Whether you want to get rid of that unsightly grass, or just make your yard look better, artificial grass is a great option. It’s also a great solution for small yards where building a full-size patio might not be feasible.
The process of installing artificial grass can seem daunting at first, but once you get started it’s really easy!
If you’re thinking about installing artificial turf and need some guidance, this guide will help walk you through all the steps involved.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| When installing artificial grass, surface preparation is key to ensure it’s level and even before laying the turf. |
| Follow a proper maintenance routine to keep the water passing into the drainage channels, choose the right brushing technique, and avoid obstacles. |
| Joining seams is a critical process, using quality seaming tape and an adhesive or glue to ensure the best finish. |
| Installing artificial grass on concrete, wood or soil requires different techniques, materials, and tools, but an easy guide will help you get the job done. |
| You can save a significant amount of money by installing artificial turf yourself and using high-quality products that last for years. |
Purchase Grass
You can buy artificial grass in rolls. The amount you need will depend on the area you are covering.
Choose a roll with enough width and length to cover your space, but also consider how many pieces of grass will be needed to complete the job.
Buy artificial grass that is the same color throughout and has a backing material for strength and durability.
The backing needs to be strong enough so that it won’t bend or sag under its own weight, or when someone walks or sits on it.
If possible, buy from a company with a warranty so that if something goes wrong within 12 months of purchase (e.g., there’s an issue with color fading), then you can get your money back without worrying about having wasted time or effort installing it yourself!
Installing artificial grass can be a bit overwhelming, but our guide on landscape advice for installing artificial grass has got you covered. Learn everything you need to know about preparation, installation, and maintenance of artificial grass.
Remove Existing Sod
- First, remove the existing sod. Use a spade to cut through the turf in strips from the edges of your lawn. Gently remove pieces of sod and pile them on top of each other to be discarded later.
- Smooth out any remaining soil with a rake as you go, so that it’s even and level with your new artificial grass surface.
- If you can’t remove all of the existing turf (and this is likely), cut off any excess with a utility knife.
Artificial Grass Installation Guide
| Steps to Install Artificial Grass |
|---|
| Prepare the ground by removing any existing grass, rocks or debris to create an even surface. |
| Install a weed barrier to prevent weeds and other vegetation from growing through the turf. |
| Add a sub-base layer of crushed stone or sand to improve drainage and level the surface for the lawn. |
| Compact the sub-base layer to ensure it’s firm and level for the next layer. |
| Lay down the artificial turf and cut it to the size needed. |
| Join the pieces of artificial grass together using seaming tape and an adhesive or glue. |
| Secure the edges of the turf with landscaping nails and add infill to keep the lawn looking natural. |
| Brush the artificial turf in the opposite direction it was laid to give it a fuller, more natural look. |
This installation guide outlines easy tips to help you fix artificial grass to the ground. By following these steps, you’ll prepare the ground, lay down the turf, and secure it to keep your lawn looking fantastic.
Grade The Soil
Before you begin, it’s important to grade the soil and remove any rocks or roots. If your soil is dry, add water until it reaches a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
If you’re installing artificial grass in an area that gets too much sun and heat or extreme cold, you may need to add soil amendments to help improve drainage and reduce compaction.
The best type of material for this purpose is sand because it’s not as heavy as some other amendments like peat moss or vermiculite which can weigh down artificial turf and cause it to mat down over time.
If using sand as a drainage material be sure not to use too much; just enough so that any extra water drains away easily while still being able to retain enough moisture without letting things get too dry underfoot during warmer months when you’re likely outdoors more often than not!
Attaching artificial turf to concrete might seem like a challenging task, but this step-by-step guide can make it easy! With the right tools and techniques, you can smoothly install your artificial grass on a concrete surface.
Add A Weed Barrier
Next, you will need to install a weed barrier and then roll out your artificial grass. The weed barrier is installed under the turf to prevent weeds from growing through the seams of your new lawn. It is usually made of polypropylene or polyethylene.
This material can be purchased at any home improvement store and comes in rolls that are 10 feet wide by 50 feet long.
The weed barrier should be laid out on top of your existing yard before installing your artificial grass so that it doesn’t get damaged during installation. You may want to hire a professional landscaper for this step if you’re not sure what size or length you need.
