Countless homeowners are switching to artificial grass, and it’s no wonder why. Synthetic turf provides a soft and inviting ground covering that allows you to enjoy your outdoor space and labor less over its upkeep.
The key to natural-looking, durable artificial turf is properly anchoring the material. Anchoring your artificial grass can be done by a professional or by anchoring it yourself with a few standard garden tools. How you secure artificial grass depends on the surface, whether soil, wood, concrete, or a putting green.
Anchoring Artificial Grass to Soil
A common area to install artificial grass is where natural grass once stood. But to maintain a worry-free artificial lawn, proper anchoring is essential. To start, assemble all the tools that you will need.
Tools Needed:
- Tape measure
- Pickax
- Shovel
- Rake
- Push Broom
- Turf Paint
- Hammer
- 40-D, 5 Inch Turf Nails
- Box Cutter
- Putty Knife
- Turf Glue
- Seam Tape
- Drop Spreader
- Vibrating Plate Compactor
You may have some of these tools in your garage already. You can find those you don’t have at your local home improvement store.
Prepare the Surface:
Properly preparing the soil is critical in installing and anchoring the turf. Begin by removing your existing lawn and vegetation. Remove four inches of soil. Then, level the surface and remove any debris, such as rocks or sticks. Light watering will settle any dust and give the area a nice finish. If you have sprinklers installed, cap off the heads and remove them.
Once your surface is smooth and clean, add your class II road base. We usually recommend about three inches of depth to ensure proper drainage. Wet it down and compact it with the vibrating plate compactor. If your lawn has been subject to pests or weeds, try adding some weed barrier to discourage them from coming up through your new artificial turf.
Lay the Turf
Once your base is completed, it is time to lay your turf. A couple of things to remember when cutting the turf: Don’t drag turf across your nicely leveled and compacted base. It would be a shame to mess that up and have to do it again. Also, ensure your turf’s blades are all facing the same direction. A carpet kicker can be used to stretch the turf before laying it. Cut your artificial grass with a box cutter from the turf’s backing. Secure the seams with seam tape, nails, and turf glue.
Securing the Turf
Using a putty knife and a hammer, tuck the border of your turf in and hammer 40-D 5-inch galvanized turf nails every six inches. Any tears or holes in the turf can also be repaired by securing the artificial grass with a few nails. A less-obtrusive way to secure your turf is to use turf U-staples, specifically designed for holding turf in place. Placing a few staples along seams helps to reinforce and strengthen them. Use a push broom to go over the turf to make the blades stand up, and use green turf paint to cover any exposed lines or marks.
Add the Infill
Infill is very important to the installation and anchoring of artificial grass. It not only functions to weigh down the turf but also assists the blades in standing upright. It impacts your new lawn’s appearance and lifespan, holding it in place while keeping it beautiful. Use a drop spreader to disperse the proper amount evenly.
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