How Artificial Grass is Installed and Why You Need a Professional to Do it For You

If artificial grass is in your home’s or business’ future, you are undoubtedly anticipating its need for low maintenance and easiness to clean. Adding artificial turf on your property can bring about numerous benefits, but only if it’s installed properly.

Installing artificial grass takes skill and practice, so, unless you’ve installed it many times before, you should avoid this task and hire an installation company instead. With landscaping contractors growing their businesses at a steady rate of 3.5% every year, artificial grass installation is within quick and easy access, whether in dry, balmy Las Vegas or elsewhere.

The Installation Process

Existing grass or turf will need to be removed before any new work can begin. The soil should be excavated to a depth of between 1 to 2-1/4 inches, depending on the length of artificial grass blades you’ve chosen and what you’ll be installing beneath the faux turf. It looks best when the blades sit around half an inch above the rest of the ground.

It’s very important to rid and protect your lawn from weeds, otherwise you might find unwanted guests poking up between your artificial grass blades. This can be a nightmare to eradicate, thereby creating the need for a layer of weed-suppressant material on the area to be turfed. Your installation company can cut this to fit the exact area. A messy, inexpert edging can cause some areas to be missed.

Next, a layer of sand or grit should be placed over the weed suppressant to create a stable base, allowing water to drain through it. This should be compacted to ensure that it’s solid and durable. More sand will be used to level the ground’s surface and make the turf lie as flat as possible. A gradual curve over your entire lawn won’t create an issue, but lumps and bumps will lend to an unsightly, rough-hewn appearance.

After achieving a reasonably level surface, shock absorbing materials will be added. This contributes a cushion and bounce to artificial grass, creating a soft feel beneath your feet. Again, this will need to be cut to the exact dimensions of the lawned area. Therefore, precision is critical to avoiding gaps.

Finally, the turf itself is installed, using a straight line or edge as a guide. It’s secured firstly with an adhesive to keep large lawned areas looking coherent, and then the grass is nailed down by specialized hooks. The turf is cut to the shape of your lawn. Any uneven edges will clearly be visible.

You may also opt to deploy a layer of silica sand brushed into your artificial grass to keep it stable and free of any movement.

Put Safety First

Poorly-installed artificial turf can create safety issues for your family. For instance, children and pets may catch themselves on exposed nails or sharp turf edges while running. An unstable base may lead to slips and falls, and a lack of shock absorbent material will make any impact harder. As long as the installers apply the aforementioned steps, these safety risks will be minimal, if not nonexistent.

Increase Your Home’s Appeal

Many homeowners lack the time or desire to take care of their backyard. Therefore, a low-maintenance turfed area will appeal to potential buyers should you choose to sell. However, potential buyers in the future will be put off by poorly installed artificial turf, affecting your resale opportunities negatively.

Avoid Drainage Mistakes

Water needs to drain through the turf effectively to prevent your lawn from turning into puddles when it rains. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can end up with an artificial lawn that doesn’t function or look as it should. Avoid costly repair bills by hiring the pros to install the artificial grass correctly from the onset.

If you are beyond ready for a new, artificial lawn, a reputable company can quickly be hailed to install your artificial grass the right way. Call one for more information and advice.

Sources:

Amazing Facts and Statistics About the Landscaping Industry, EveryDoorDirectMail.com

How to Lay Artificial Turf, DIYNetwork.com