If you live in an apartment and have no garden, you can still enjoy the benefits of having a lawn. Sure, fake grass isn’t quite as good as the real thing but it’s definitely better than nothing!
Artificial grass is incredibly versatile and will fit any space, whether it’s a small balcony or large patio.
Plus, there are so many different types of artificial turf out there that your options are limitless.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Installing artificial grass can save time and money while providing year-round greenery. |
| Preparation is key to successful artificial grass installation, including measuring the area, removing grass, and preparing the base. |
| Laying and cutting the artificial grass is crucial to achieving a good-looking lawn, so it’s important to follow instructions carefully. |
| Adding infill can help improve the appearance, resilience, and longevity of the artificial turf. |
| Anchoring the artificial grass to the ground is important to prevent it from slipping or moving around, especially in areas with high winds or foot traffic. |
| Maintaining an artificial grass lawn involves regular cleaning and brushing, as well as occasional repairs and infill additions. |
Look for the Best Artificial Grass
You want a high-quality product that’s easy to install and will last. But you also want it to be affordable so that your lawn can look good without breaking the bank.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing artificial grass:
Type: There are many types of artificial grasses, including synthetic turf (also known as “fake grass”), vertical blades, and horizontal blades.
Each has its own pros and cons, so make sure you do your research before committing yourself to any one type of turf.
Color: The color of your new lawn will depend on what kind of dye used in manufacturing it—so take this into account when making your selection!
If you have an artificial grass lawn, adding sand can help create a firmer base and help keep the blades upright. For more information, check out our guide on how to easily add sand to artificial grass to ensure better life and appearance of your synthetic turf.
Remove the Old Grass
The first step in installing artificial grass is to remove your old grass. You can do this by hand, or with a sod cutter or spade.
After you’ve used either of these tools to remove the old grass, level out the ground and make sure it’s free of any roots or stones that may still be present.
Next, use a sod stripper (or if you’re brave enough to work by hand) to remove all traces of the remaining vegetation from around your house’s perimeter.
This is an important step; if left unattended, this area can become very messy as time goes on due to rainwater runoff and other factors that could lead to erosion over time.
Steps for Removing Old Grass and Preparing Ground for Artificial Grass
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Gather necessary tools, such as a sod cutter or spade, and protective gear. |
| 2. | Mark off the area where you want to remove the old grass. |
| 3. | Cut the old grass away with either a sod cutter or spade, depending on the size of the area. |
| 4. | Remove the old grass debris and dispose of it properly. |
| 5. | Level out the ground, making sure it is free of any rocks, roots, or other debris that may impede the artificial turf installation. |
| 6. | Create a border around the area with landscape edging, if desired, to keep the artificial turf in place. |
| 7. | Add a layer of weed barrier fabric to help prevent weeds from growing through the artificial turf. |
In summary, removing old grass and debris is an important step in installing artificial turf. With the right tools and techniques, it can be done quickly and effectively, providing a level and clean surface for your new lawn.
Prepare the Base
Remove weeds, old grass and any loose stones.
Remove any gravel or pebbles from your existing surface. This can be done by simply raking up the loose material and disposing of it. If there is a large amount of gravel then you may need to hire a skip bin or take it to the tip yourself.
The next step is to prepare your soil for planting. You should check with your local council if you are unsure about what type of soil preparation will work best for your lawn area as this will vary depending on its location and exposure to sunlight, wind and rain etcetera
Infill is an important component of artificial grass systems, providing a cushion and helping to keep the blades standing upright. Our guide on how to easily add infill to artificial grass can help you select the correct type of infill and provide step-by-step instructions for adding it to your lawn.
Lay Landscape Fabric
Before laying the turf, you will want to lay landscape fabric over your existing lawn. This should be done as a second layer and should not be visible after installation.
The goal here is to protect the existing lawn from being damaged by rocks or other debris that could get into it while installing your new artificial grass.
