A Guide On How To Install Artificial Landscape Grass

Realistic landscape artificial grass and tighter restrictions on water use make artificial turf an attractive and economical landscaping option in many areas.

Knowing how to properly install artificial landscape grass is important because the material is quite expensive -- $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot for the turf alone. Effective substrate delamination and drainage are critical. Despite the high start-up costs, maintenance costs are low: no mowing, watering, fertilizing, or other costs associated with natural lawns. If you're considering switching toartificial turf, this comprehensive guide written by SYSTURF's artificial turf experts will walk you through the process of installing landscape artificial turf. Say goodbye to the hassle of mowing and watering and hello to a year-round lush green landscaped lawn.

When to Install Landscape Artificial Grass?

Installing landscape artificial grass can be done at several times of the year, depending on the local climate. In temperate climates, spring and early summer are usually preferred because the milder weather and more sunshine encourage better turf-ground adhesion. In regions with hot summers, early fall (September to early October) is also an appropriate choice to allow the grass to mature before winter. However, it is critical to avoid extreme weather such as heavy rain, snow or freezing temperatures during installation. Before laying turf, proper soil preparation is essential to ensure that the soil is level, free of debris and well compacted. Consulting a local landscaping expert can provide advice tailored to the specific climate in your area.

As you prepare to install, plan ahead and gather all necessary materials and equipment. Remember that artificial turf requires ongoing maintenance, including regular cleaning and brushing to keep the blades in an upright position. By carefully considering your local climate and following these guidelines, you can determine the most appropriate time to install your landscape artificial grass and ensure successful, long-lasting results.

Security Considerations

Installing artificial landscape turf is generally a safe project. Be careful when cutting the material as it needs to be cut from the back to the front. Please wear protective glasses when cleaning the filling to prevent the filling from flying into the eyes.

Tool

Hammer

Tape measure

Safety glasses

Half-moon shovel or spade

Rake

Hand tamper or lawn roller

Two-by-four

Carpet cutter

Putty knife

Bubble level

Wheelbarrow

Material

Artificial grass

Weed barrier

Self-adhesive artificial grass seam tape

Landscape staples

Gravel and decomposed gravel mix (DG mix) for base

Gopher wire

Steps for Installing Artificial Landscape Grass

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install artificial turf.

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Remove any existing grass, weeds, rocks or debris from the area. For larger areas, you can use a shovel, rake, or sod cutter.

Step 2: Create the Foundation

Install a crushed stone or decomposed granite base. Spread it evenly to a depth of 2-4 inches, depending on your soil type and drainage needs. Compact the base with a vibratory plate compactor to ensure a firm, level surface.

Step 3: Add Landscape Fabric

Lay the landscape fabric on the compacted base. This prevents weeds from growing on the lawn.

Step 4: Install the Edge

Install edging material around the perimeter of the area to hold the sod in place. Curved boards or treated wood work well. Secure it with nails or stakes.

Step 5: Laying the Artificial Turf

Spread artificial turf over the prepared area. Make sure it fits snugly against the edge and that the blade of grass is facing the desired direction.

Step 6: Cut and Trim

Trim the sod with a utility knife to fit the area precisely. Navigate around obstacles such as trees, flower beds or rocks. Be careful not to cut the sod too short.

Step 7: Sew the Sod

If your area requires multiple pieces of sod, use seam tape and adhesive to connect the seams. Make sure the blades of grass are facing the same direction and the seams are not visible.

Step 8: Secure the Sod

Nail or stake the sod edge to the edging material every 6-8 inches along the perimeter of the sod.

Step 9: Add Filling

If desired, spread a layer of sand fill over the turf and brush it off with a broom or electric brush. The filler helps the lawn blade stand upright and provides stability.

Step 10: Compact and Brush

Compact the entire area with a vibratory plate compactor. This helps hold the turf to the base and ensures a smooth, even surface. Then, brush the sod with a broom or electric brush, keeping the blades upright.

Step 11: Watering and Rolling

Water lightly to help the turf settle. Then, use a lawn roller filled with water to press the turf further into the base.

Step 12: Final Inspection

Check the entire area to make sure the turf is firm, the seams are well connected, and there are no wrinkles or air pockets. Make any necessary adjustments.

Properly installed artificial turf can provide a beautiful and low maintenance landscaping solution. Following these steps will help ensure a successful installation that lasts for years.

Precautions for Installing Artificial Turf

Choose Lawn and Fill Based on Intended Use

Artificial turf is made of nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene. Nylon is the softest and most lifelike, but also the least durable. Polypropylene is essentially the opposite: durable, but impractical. Polyethylene strikes a nice balance, and because it's easy to clean and deodorize, it's the best choice if you have pets.

Stack height is another important consideration. Two to three inches is best for high-traffic areas, increasing product durability and making walking and playing more comfortable. Shorter stack heights (from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inch) are easier to maintain and are a better choice for low traffic areas like patios and apartment balconies.

