system will be installed.
A waterproof bender board installation to separate the artificial turf from any remaining lawn.
Adding a weed barrier if there are concerns about weed growth through synthetic grass. A geotextile barrier at the bottom of the dug-up area will help earthworms and gophers from damaging the artificial turf.
Installing the base
The installer will scatter three to four inches of the base material (sand, gravel, decomposed granite, or rock) with a shovel or a wheelbarrow. After that, 10-15mm of sharp sand is spread on the top of the sub-base to make it firm. The entire area will then be sprinkled with water using a hose. With the help of a compactor or a plate tamper, they level the surface until it is about 90% of its original depth. The installer double-checks the whole area for uneven, high, and low spots to fill or flatten.
Artificial grass installation
After the base has dried, the turf is placed on it to mark the measurements. The lawn is installed with all the blades facing in the same direction for a natural look. The turf is then cut according to the markings with a utility knife. The synthetic grass is rolled out over the installation area and is slightly shaken for the air to get under it. The turf is then stretched with a carpet stretcher to eliminate wrinkles and secure it tightly to the ground. Once the lawn is set in its space, all the pieces will be seamed together. The turf perimeter is fastened by hammering nails every few inches into the ground. At last, we secure the edges using landscaping anchor pins or galvanized stakes.
Post-installation
After the turf is fully secured, infills are added to cushion and weigh the grass down. The synthetic grass will be brushed in between infill applications to allow it to settle below the grass fibers. Lastly, the artificial turf is watered to let it set in place.
Call a professional and experienced artificial grass installation company for proper and effective installation. A well-installed artificial turf lasts longer, and you'll be much happier with the results.
Turfscapes of Arizona is a Phoenix-based family-owned business specializing in the installation of artificial lawns, hardscaping, and rock spreading. Find out how artificial turf can improve your home or business landscaping. Call 602-884-8760 today!