By laying this material ahead of time, you will ensure that no damage occurs to your yard—and make it much easier for yourself when it comes time for installation!
Steps for Laying Landscape Fabric for Artificial Grass
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Gather necessary tools and materials, including landscape fabric, scissors, and landscape staples. |
| 2. | Measure the area where you will be laying the artificial turf, leaving some extra length and width for overlapping. |
| 3. | Cut the landscape fabric to size, making sure it will lay flat without any folds or wrinkles. |
| 4. | Lay the landscape fabric over your existing lawn, making sure it is positioned correctly and covers the entire area where you will be installing the artificial grass. |
| 5. | Secure the landscape fabric in place with landscape staples, making sure they are spaced out evenly and inserted fully into the ground. |
| 6. | Trim any excess fabric to ensure a neat and tidy appearance. |
Install the New Turf
Now that you’ve purchased your turf, it’s time to start installing. We recommend laying it in a single layer and making sure you have the correct tools and materials for the job.
The first thing you’ll need is an adhesive that’s designed specifically for artificial grass installation.
You should also have a roller frame or trowel to spread this glue evenly across the surface of your new lawn. Gluing down artificial turf can be quite difficult if not done properly so make sure not to rush this step!
Make sure you have enough turf pieces before getting started; an extra piece or two might come in handy if there are any mistakes made along the way (and they most certainly will).
Securing your artificial grass is important in ensuring that it remains in place and looks good for years to come. Check out our guide on how to easily anchor artificial grass for different surfaces to learn techniques for anchoring your synthetic turf, including to concrete or decking.
Trim the Turf
Once you’ve laid down your product, it’s time to trim. The first thing you want to do is determine how often you’re going to need to trim the lawn.
This will depend largely on the type of grass that was used and how much traffic it gets. If you have kids who play outside all day every day, then they will probably be more at risk of tearing up their new artificial turf than someone who has a toddler who only plays in one area of their yard.
The other thing that affects how often a lawn needs to be trimmed is if there are any trees or bushes around the house or property.
You want to make sure that when these plants grow too tall, they aren’t going over into your artificial grass and damaging it with their branches or roots. If this happens, then trimming those plants may become necessary as well!
Trimming can be done using scissors (or clippers if needed) but once again just remember – go easy on yourself!
It’s best not risk damaging your brand new lawn by trying too hard with sharp blades right off the bat – take things slow and easy until after several trimmings when things start feeling natural and comfortable before moving onto any equipment upgrades like electric shears.”
Clean Up and Let It Settle
Once you have completed the installation of your new artificial grass, it is important to clean up and let it settle.
First, mulch the grass clippings by raking them into a pile and then turning over with a shovel or rake. This will allow them to decompose more quickly than if they were left on top of the turf.
Next, leave your new artificial lawn alone for at least one week so that it can settle into place before walking on it or watering it with sprinklers.
You should not use sprinklers for at least one month after installing your new artificial lawn because this will cause it to sink down into its bedding layer (the material beneath your turf) which will cause saggy spots where water pools and does not drain properly.
If you live in an area that experiences high winds, anchoring down your artificial grass is crucial to keeping it in place. Our guide on how to anchor down artificial grass provides tips and advice for securing your lawn to help it withstand tough weather conditions.
Fill in Gaps
In order to fill in the gaps, use a trowel or garden edger to push the soil back into place.
Next, add in some infill for added texture and stability. This will also help prevent weeds from growing through your artificial grass.
If you have a lot of gaps that are too large to fix with just sand and soil, consider adding some fertilizer-rich potting mix as well.
When it comes time to plant your flowers and shrubs, dig holes deep enough so they can be planted at their proper depth (usually 6–8 inches).
It’s important that you don’t try to force them into the existing lawn because this could damage its roots or leave holes behind when you pull out those plants later on.
Add Sand to Your Lawn
Sand is a lightweight, porous material that can be used to add weight and texture to your artificial grass. Sand can be added to the top of the lawn or underneath it.
