How to Prepare the Ground Before Laying Artificial Grass

At LawnPop®, Austin&#;s leading artificial turf experts, we&#;re passionate about creating beautiful, sustainable lawns that exceed your expectations. A critical step to achieving a flawless, long-lasting artificial lawn is proper ground preparation. This in-depth guide delves into everything you need to know to ensure a firm, level, and well-draining base for your artificial grass installation, whether you&#;re a seasoned DIYer or seeking professional help.

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Understanding the Importance of Ground Preparation

Think of ground preparation as the invisible foundation for your artificial grass. A well-prepared base prevents future issues like pooling water, uneven surfaces, and weed growth, ensuring your artificial lawn looks its best for years to come. Here&#;s a breakdown of the key benefits:

• Prevents Drainage Problems: Proper ground preparation allows water to drain efficiently, preventing puddles and potential mosquito breeding grounds. This is especially important in areas with high rainfall.
• Ensures a Level Surface: A level base prevents bumps and dips, creating a smooth, aesthetically pleasing artificial lawn that&#;s comfortable to walk and play on.
• Provides Stability: A solid base keeps your artificial grass firmly in place, preventing movement caused by foot traffic or wind.
• Discourages Weed Growth: Eliminating existing vegetation and creating a weed barrier helps prevent weeds from pushing through your artificial grass.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Ground for Artificial Grass

1. Call Before You Dig (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Before you begin any excavation work, contact your local utility companies to identify and mark any underground lines or pipes to avoid accidental damage. This is a crucial safety step to avoid any potential disruptions or hazards during the excavation process.

2. Assess Your Existing Landscape

• Measure the Area: Carefully measure the length and width of the area you plan to cover with artificial grass. This will help you determine the amount of materials needed for the base and the turf itself.
• Evaluate the Soil Type: The type of soil you have will influence your base preparation strategy. Sandy soils tend to drain well, while clay soils require additional drainage measures.

3. Clear the Area

• Remove Existing Vegetation: Remove any existing grass, weeds, plants, or debris from the designated area. You can use a sod cutter, shovel, or herbicide specifically formulated for soil preparation (always follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions).
• Excavate the Soil: The depth of excavation will depend on your specific project and soil type. In most cases, you&#;ll need to remove 2-4 inches of topsoil.

4. Edge Restraint (Optional):

For areas with loose soil or prone to erosion, consider installing edging made of plastic, metal, or concrete around the perimeter of the excavated area. This will help contain the base materials and prevent the edges of your artificial grass from shifting.

5. Create a Drainage Layer (if necessary):

If you have clay soil or live in a high-rainfall area, creating a drainage layer is crucial. Here are two common options:

• Crushed Rock: Install a 1-2 inch layer of crushed rock ( ¾ inch minus is recommended) over the entire excavated area. This allows water to drain freely through the base.
• Drainage Mat: A perforated drainage mat placed on top of the compacted soil can also facilitate drainage.

6. Compacting the Base:

Compacting the base material is essential for creating a firm, stable foundation. Use a mechanical plate compactor to achieve a dense, level surface.

7. Installing a Weed Barrier:

A high-quality weed barrier fabric placed on top of the compacted base helps prevent weed growth through the artificial grass. Ensure the weed barrier fabric is permeable to allow water drainage.

8. Base Material Installation:

The type of base material used depends on your project requirements and budget. Here are the most common options:

• Crushed Stone: A common and cost-effective choice, crushed stone provides good drainage and stability. Choose a variety with a consistent size for optimal compaction.
• Decomposed Granite: Decomposed granite offers excellent drainage properties and creates a more level surface compared to crushed stone.
• Limestone screenings: Similar to decomposed granite, limestone screenings provide good drainage and a smooth base for artificial grass installation.

9. Leveling the Base:

Once the base material is installed, use a rake and leveling tools to achieve a smooth, even surface. Pay close attention to slopes and drainage gradients, ensuring water flows away from buildings or patios.

10. Final Compaction:

After leveling, thoroughly compact the base material using a plate compactor to achieve a solid and stable foundation. This step is crucial for preventing shifting or settling of the artificial grass over time.

