Whether you’re trying to keep the weeds from coming back or are just looking for an aesthetically appealing alternative to your high-maintenance lawn, artificial grass or turf is a viable option employed by many homeowners and landscapers. However, without the right preparation it can be easy to wind up with a lawn that looks uneven and unprofessional when going the artificial route. On the other hand, properly laid artificial grass can look just as good, if not better than a conventional lawn. With that said, let’s take a look at the 5 main steps involved in laying down artificial grass like a pro:
Things You’ll Need
Before we get started, below we’ve listed some of the things you may need to get the job done professionally. Luckily most people have these items laying around the house or can borrow them from friends or family:
- Artificial grass – (be sure to choose a trusted brand like Grono)
- Grass cutter or spade
- A wheelbarrow
- A strong utility knife
- Weed-suppressing sheet/membrane
- Grit, sand, or crushed rocks
- A flat piece of wood or a board
- A level tool
- Hammer & nails
- Silica sand
- Seed spreading tool
- A sturdy broom
Step 1 – Cleaning and Preparing the Surface
First, you’ll need to pull out any existing plants or weeds and ensure that the surface of the soil is flat and free of any obstruction like rocks or roots. This is where the wheelbarrow may come in handy.
Step 2 – Laying and Compacting the Protective Sheet
At this stage you’ll want to lay down your weed-suppressing sheet/membrane, to prevent weeds from growing up into the turf in the future. Use the seed spreader to pour the crushed rock/sand/grit onto the sheet and pat it down to compress it against the soil.
Step 3 – Levelling the Surface
Once the protective sheet has been compacted underneath a layer of sand/grit/crushed stone, you can create a flat surface using your level tool and wood plank.
Step 4 – Size and Configure the Turf Appropriately
Now that you have a level, protected surface to work on, start by laying the turf out in sheets to see how much turf will be needed and how it will need to be cut. If you’re covering a large area and need to combine several sheets of artificial grass, it would be best to apply an adhesive to keep the two segments from separating and buckling.
Step 5 – Follow the Included Instructions to Apply the Turf
After the spot is fully prepared and the turf has been cut appropriately, be sure to follow the application instructions included with the grass. Since each brand has different application methods, it is important that you adhere to the instructions provided by the specific brand you’re using.
Exercise Care When Handling and Be Patient During Installation
Finally, be sure to exercise care when transporting and handling artificial grass to keep it from bending or losing its shape and appeal. Furthermore, if segments don’t fit or aren’t meshing together properly, don’t rush it. It’s better to go back to the drawing board and create a lawn that looks good than to rush into a mistake that can leave it looking like an amateur botched the job.