Installing Artificial Grass: Everything you need to know

Artificial grass is a low-maintenance and durable option, giving your property an edge. Artificial grass can work wonders if you are looking for hassle-free green beauty at your place. Also, installing within your property is no rocket science. It can be your DIY venture on any weekend. However, installing the grass requires all the tools, time and knowledge.

Steps to Install Artificial grass

The following are the steps for installing artificial grass around your property:

1. Know your garden dimensions

Before you place an order for your artificial grass, you must prepare for it. The first thing you will do is work on the exact dimensions. Measure the length and width of the area and then multiply the given sides. It will help you obtain the dimensions in square meters. Once you have these figures, you can place the former for the artificial grass. A few tips can help you in carrying out this task with ease: 

• Check if you want the roll with width (2m to 5m) or want a combination of different rolls
• Make sure you place the order in the same batches 
• Based on your measurements, you have to decide the length of the rolls
• Make sure you add 300 m for the site or cutting variances. 

2. Remove any existing grass

If you have allocated only a small area for your artificial grass, you do not need any tool as you can do it with your hand. However, you need to use a mechanical turf cutter for significant size areas. You must get rid of the extra soil or the current turf. However, simultaneously, you should be able to develop your base layer over the topsoil. 

Remember installing artificial grass is a step-by-step procedure with many more aspects to cover. However, before you proceed further, you are supposed to be prepared. Thus cutting the existing grass is one of the things you need to do. The process of removing them all from space is not that simple. While dealing with this step, you need to do the following things: 

• Remove the sod in the area where you intend to install the artificial grass. 
• You have to get rid of the old grass to replace it with the new
• Create a new framework 
• Excavate 
• Cover with aggregate and then start the installation process 

3. Lay the aggregates

Once you get rid of the old grass, you must lay the aggregates. Check the space with a special kind of aggregate. You can find the product with different elements, including the different types of sand, old granite fragments, limestone and granite dust. However, the exact grade or kind of aggregate you choose will depend more on the soil underneath and the yard size. 

To do this effectively, you need to check the following tips: 

• Compact the ground first with the help of using a vibrating roller or plate 
• If you have the required tool, well and good, but you have to get on rent if you do not. 
• For a more inexpensive option, you can even use planks

You can proceed to the next step once you complete the task of laying the aggregates. 

4. Sand should be laid and compacted

Laying sand and making the surface compact with it is a critical step to check before you start installing the artificial grass. It gives an excellent surface to allow the grass to settle down in an even pattern. 

One of the best practices is doing it with a 10 or 15-mm spread of sand as it gives the best outcome. The laying of the sand will soon follow by compacting the sand. As said, it helps in getting a smooth surface. The more, the merrier. For better effect, the following tips can help you a lot in accomplishing this task: 

• Allow the stand to come at the top of the timber edging that is inserted over the perimeter 
• For smooth work, get a vibrating plate on rent, or you can also rely on using a heavy-duty roller

The choice is yours, but this step needs good work and supervision to get better results.

5. Install a Weed Membrane

Weeds are a big enemy of natural grass, and artificial grass shares the same story. Hence you would never want this to remain with the artificial grass. So, the best way of avoiding it is to install a weed membrane. Doing this can prevent the growth of weeds with your artificial grass. 

The weed membrane carries small holes, which are pre-punched in it. These help to drain the water quickly. You should be able to overlap the joins by around 100 mm and then secure them onto the timber edging. 

• Use a high-quality weed membrane
• Consider the one having a smoother surface
• Check the issues like snagging over the backing material

6. Lay the Artificial Grass

As you have completed all the steps, you are all set to lay the artificial grass. You must cut the grass as per your requirements using a sharp knife. If you are using multiple pieces, you must take care that the piles on different pieces face the same direction. 

The result you get should be aesthetically pleasing to your eyes. So, while doing the same, you must always put the pile in the same direction. Check it by looking at the house inside the pile. To effectively manage this step, you need to keep the following tips: 

• Take care of the kinks and wrinkles.
• If you see them, leave this overnight till they naturally drop down on the grass.
• It can take some time during the winter.

7. Join the Artificial Grass

Once the artificial grass is laid out, you are now required to join the seam using some special glue and seaming tape for an effective layout. You should use the glue set with everything you need to do like a professional. 

It is the final step and must be accomplished precisely to avoid further issues. You should carefully lay down the seam and then join the pieces together. You must add the required pressure to ensure that the glue you have used spreads everywhere, allowing the effect to be even.

Remember the following tips: 

• Make the joints appear seamless. 
• It helps in getting a natural effect.

What is the best Artificial grass to use in Dirt Soil?

Installing artificial grass on soil demands some preparation. You must get rid of the grass and weeds in the space and add sharp sand along a geotextile membrane. However, you are supposed to install high-quality grass for the dirt soil. Some of the best artificial grass options to use in dirt soil are:

• Nylon – Nylon artificial grass is among the most robust and durable options for soil surfaces. These give a natural look and feel, giving pleasing effects to your eyes. Thanks to its subtle hues and soft textures. All these features make Nylon based turfs an essential choice for all. However, when compared to other materials, these are expensive. Thus people looking for budget-friendly options do not opt for the same. 
• Polypropylene – Polypropylene artificial grass is the next option to choose for a soil-based surface. It can bear heavy foot traffic. It is ranked with higher durability and can last for years. People with pets and kids prefer this choice as they know their usage is rough and heavy, which Polypropylene based grass can easily bear. However, compared with Nylon, the look and feel of this material are different. 
• Polyethylene – Polyethylene-based artificial grass is the next choice for soil-based spaces. It promises good durability and thus remains a suitable option for your backyard gardens and lawns. These are simple to maintain and thus become the best choice for families with pets. It has different quality levels, and you need to get the higher version to play safe with laying it over a rigid soil surface. 

Know more about How to Choose Artificial Grass on different surfaces. 

What are the tools used in the installation of artificial grass?

Collecting the right set of tools is important if you are planning to take up the task of installing artificial grass. The following is the list of tools you should carry to make your DIY venture a big hit: 

• Wheelbarrow
• Turf Cutter
• Flat Shovel
• Hose
• Rake
• Compactor
• Joining Tape
• Razor Knife
• Broom
• Joining Adhesive

So, once you get these tools, you are good to go! 

In conclusion, to install artificial grass, you must follow these steps ‒ knowing your garden dimensions, removing any existing grass, laying the aggregates, laying and compacting sand, installing a weed membrane, laying the artificial grass, and joining the grass. 

Eden offers the installation of artificial grass apart from clearing, repairing and replacing the grass as per your requirements. You can contact Eden, a certified contractor, for any such requirements.