Additional Tips for Ground Preparation

• Consider Soil Type: Different soil types require varying levels of preparation. Sandy soils generally require less work, while clay soils may need additional drainage measures.
• Slope Considerations: If you have a sloped area, adjust the base depth to maintain a consistent level surface.
• Drainage Testing: After completing the base preparation, test the drainage by lightly watering the area. Water should drain quickly without pooling.

By following these steps and considering the specific conditions of your yard, you&#;ll create an optimal base for your artificial grass installation.

Installing the Artificial Grass

Once you&#;ve meticulously prepared the ground, it&#;s time to install your artificial grass. This section will guide you through the process to achieve a seamless and professional-looking finish.

Tools and Materials:

• Artificial grass rolls
• Utility knife or carpet cutter
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Seam tape
• Adhesive (if required)
• Infill material (sand or silica)
• Broom or brush
• Knee pads (optional, but recommended for comfort)

Installation Steps:

• Measure and Cut:
  1. Accurately measure the dimensions of your prepared area.
  2. Unroll the artificial grass and lay it out flat to acclimate to its surroundings.
  3. Use a chalk line to mark the cutting lines for the artificial grass.
  4. Carefully cut the artificial grass using a utility knife or carpet cutter, ensuring clean and precise edges.
• Laying the Turf:
  1. Begin at one corner of the prepared area and start laying the artificial grass.
  2. Unroll the turf carefully, ensuring it&#;s flat and free of wrinkles.
  3. If necessary, use seam tape and adhesive to join multiple pieces of artificial grass seamlessly. Follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for proper adhesion.
• Securing the Edges:
  1. Use turf staples or U-shaped pins to secure the edges of the artificial grass to the ground. This prevents shifting and lifting.
  2. For larger areas, consider using perimeter edging to hold the grass in place.
• Infill Application:
  1. Apply infill material (sand or silica) evenly over the artificial grass. This helps to stabilize the blades, improve drainage, and create a more natural look.
  2. Use a broom or brush to distribute the infill evenly and brush it into the turf.
  3. The amount of infill required will vary depending on the type of artificial grass and the desired appearance.
• Final Adjustments:
  1. Once the infill is in place, use a broom or brush to fluff up the artificial grass blades and create a realistic appearance.
  2. Inspect the installation for any imperfections or uneven areas and make necessary adjustments.

Tips for a Successful Installation:

• Work in Shade: Avoid installing artificial grass in direct sunlight, as the heat can make the material difficult to handle and increase the risk of damage.
• Take Your Time: Proper installation is crucial for the longevity and appearance of your artificial lawn. Don&#;t rush the process.
• Consider Professional Installation: If you&#;re unsure about your DIY skills or have a large area to cover, consider hiring a professional artificial grass installer.

Remember: The specific installation process may vary depending on the type of artificial grass and the manufacturer&#;s instructions. Always refer to the product guidelines for detailed guidance.

By following these steps and taking the time to prepare the ground properly, you can achieve a stunning artificial lawn that enhances the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.

Maintaining Your Artificial Lawn: A Guide to Longevity

Artificial grass is designed to be low-maintenance, but proper care is essential to preserving its beauty and functionality for years to come. Here&#;s a breakdown of key maintenance practices:

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Debris Removal: Regularly sweep or blow away leaves, twigs, and other debris to prevent buildup and potential damage to the turf.
• Rinsing: Periodically rinse the artificial grass with a hose to remove dirt, pollen, and other contaminants.
• Brushing: Use a stiff-bristled brush to fluff up the artificial grass blades and maintain their upright position.
• Stain Removal: Address spills or stains promptly with mild detergent and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Pet Waste Management: Clean up pet waste promptly and rinse the area thoroughly with a hose and pet-specific cleaning solution.

Infill Management:

• Top Up: Over time, infill may settle or be displaced. Add more infill as needed to maintain the desired depth and appearance.
• Raking: Periodically rake the infill to distribute it evenly and prevent clumping.

