Artificial grass can be used to replace natural grass or to add beauty and comfort to your patio, balcony, or lawn. It’s easy to install.
First prepare the base by removing all vegetation and dirt. Then apply a layer sharp sand and a geotextile membrane over the base to create a level area for your new turf.
Laying the Grass
When you lay artificial grass, it’s important to lay it correctly. This involves removing the grass and weeds that are already there, preparing the ground, and then installing the turf.
Before you lay the artificial grass, spray the area with a broadspectrum herbicide in order to kill off any existing vegetation (grass and weeds) in the area. This could take between two and four weeks, but it will make the process much easier once you begin laying the sod.
If you don’t take care to remove the old grass and weeds, you run the possibility of developing drainage issues or weed issues. These can be a big trouble when trying to complete the installation, therefore it’s best to take care of them prior to installing the sod.
Once you’re prepared to lay the sod, you can roll out the artificial grass on the surface you’ve prepared. It is best to lay the sod in a directional manner that is, the blades should be bent towards your home, and not be straight up.
Joining the Grass
Artificial grass must be properly cut and finished to look the best. That means removing the old surface and putting infill.
Preparing your ground for new grass requires that you get rid of all weeds and stones and ensure that the ground is stable enough to support the turf. This will require some compaction, but it is well worth it for drainage.
Once the base is ready, roll your grass out flat. Fold the grass 30-40cm at each end. Trim 20-30mm from each edge.
A good rule of thumb is to always cut by at least 3 tufts.
If you have two pieces of artificial grass running parallel to each other join them by gluing joint tape shiny side down throughout their length. Attach the tape to either side using nails or adhesive.
Trimming the grass
If you’re installing artificial grass for the first time, or preparing for an important landscaping project, trimming the lawn is an important step. This will ensure your lawn is looking great and is maintained.
There are two ways to trim your turf: horizontally (called “edging”) or vertically (“trimming”). You can trim your turf along the boundaries of driveways, patios, and bed spaces.
Avoid slicing the turf too short that weeds can penetrate the soil. The turf that touches the ground can cause the weeds to sprout and grow more quickly.
Make use of a razor blade to cut the turf as evenly as possible. Work slowly and carefully to make sure that the cuts are smooth and consistent.
Finalizing the grass
Final steps in laying artificial grass includes finishing the base layer and securing it to the ground. This is an essential part of the process that should be done with proper treatment.
The area should be level and you should rake away any large stones or high spots. This is especially crucial if you’re installing on a sloped site.
To achieve a more polished finish, be sure to brush the turf blades back and smooth the infill layer. This will ensure that the turf looks natural and also lies flat.
Then, roll the grass on the base. Make sure that all sheets are facing the same direction. This is essential for a neat appearance and helps prevent grass from ripping in different directions.
Cut relief cuts if there are trees or other objects within the space to allow the synthetic turf to turn around them. These should reach the ground of the obstruction or tree and continue upwards.
