5 Things You Need to Do Before You Install Synthetic Turf

Synthetic turf, also called artificial grass, is seeing a recent increase in popularity because of the many advantages it offers homeowners. It is eco-friendly, low maintenance, and visually appealing. If you are interested in creating your own outdoor space out of artificial grass, then you need to be aware of these five things you need to do before you install synthetic turf:

Research. In addition to weighing out the pros and cons of synthetic grass in order to know for sure that you are making the best decision for you, you should also research all of your options when it comes to grass manufacturers and materials. Different types of synthetic turf require different amounts and types of maintenance, and higher grade synthetic lawns will stand up to more wear and tear than lawns of lower grade turf. These are things you should consider before you begin to prep your outdoor space for installation, as synthetic grass is a large investment.

Excavate. Remove the top three to five inches of soil in preparation for your foundation. Do this regardless of your existing lawn material (dirt, weeds, or grass). Once you have properly excavated the upper layer of your lawn, tamp the ground to make it as level as possible.

Apply a weed killer and/or install a weed barrier. You want to prevent any weeds from growing up and pushing into your synthetic turf. Certain tough weeds can actually damage your synthetic lawn over time, and unwanted growth underneath your lawn can stand in the way of proper drainage. Apply a weed killer to exterminate existing weeds, and lay down a weed barrier if you feel your yard is especially susceptible to weed growth.

Build a foundation. Pour a layer of foundation rock aggregate (decomposed granite, pea gravel, road base, etc.) about three inches thick. This foundation will provide a means for easy drainage, and should be graded away from your home, just as a traditional lawn would be. At this stage, you can cap off any existing sprinkler heads, unless you have outdoor pets, in which case you might want to leave them exposed for sanitary reasons.

Prepare the grass. Synthetic turf comes in rolls, which means that when you unroll it, the blades of grass will be compacted and laying flat. Before you install the turf, you should unroll it completely, and then use a broom to brush the grass blades so that they stand at attention. Do this one roll at a time, as this would be a very daunting and labor intensive task if you waited until after the installation.

As you can see, there are some preparatory measures you must take before installing synthetic turf. Follow these tips to get your lawn ready for a whole new, eco-friendly look.

About the Author: Thaddeus Slaney has a small business property where grass simply won’t grow. He had synthetic turf from installitdirect installed and the place now has a welcoming appeal when visitors approach!