Addressing Specific Issues:

• Fading: While artificial grass is colorfast, prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause slight fading. Rotating furniture or using shade covers can help minimize this.
• Odor Control: For pet owners, consider using pet-friendly deodorizers or enzymatic cleaners to address odors.
• Weed Prevention: While rare, weeds may occasionally sprout through the artificial grass. Remove them promptly and apply a weed killer if necessary.

Professional Cleaning:

For heavy-duty cleaning or if you notice a significant decline in the turf&#;s appearance, consider hiring a professional artificial grass cleaning service.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid Power Washing: High-pressure water can damage the artificial grass fibers.
• Protect from Heat Sources: Direct heat sources, such as grills or fire pits, can damage the turf. Use protective mats or keep a safe distance.
• Winter Care: In snowy regions, remove snow promptly to prevent ice buildup and damage.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting artificial lawn that enhances your outdoor space.

Artificial Grass FAQs

Ground Preparation and Installation

• How do I prepare the ground for artificial grass?
  • Remove existing grass and debris, level the ground, create a drainage layer if needed, and install a weed barrier.
• What type of base material should I use?
  • Crushed stone, decomposed granite, or limestone screenings are common options.
• Do I need a drainage layer?
  • Only if you have clay soil or experience heavy rainfall.
• How do I install artificial grass?
  • Measure, cut, and lay the grass, secure the edges, and apply infill.

Artificial Grass Maintenance

• How often should I clean my artificial grass?
  • Regularly sweep or hose off debris.
• What is infill and why is it important?
  • Infill stabilizes the grass blades and improves drainage.
• Can artificial grass be damaged by pets?
  • Yes, but proper cleaning and maintenance can help prevent damage.
• How do I remove stains from artificial grass?
  • Use mild detergent and water for most stains.

General Questions

• Is artificial grass eco-friendly?
  • Yes, it saves water and reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
• Can artificial grass be installed on a slope?
  • Yes, with proper preparation and installation.
• How long does artificial grass last?
  • With proper care, artificial grass can last 15-20 years or more.

Ready to transform your outdoor space with a stunning artificial lawn? Contact LawnPop® today for a free estimate and expert installation!

LawnPop® is your trusted partner for all things artificial grass in Austin, Texas. Our experienced team provides top-quality products and professional installation services to create the perfect outdoor oasis for your home or business.

How To Install Artificial Turf In A Small Yard

We&#;re just finishing the first whole season with our backyard artificial turf, and I can easily say this is the best investment we&#;ve made in our yard to date. The new faux lawn is soft, evergreen, low-maintenance, beautiful, and never gets muddy (which is a big deal in humid, rainy Richmond, Virginia!)

I wanted to share a quick overview of the process of installing the turf, cost, and some great before and after photos. Find all of the details below!

The Before

So, this isnt a true before. When we bought this property, the backyard was fully weed/mud/grass with a the playground and small yellow shed. I visualized some high-level plans for the yard, and started slowly chipping away at them. First, we installed this big paver patio. Next, I separated the playground area by adding mulch over the existing weeds. Later, I rolled down weed cloth and had gravel dumped into the other side of the yard for beneath the trampoline.

Last year I built garden boxes, added more gravel, landscaped along the fence line, and remodeled the shed. That brings us up to where we were in this photo: lots of great, intentionally designed spaces around a mess of a lawn.
Turf wasn&#;t the first course of rehab for this terrible lawn situation. We first seeded and aerated, fertilized and watered. Unfortunately, after three years of intensive lawn maintenance, a specialist confirmed that the combination of clay soil, and shade made our yard a terrible candidate for sod or seed. 

Knowing the only option was some sort of xeriscape, I looked into artificial turf installation in the area. I had a vision of looking out my kitchen window and seeing a beautiful, green grass yard, and knew turf could make that happen. 

After looking into a few different types, I talked to a local landscape supply and found one I liked, that was made in the USA, recyclable, and available. I asked my hardscape contractor if he would be willing to help me with this project, and we moved forward with the plan.