Installing a Weed Barrier Under Artificial Grass
| Benefits of a Weed Barrier | Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Prevents weeds and other vegetation from growing through the turf seams | Weed barrier fabric (polypropylene or polyethylene) |
| Keeps the surface underneath the artificial grass level and even | Utility knife |
| Improves the drainage system of the artificial grass by keeping the soil from mixing with the crushed stone or sand sub-base layer | Garden shears |
| Reduces the likelihood of insects or pests making their way to the surface | Landscape fabric pins |
| Can save you the cost and hassle of weed-removal in the future | Free time |
Compress The Soil
You’re almost ready to lay the artificial grass. You just have to compress the soil first. There are a few ways of doing this, but you’ll want to use something heavy and flat. Common options include:
A hand tamper (like a hoe). This is probably your best option if you’re using natural turf; it will help pack down the soil so it doesn’t shift around when you lay down your artificial grass.
Hand roller/paver roller. This is a good option if you don’t have any other tools available, but keep in mind that rolling alone won’t be as effective at compressing dirt as using something heavier like a tamper or tamping machine would be!
Electric tamp (or “electric compactor”). A great choice for large areas of ground because they’re designed specifically for tamping down soil quickly however, they do tend to be expensive so if this isn’t an investment option then stick with one of our other suggestions above instead!
Fixing artificial grass to wood can be tricky, but with our easy tips, it can be a breeze. Discover how to prepare wood, attach and secure the artificial grass to the wood surface, and give your lawn a natural look.
Install Artificial Grass Rolls
- Install the grass rolls.
- Tamp them into place, using a rubber mallet and/or landscaping spikes.
- Use a level to make sure that each roll is straight before adding more rolls on top of it, if necessary (it’s not necessary).
Secure Edges With Landscaping Nails
The last step is to secure the edges of your turf with landscaping nails. Use a hammer to drive nails into the ground along all sides of your grass, and use a nail set to sink them below the surface.
Then fill in around each nail with dirt using a trowel or shovel this will help prevent rainwater from washing away loose soil and causing mudslides!
Finally, roll over all of these areas with a roller one more time to compact any loose dirt and ensure that there aren’t any gaps between pieces of artificial turf.
Proper upkeep is essential for maintaining the lushness of artificial grass. Our easy guide on how to brush artificial grass covers the importance of brushing, proper techniques, and best practices to keep your synthetic lawn looking great for years to come.
Cut Off Excess From The Edge Of Turf
If you are cutting a large area, it may be more convenient to cut the turf in small sections. Simply unroll your artificial grass and place the section on top of some cardboard. Cut away any excess with a sharp utility knife so that you have a perfect fit for your chosen space.
Again, make sure not to cut too close to the edge of your roll, and also don’t cut into the backing or into any blades of grass.
Seam Together Adjacent Turf Sections.
With the turf laid out and secured, you’re ready to join it together. The easiest way is with a seam roller. It’s like a carpet brush, but without any spikes or bristles that could damage your turf. The roller spreads a thin layer of glue across the two pieces of turf and then glides them together.
You should apply pressure as you move along so that no air bubbles get trapped under the fabric. When you’ve finished one side of your lawn, take note of where your seams are located (this will help if you ever need to replace any sections) and turn over your entire lawn for seamless perfection!
If you’re wondering how to fix artificial grass to the ground, our easy tips can help you. Follow our step-by-step instructions on preparing the ground, laying down the artificial turf, and securing it to keep your lawn looking fantastic.
Make Cuts In Turf, Using A Sharp Utility Knife
To make cuts in your turf, you’ll need a sharp utility knife. You should cut along the edge of the turf, at a 45-degree angle.
Be sure to keep your blade sharp; dull blades will not only be more difficult to use but are also more dangerous than sharp ones.
Make careful, measured cuts that are neither too little nor too much at once: if you cut too much at once, it’s easy for pieces of turf to slide around and get damaged; if you cut too little at once, then further cutting may be necessary (and potentially more damaging).
Remove Spikes From Bordering Metal Trim With A Hammer Or Pliers
Now that you’ve removed all the turf from the roll, it’s time to remove the spikes from the bordering metal trim. This can be done with a hammer or pliers (see photo). Just make sure you have the right tool for the job!
If using a hammer: Hold onto your artificial grass with one hand and use your other hand to hit each spike until it is removed.
Make sure not to hit too hard as this could cause damage to your artificial grass. If using pliers: Use a pair of pliers and place them on top of each spike, then pull down on them until they come out of their tracks. Keep in mind that if using pliers, make sure they are clean so as not to scratch up your new lawn!
Conclusion
It’s not difficult to install artificial grass, but it does take a little time. However, once you have the process mastered and are familiar with the materials needed for installation, it can be done quickly and easily by yourself.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
