Let rain-soaked soil dry for a few days before you excavate, to prevent slumping. [4] X Research source While the remaining surface doesn’t need to be perfectly graded, walk over it or use a hand tamp to compact any obviously loose soil. A slight slope is recommended to improve drainage.
If there is no drain near the lawn, install a drainage system before you continue. If your area only experiences light rainfall, it may be enough to leave small drainage gaps every 6" (15 cm) around the perimeter. [5] X Research source
If you’re interested in a more involved overhaul, you can pour a concrete curb around the area instead. Make sure the border won’t protrude above the grass level, or it may inhibit drainage.
Keep in mind that a geotextile barrier is a tightly woven, fairly heavy weed blocker. You can purchase one from an artificial turf supplier, at a true nursery or garden center, or from a landscape and irrigation supply business. A geotextile barrier is not the same thing as a weed blocker that you might buy from a home improvement store. You may install this over the base material instead. If you have a major rodent issue, consider a layer of rodent wire as well. Contact a professional rodent and pest control business for help to remove rodents. If left alone, rodents will wreak havoc on your artificial lawn.
You’ll need approximately one cubic yard of material for every 100 square feet of lawn (0. 82 cubic meters per 10 square meters). [8] X Research source The information available for your specific product may provide a more accurate coverage estimate. If installing the lawn over concrete or another hard surface, a rubber shock pad or self-leveling compound can work instead. [9] X Research source [10] X Research source Alternatively, you can skip this step if you are certain the concrete has adequate slope for drainage and that you can completely cover the edge of the slab with the artificial grass. If children will be playing on the artificial lawn, then you may want to go with a shock pad for safety reasons.
A vibratory plate compactor is the most effective option for this purpose. [13] X Research source These tools are available from tool rental services. The hand tamp is the cheapest to purchase permanently.
If the base is not smooth, it needs more compaction. If the base ended up lower than expected, you may need to pour in and compact an additional layer, to ensure a fairly flat join between the artificial turf and surrounding surfaces.
In most artificial turf, the fake grass blades bend in one direction. Make sure all the turf is installed with the blades in the same direction, or your grass will look less natural.
When making long cuts, cut short distances at a time and compare to the edge to make sure there are no significant gaps. Drawing the cut line onto the back with a marker may also help.
This tool is also called a carpet kicker.
Line up the two strips close together, then fold the edges back and lay artificial lawn seaming material on the exposed base. Cover the seaming material with the accompanying adhesive product, then fold the strips back over the seaming material and let dry. [17] X Research source Use the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive only. Or lay a length of seaming tape or strong outdoor tape on the ground and place the two strips on top of it. [18] X Research source Or fasten together with stakes, approximately one every three inches (7. 5 cm).
For maximum strength, offset the stakes on opposite sides, rather than using two lines of stakes exactly opposite each other. [20] X Research source
Washed silica sand is used primarily as ballast to weigh the turf down. If your turf requires infill, sand alone may not be enough. Black crumb rubber provides the most cushioning and support for the grass blades. They may make a mess if the lawn is installed on a slope, or if pets use the lawn as a toilet. Copper slag absorbs odors from pets better than other options. [22] X Research source Some dense products do not require infill. Some professionals prefer to add infill anyway for strength, although this is a somewhat controversial topic.
Optionally, use a leaf-blower to clear debris from the surface once finished.
