If you’re trying to replace natural grass or add an additional level of beauty and ease to your balcony, patio or lawn installing artificial grass is an easy process.
First clean the base by taking away all dirt and vegetation. To create a level surface for your turf you can add a layer of sand over the base, and a geotextile membrane.
Laying the Grass
It is crucial to properly lay artificial grass when installing it. This includes removing weeds, grass, preparing the ground and then installing the turf.
Before you lay the artificial grass, spray the area with an herbicide with broad spectrum to kill off any existing vegetation (grass and weeds) in the space. This can take two to four weeks however, it will make the task much simpler once you’ve started placing the sod.
If you do not remove the old grass and weeds, then you run the risk of developing drainage issues or weed issues. These can be a big hassle when you’re trying to complete the installation, so it’s best to take care of them prior to installing the sod.
Once you’re ready to lay the sod, roll out the artificial grass on the surface you’ve prepared. It is best to lay the sod in a straight direction, meaning that the blades should curve towards your home, and not be straight up.
Join the Grass
If you want your artificial grass to appear as good as possible it must be properly cut and finished. This requires taking away the old surface and then filling it with a new one.
To prepare your base for the new grass, take out all weeds and stones from the surface. Make sure it is sufficient to allow the turf to be supported. This will require a deal of compaction but is worth the effort for good drainage.
After you have prepared the base to lay your grass flat, roll it up. Fold the grass down 30-40cm from each side. Trim 20-30mm from each edge.
A good rule of thumb is to cut at least 3 tufts.
When you have two pieces of artificial grass running parallel to each other connect them using joint tape with shiny sides across their entire length. Attach the tape at either end with nails or adhesive.
Trimming the grass
The trimming of the lawn is a vital step regardless of whether you are installing artificial grass for the first time or planning for a major landscaping project. This will ensure your lawn looks beautiful and is maintained.
There are two ways to trim your turf: horizontally (called “edging”) or vertically (“trimming”). You can trim your turf along the edges of patios, driveways, and beds.
Avoid cutting the turf so short so that weeds can get into the soil. The turf that is touching the ground may encourage the weeds to germinate and grow faster.
Use a blade for cutting to cut the turf as evenly as possible. To ensure smooth and even cuts, work slowly and with care.
Finalizing the Grass
The final step in laying artificial grass is to finish the base layer and securing the turf to the ground. This is an important step to take seriously.
Make sure you level the area and rake away any large stones or high spots. This is especially crucial if you’re installing on a sloped surface.
For a better finish, you should brush the blades of turf back and smooth the infill layer. This ensures that the turf appears natural and has a flat surface without bumps.
Next, roll the grass over the base, making sure that all adjacent sheets face the same way. This is essential to maintain an orderly appearance and also to prevent grass from tearing in different directions.
If there are trees or other objects in the area, you can make relief cuts to allow the synthetic grass to turn around them. They should be able to touch the base of the tree or obstruction and extend upwards.