Infill is the material that is laid over the lawn immediately after installation to secure the lawn and help alleviate heat trapping from plastic grass sheets.

Shredded rubber made from recycled car tires is one of the most common fillers. But it's lightweight, doesn't hold up well in high winds, and can amplify the synthetic smell of turf. Plus, it's an environmental concern; recycled car rubber contains toxic chemicals that can leach into the ground.

Safely Kills Existing Grass

If you're replacing a lawn that has yellowed or has been struggling over the years, make sure the entire lawn is dead before covering it with porous turf. The safest way is to bask in the sun. That means covering it with black plastic and letting the sun bake it to death along with any weeds that are still growing. This process takes several months.

You can also simply dig up old grass. You'll want to remove at least four inches of topsoil to ensure you get all the roots. That's a lot of dirt, so make sure you have a plan for how to deal with it.

Prepare the Solid Matrix

Artificial turf can be installed directly on the ground. But it won't look like a lawn, because all the little bumps and depressions will be visible and distracting. Professionals recommend installing a four-inch base of Grade 2 subgrade rock or similar material, then compacting it to a firm surface.

An additional 1/2 to 1 inch layer of compacted sand or decomposed granite is best provided to provide a smooth underlay for the lawn. If you don't want to dig that deep, an inch-thick layer of compacted sand or decomposed granite is the bare minimum for sturdiness, comfort, and good drainage.

Level (level) the underlayment as you go. Flat areas of new artificial turf turf must have a slope of at least 1/4 inch per foot toward the point of runoff to prevent water from pooling under the turf and causing turf degradation.

Keep Blade Orientation Consistent

Artificial turf, like carpet, comes in thick rolls that can be difficult for one person to manage. You will need help moving and placing them. Once you get the roll in the general installation area, leave it in the sun for an hour or so before unrolling. It will be more flexible and have a flatter layout.

When you have to place two pieces of sod side by side to cover a large area, make sure the blades of both pieces are in the same direction. If they are facing in opposite directions, your new lawn will look like it was put together rather than one continuous whole.

Cut the Edges Slightly Longer

When you lay a lawn, you have to trim the edges the same way you trim a rug around a room. Pros recommend using a sharp utility knife for this and always cutting from the back.

Leave a few extra inches around the edges so you can tuck things under the border or against the sidewalk. If you leave too much, you can always cut more in the last step. But if you leave too little, you can end up with gaps that are hard to hide.

Secure the edges with landscape nails or landscape nails. You can use a carpet installer's knee kicker to stretch the turf so it's free of wrinkles and loose areas.

In Conclusion

By installing landscape artificial turf, you can turn your outdoor space into a low-maintenance evergreen oasis. Say goodbye to the hard work of lawn care and hello to a beautiful, worry-free lawn. If you have any questions about the installation of landscape lawns, please contact us. SYSTURF's landscape artificial grass simulates the appearance of real grass and is low maintenance. Suitable for outdoor landscapes, stadiums, parks and other places, the first choice for alternative products. The durable synthetic fiber material perfectly restores the texture of the lawn, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful green without worry.

As an artificial turf manufacturer with 30 years of experience, SYSTURF has a professional R&D team that regularly develops new products and can also customize products according to needs. 24-hour dedicated personnel answer online questions about product selection and customization, supporting facilities, sports field design, etc., as well as after-sales questions such as pavement construction guidelines, lawn aging, maintenance and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Turf Installation

How to Install Artificial Grass on Dirt?

The proper way to install artificial turf is on dirt. You don't want to install artificial grass over grass or weeds. Make sure the dirt is smooth, level and free of debris and anything that could puncture the artificial turf. Follow the steps in the artificial grass guide above to install artificial grass on dirt.

How to Install Artificial Grass on Concrete?

Installing artificial grass on a concrete surface requires special attention to drainage. You will need to use a turf underlayment under the artificial grass rolls to ensure that water can drain from under the turf. Otherwise, you may experience mold or other issues such as odor, especially if you have dogs or pets using the grass. You might also consider a turf underlayment to make artificial grass more comfortable to walk on, as concrete surfaces can be hard on your feet and cold to walk on.

Can Artificial Turf Be Laid on Natural Turf?

No! We do not recommend that you do this! Laying artificial grass directly over an existing lawn or on top of an existing lawn can cause major problems with insufficient drainage, and since there is no weed barrier, weeds will grow through the grass fibers. All lawns will have uneven surfaces, and the life of the lawn will be shortened. If you lay artificial grass like this, you're wasting money and voiding any warranty.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Artificial Turf?

By 2023, the average cost of installing artificial turf will be $13 per square foot, including labor costs. On the low end, you can pay as little as $8.50 per square foot, and on the high end, you can pay as much as $20 per square foot. If you install the artificial turf yourself, you'll pay $4.50 to $7 for materials alone, with no labor costs.