How to Install Artificial Turf

Plan and Prepare

I did about 6 months of research on turf before I settled on the installation. The expert opinion on the real lawn being a no-go in our yard solidified it for me. We got an estimate from a local landscape design company that was around $11,o00 for the 700 sq ft area we planned to cover. I was sure with my DIY skills and some help, we would be able to do it for much, much less.

Design Turf Area

Because I had designed the rest of the yard already, this turf area was fairly obvious. I wanted an open stretch in the center of the yard for the kids to play, lay down picnic blankets, and for our pets to run around. I think the overall look of the yard benefits from lots of different types of areas and materials, so it isn&#;t just a huge stadium-expanse of fake grass.

If you want to add some turf, along with other features and elements in your own yard, consider hiring a landscape designer to make you a PLAN that you can DIY and implement yourself.

Order Materials and Supplies

I ordered the turf and infill sand from local landscape supply store, Pete Rose, Inc. I&#;m sure there is something similar where you live! This shop sells to both contractors and the general public, and I was able to order the turf directly through them and pick it up in my minivan:)

Lvyi contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

This is the exact product that I ordered: STR Synthetic Turf 80 oz. Face Weight 1-3/4 in. Field Green/Olive Green/Clover Green Blades Green/Tan

The team at Pete Rose helped me calculate the quantity to order, because the rolls come in 15&#; lengths. We took into account the way to order the rolls so the least amount of material would be wasted.

In addition the the turf, I ordered infill sand, seam tape for the 1 seam my yard would need. At Home Depot I ordered the materials for the base layers which included paver base, paver sand, galvanized nails, and bricks to complete the border around the turf area.

Hire Help

When I looked into artificial turf installation videos, I realized that the preparation of the site is almost exactly the same as what you would do to install pavers. I called my hardscape contractor (who helped with the paver patio, and other projects around our yard) and asked his fee to prep the area for turf. We settled on a labor cost that didn&#;t include the materials, which I bought myself, and he agreed to do the prep and help with the turf installation. 

He was interested to learn the process so he could potentially offer it to future clients. I was grateful for his flexibility, and his willingness to experiment with us! 

That&#;s how we prepared. Once all of the materials arrived, here is the process to actually install the turf:

Step 1. Excavate

The turf requires 4-6&#; of hardscape base. That&#;s a lot of digging. This is where I was extremely grateful to have hired help for the prep. Jose brought in his equipment to excavate the area and finished in an afternoon.

Step 2. Lay Down 2-4&#; of Paver Base Gravel

Once the area was dug out completely, the next step was adding the paver base. The dug area does&#;t need to be completely level, because the layers of prep will give you a chance to level it all out. After each inch or two of paver base, Jose used a tamping machine to settle the gravel down into a packed layer.

Step 3. Lay Down 1&#; of Leveling Sand

After the inches of packed paver base, we added an inch of sand. This is where things can really be leveled out completely and you can ensure the drainage will run away from the house. 

4. Install Border

At this point, the base was ready, both for our brick border, and then for the turf. We laid down the bricks around the three sides of the area that didn&#;t already have a border. The edge leading into the garden was a couple inches taller than the rest of the area, so Jose back-filled the edge with cement. (Once we finished the turf, we installed another couple inches of gravel to cover the cemented border.

5. Roll Out and Cut Turf

The next step is a fun, big one! We rolled out the turf material on top of the prepared area. It rolls like carpet, and we made sure the blades of grass were pointing the same direction on both of our two rolls. 

We laid the turf according to our plan (one was quite a bit shorter than the other, because of the bend in the yard), and matched the edges at the seam. We needed to trim the selvedge from each roll where the seam would meet. It trimmed easily with a box cutter, and we adjusted until the pieces came together nicely.

6. Glue Seams

I used Alliance Gator Block Bond XP as adhesive along the seam tape, just squirting it like mustard on a hotdog along the length. We glued down one side, then carefully the other, while holding the blades of grass up away from the adhesive.

In addition to glueing the seam, we also used the box cutters to trim all of the edges of the turf so it lay flat right up against the border on all 5 sides of the area. It was a slow process, because we took care to trim very accurately so there wasn&#;t any big gap between the grass and the brick. 

