If you’re trying to replace natural grass or add a new layer of elegance and comfort to your patio, balcony or lawn installing artificial grass is an easy procedure.
To begin with, prepare the base by flattening any dirt and getting rid of any vegetation. To create a level surface for your turf put down a layer sand to the base and a geotextile membrane.
Laying the grass
It is essential to correctly lay artificial grass before installing it. This includes removing weeds and grass as well as preparing the ground, then laying the turf.
Before you lay the artificial grass apply a broadspectrum herbicide in order to kill all existing vegetation (grass and weeds) in the area. This can take two to four weeks, but it will make the task much easier once you begin lay the sod.
If you don’t take care to remove the old grass and weeds, you run the risk of developing drainage issues or weed problems. These could cause problems when you attempt to complete the installation. It is important to take care before installing the sod.
Once you are ready to lay the sod down on the turf and roll out the artificial turf. It is recommended to lay the sod in a directional manner which means that the blades should be bent towards your home and not be straight up.
Joining the Grass
If you want your artificial grass to appear as good as it can it must be properly cut and finished. This means getting rid of the old grass and then filling it with a new one.
The process of preparing your lawn for new grass will require you to get rid of all weeds and stones and ensure that the ground is stable enough to support the turf. This will require a amount of compaction, but is worth it for good drainage.
Once the base is prepared Once you have your grass laid out, roll it flat. Then fold the grass back 30-40cm on each side , and trim 20-30mm from each edge cutting between hairs.
It is a good rule of thumb to cut it in by at least 3 tufts.
Now that you have two pieces of artificial grass running parallel to one another Join them by using joint tape shiny-side down along the entire length. Fix the tape at either end with nails or adhesive.
Trimming the grass
If you’re installing artificial grass for the first time or are preparing for an important landscaping project, trimming the lawn is an essential step. This will ensure your lawn looks great and is maintained.
You can trim your turf in two ways horizontally (called “edging”) and horizontally (called “trimming”). You can trim your turf along the boundaries of patios, driveways, and beds.
When trimming your turf, try to avoid shortening it so as to allow weeds to be able to penetrate the soil. The turf that touches the ground can cause the weeds to sprout and grow faster.
With a sharp blade, cut the turf as evenly as is possible as you can, taking care not to leave any wrinkles or gaps. Make sure to work slowly and with care to ensure that the cuts are smooth and consistent.
Finalizing the Grass
The final step to install artificial grass is finishing the base layer before securing the turf to the ground. This is an important step and should be taken care of.
The area should be level and you should remove any large rocks or high spots. This is especially crucial if you’re installing on a sloped site.
For a better finish, you should brush the blades of turf back and smooth the infill layer. This helps to ensure that the turf looks natural and is flat, without bumps.
Then, spread the grass onto the base, ensuring that all adjacent sheets are facing the same direction. This is vital for an attractive appearance and also prevents grass from cutting in various directions.
If there are trees or other obstructions in the area, create relief cuts that allow the synthetic grass to move around them. The cuts should meet at the bottom of the obstruction or tree and then run up.