It can also be added during installation or after. The amount of sand you’ll need depends on the type of artificial grass you’re using as well as its weight capacity.
Attaching your artificial grass to the ground can help keep it in place and prevent it from slipping or moving around. Check out our guide on easy tips to attach artificial grass to the ground for step-by-step instructions on attaching it to the soil or previous lawn surface, without damaging nearby trees or plants.
Add Infill to Your Lawn
Once your artificial grass is installed, you will want to add infill to the lawn. Infill is a type of sand that is used to fill in the spaces in between the artificial grass blades. It helps make your lawn look fuller and it also helps keep it in place.
When adding infill, you will want to spread evenly across the entire area of your yard so that there aren’t any bare spots or low areas where water can collect and cause mold or mildew stains on your new lawn.
Care for your Artificial Lawn
Clean your artificial lawn regularly. It is recommended that you clean your artificial lawn weekly. A garden hose with a nozzle or brush attachment is best for cleaning.
You can also use a leaf blower or vacuum cleaner, but make sure it is not too powerful as it could damage the grass fibers.
Water your artificial lawn when needed to keep it looking good and healthy. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on how often to water and what type of maintenance products to use with their synthetic grass products; then follow those guidelines!
For example: some manufacturers recommend using a water-soluble fertilizer every few months during spring and fall seasons; others suggest using only rainwater runoff collected from gutters for watering purposes (which is more cost effective).
Mow your new fake grass once per month during its growing season (April through October), if possible—this will help maintain its appearance while keeping away weeds and insects!
Use clippers to trim edges weekly during this period as well; otherwise, they may look messy over time due
It Is A Good Change To Make
You’ve probably noticed that the world is going green. That’s a good thing, too. The benefits of artificial grass are numerous:
- Artificial grass requires very little maintenance compared to natural turf. You can reduce your overall water bill by 90% and eliminate the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
- It doesn’t require mowing like real turf does, but will still look lush and green all year round.
- It requires zero watering once installed – it’s so low maintenance!
Conclusion
So, now you know everything there is to know about how to change your lawn to artificial grass. It’s not a difficult process, but it does take some time.
You can do it yourself if you have the right tools and equipment on hand. If not, hire a professional landscaper or lawn-care company that specializes in artificial lawn installation services.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about installing or maintaining an artificial grass lawn, we recommend checking out the following resources:
BuzzGrass: How to Install Artificial Grass – Step-by-step instructions and videos on how to install artificial grass, including tips on laying and cutting the turf and how to secure it in place.
WikiHow: How to Install an Artificial Lawn – A detailed guide on how to install a synthetic turf lawn, including preparing the site, laying the base, and installing the turf. Includes tips for dealing with curves and corners.
Synthetic Grass Warehouse: Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Artificial Grass – A comprehensive guide that covers the basics of installing artificial grass, including site preparation, base installation, and turf installation. Also includes tips on adding infill and anchoring the turf.
FAQs
What are the benefits of installing an artificial grass lawn?
Artificial grass lawns require significantly less maintenance than natural grass lawns, which can save time and money. They also offer the benefits of year-round greenery, even in areas where natural grass may not thrive.
How long does it take to install an artificial grass lawn?
The installation time for an artificial grass lawn varies depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the installation. For a basic installation, it may take one to two days. More complex installations may take longer.
Can artificial grass be installed directly over concrete?
Yes, artificial grass can be installed over concrete. However, it is recommended that a foam underlay is installed between the concrete and the artificial grass to provide cushioning and drainage.
How much does it cost to install an artificial grass lawn?
The cost of installing an artificial grass lawn varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of the area, the quality of the turf, and the complexity of the installation. On average, the cost can range from $5 to $20 per square foot.
How often should I replace my artificial grass?
The lifespan of an artificial grass lawn depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the turf and the amount of foot traffic it receives. On average, most synthetic turf systems last between 8 and 12 years, although some can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
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.
