Important Steps in Artificial Grass Installation Amy Smith, October 28, 2022October 23, 2024 Ground preparation If you’re planning to install fake grass, you need to prepare the ground properly. If you’re questioning, “how is artificial grass installed?”, then this is the first step. It should be topped with a layer of decomposed granite or a suitable weed barrier fabric. Make sure to leave a small drainage gap around the perimeter of the artificial lawn. To prepare the ground before installing fake lawn, you should first dig up the surface to a depth of five to ten centimeters. You shouldn’t dig deeper than this because it can cause problems. Also, check for clods and roots in the soil. After this, fill the holes with dirt and smooth out the ground. Once the ground is level and smooth, you’re ready to lay your synthetic turf. You should also remove any lumps or other imperfections on the surface. An uneven surface can make your lawn look unkempt and unappealing. By preparing the ground before installing fake grass, you will have a more level and attractive lawn. In addition to making sure the surface is smooth and even, you should also prepare the ground by applying an underlay or weed suppressant membrane, which you can read about here. This will not only make the fake lawn more comfortable, but it will also help protect children and pets. Aside from being more durable, foam underlay also helps prevent weeds from growing. After preparing the ground, you should remove any old lawn. Using a sod-cutting machine, dig up a few inches of soil. The new synthetic grass should be able to drain adequately, but if the soil is not very well-draining, you may have to build a drainage gap every six inches around the perimeter. Weed barrier fabric Weed barrier fabric is a leaky poly-woven material that blocks weeds from spreading through the fibers of artificial lawn. It can be installed either over or beneath the sub-base. It prevents natural soil from merging with the artificial grass, thus preventing the growth of weeds and insects. It also helps prevent movement of the fake lawn. This landscape fabric is easy to apply and is safe for the environment. It is a non-woven fabric with hydrophilic properties. When laid on the ground, it prevents weeds from growing and reaching the surface. The fabric also helps drain water away from the house. It is best to place the weed barrier fabric on a level surface with a slight grade. Once the weed barrier fabric is in place, the next step is to position the turf. Make sure that the fabric has the same grain direction as the turf to hide the seams. You should also cut the salvage (the red and black strip along the sides) on the backside to make sure it will fit in the space. Weed barrier fabric is also called landscape fabric and comes in three-foot by fifty-foot rolls. It has a fifteen-year warranty. The fabric also prevents weeds from growing and resists insects and mildew. It is UV-resistant and is durable over long periods of time under a variety of weather phenomena and arrangements. Using weed barrier fabric is also important to protect the artificial grass from unwanted weeds. It helps keep the fake grass away from debris and helps prevent rodents from invading the turf. It prevents weeds from growing under the artificial grass while allowing the water and air to flow through the fabric. Rubber shock pad If you have a play area and are looking to install some artificial playground grass, you should consider using a shock pad beneath the grass. These pads are designed to absorb shock from falls or other impact, and they help prevent injuries. Moreover, they are easy to install and don’t cause any issues with rain or direct sunlight. They will also not blow away during windy installations. The main benefit of using a shock pad is the safety that it offers. It is especially suitable for putting greens, and it is also a good option for residential installations. In sports fields, shock pads are necessary because of the intense impact of players. In addition, they provide cushioning that gives the synthetic turf a luxurious feel. This is especially beneficial for young children. Shock pads are made of foam, rubber, or beads. They are separate elastomeric materials that protect the artificial turf from high impacts. Shock pads are a necessity in sports fields and indoor facilities. They are easy to install and are recommended by most synthetic turf manufacturers. They are also an environmentally friendly option. While shock pads aren’t absolutely necessary for all synthetic lawn installations, they are a great choice for playgrounds and play areas. Some DIY installers add padding to the landscaping to make it safer for kids. It’s not necessary for every synthetic lawn installation, but foam shock pads are recommended for playground areas. Image Source: Freepik Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave For the Home landscapingPaddingShock padSynthetic turfWeed barrier fabric