Steps for Artificial Lawn Installation
Artificial lawn looks magnificent. It has the benefit of one-time installation without incurring any further expenditure. You can also be free from the troubles of weeding, irrigation, applying pesticides, fertilizers and numerous other maintenance measures adopted for natural lawns.
Artificial lawns do not require elaborate care and maintenance like natural lawns do. However some measures are adopted for the maintenance of such lawns. You can hire professional lawn maintenance services for the same making installation of artificial lawn worth the effort. Some steps for installation of artificial lawn are listed here for your benefit. Knowing the process can help you ensure that professionals take immense care at each stage of installation.
Steps for Installing an Artificial Lawn:
A) Preparing the Area
- Removal of the Top Layer of Soil: The first step is to level the area. This can be achieved by eradication of the 3-4 inches of topsoil, rocks, grass or vegetation from the area.
- Add a Drainage System: If the grass is not placed on well draining soil, install a drainage system.
- Add a Weed Barrier: If you are concerned with weeds growing over your grass, install a geo-textile barrier.
B) Installing the Base
- Add a Base Layer: The next step is employing a base layer of smashed stone to furnish long lasting durability.
- Grade the Base: Use a landscaping rake to leave out the base and a bubble level to grade the flat surface.
- Compact and Moisten Base: Densely pack and smooth out the base layer with the help of roller or vibrating plate.
- Acclimation of Turf and Drying of Base: Let the area be bone dry before commencing the process of artificial lawn installation. Buy a roll of artificial grass and leave it on the ground for at least 2 hours or overnight. This is known as acclimation which enables the turf to settle and does not permit future creasing. It also makes it pliable and easy to work with.
B) Installing the Lawn:
- Lay out the turf: Measure the area of the lawn to be laid out along with the length and width of the turf strips. Lay down the turf strips over the prepared base leaving few inches of leeway space on either side. Keep in mind that the turfs are placed in such a way that the blades point in the same direction to make it look natural. Professional lawn maintenance services can be hired to take care of your lawn from time to time.
- Cut the Turf Where Necessary: Carpet cutter is used to cut the underside of the turf whenever needed. Areas where the two sheets of turf overlap, you can cut them.
- Seam the Turf Strips Together: The next step is to secure the lawn with landscape staples or nails.
- Fasten the Turf Perimeter: With the help of galvanized stakes fasten the turf around the perimeter, at 6 inches intervals.
- Add Infill or Ballast Appropriate to Your Product: To enable the bristles of artificial blade to remain erect, apply a thin layer of material on the blades and spread it evenly.
- Brush the Turf in Between Infill Applications: After each raking of infill material, use a power broom for brushing up the grass blades.
- Water the Lawn: This enables in settling the ballast. If the lawn is not bouncy the next day, add another layer of infill.
Artificial lawn looks beautiful and needs less maintenance than the natural lawns but to keep it evergreen and preserve its splendor, professional lawn maintenance services should be hired.