7. Nail Down

The turf itself is nailed in place throughout the area with 4-6&#; galvanized steel nails. We opted to begin nailing every 12&#; around the edges, staying about 1&#; from the brick border. Once the edges were all nailed in, we went back and added nails about every 24&#; throughout the whole area. 

I liked to hold the blades of grass to the sides while I hammered the nails, just to not squash them. Once the nails are down, they disappear beneath the turf.

8. Add Infill Sand

The final step in the process of installing artificial turf is the infill sand. The sand both weighs down the fabric of the turf, keeping it in place, and supports the grass blades, so they stick up naturally. We ordered 40, 50-pound bags of green antimicrobial infill sand for this area. It immediately softened up the turf and made it look and feel so much more natural. We simply poked 3-4 holes in each bag and walked around over the turf with them while the sand came out in steady streams. This way we could diffuse it around the whole area well. 

I also used a push broom to brush the sand down into the turf as it was being poured. Once it was all installed and the project was done, we were astonished by how amazing it looked and felt.

The Benefits of Artificial Turf

The yard is now a complete dream come true. I can send my kids out to play in any weather, and they aren&#;t slip-sliding in a giant mud-hole. It&#;s also much easier to let the dog out in the rain without knowing I&#;ll be cleaning up mud prints for the week.

Beyond being so much cleaner, I love the way the turf looks and feels. It is beautiful, natural-looking (like that annoyingly perfect lawn your neighbor has&#;almost too good to be true:) The turf is much softer and more comfortable than the weeds and mud we had before. My kids lay down to read right on the turf. They take toys out and sit in the middle of the lawn to play. They set up the sprinkler on the hose and dash around in their swimsuits. I can walk back and forth to the clubhouse without putting on shoes.

All of that doesn&#;t even take into account how we haven&#;t needed to seed, fertilize, or mow all spring and summer long. It&#;s truly been amazing. Now that we&#;re heading into fall/winter, which is really rainy here in the south, I am so happy that we will still be able to use the yard without so much crazy cleanup.

I love the way it looks from inside my kitchen window. I love the way it looks along the beautiful brick edges. I love the way it helps us to really use every inch of this small backyard in a way that brings our family together and encourages us to spend more time outside.

F.A.Q

When sharing about this project on Instagram, I got several relevant questions I thought I&#;d answer here, in case you&#;re wondering as well.

What about dog poop?

Just like natural grass, turf is an easy place for a dog to do their business. Ours prefers the mulch and very edges of the turf. We pick up the solids and spray off the turf, easy-peasy. 

Does it flood?

Artificial turf is super permeable, and the base layers you install ensure that it has proper drainage. We get massive rainstorms here in Virginia, and ours drains beautifully. Good drainage means it&#;s also super easy to clean off if the kids spill gatorade, or when we need to spray off pet-poop-remnants. A quick hose-off and it&#;s clean and new.

Doesn&#;t it get hot in the summer?

This one will definitely depend on the climate where you live and your particular yard. While it gets into the high nineties regularly in Richmond, our yard is fairly shady most of the day. This was part of the reason we weren&#;t good candidates for natural sod. 

I know in hot, dry, desert climates, a lot of people are in the practice of simply spraying it off a little bit before playing, like you would a hot trampoline or rubber playground mat.

How much did it cost?

I mentioned that our estimate from a full-service landscaping company was close to 11K for this small area. When we opted to do a mostly-DIY with prep help from Jose, the total cost of materials + labor ended up around 4K. Instead of $15 per share foot, we paid around $5. That includes the whole brick paver border in addition to the actual turf. 

Like I mentioned above, it has been the best investment we&#;ve made so far in the yard. We love every bit of our yard (the playground, clubhouse, deck, patio, and garden.) This turf area probably makes the biggest visual and recreational difference in the whole space.

I hope this post helped you get a better feel for the process of installing turf into a small backyard. We love creating intentional spaces where our family can spend time together, and wish you luck on your own project!