Installing artificial grass is not as simple as laying a new carpet on your floor. There are certain procedures you have to follow to preserve the appearance and make the grass last for a long time.
If you are planning to install artificial grass on your own, here are 12 common mistakes you should avoid.
1. Not Performing Thorough Research
There are different types of artificial grass and it’s important to do proper research before selecting one. Depending upon the location and purpose it serves, decisions must be made regarding the proper pile length and other factors like grass material.
If you’re planning to turf artificial grass in schools or kids playgrounds, then you should be more cautious when installing. You can find out more on how to properly install artificial grass for schools and kids playgrounds at EliteArtificialGrass.co.uk.
2. Performing Insufficient Excavation
Insufficient excavation can leave traces of old grass, roots and weeds in the soil. Installing artificial grass over an old layer of grass can result in a very lumpy and unappealing finished look. You will need to remove the top layer of the soil by 3-4 inches. You can use manual tools for pulling out the turf but most professionals recommend using a turf cutting machine for ease of operation.
3. Not Taking Any Measures For Drainage
Improper drainage can lead to accumulation of water on the surface of the grass. This can serve as a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. It can also cause accidents due to slipping. Make sure you have a good drainage system in place before installing the base material. All artificial grass membranes have drainage holes but the water needs to be carried to a proper drain to prevent accumulation.
4. Installing On An Uneven Base
You should avoid installing artificial grass on uneven surfaces at all costs. Even if there are only minor imperfections and small bumps, it can affect the overall appearance of the final result. It can also make other procedures like joining and securing edges more difficult. Make sure you level out all the bumps and clear any small stones if they are present.
5. Failure To Install Preliminary Layers
There are a few important layers you need to install before installing the artificial grass. A firm sub base will ensure firm footing and help your grass to last longer. You can use Class 2 Road Base or decomposed granite and gravel. This layer should be around 3-4 inches thick. After this you should install a laying course to prevent creases and provide an even surface for the grass.
6. Using The Wrong Material For The Laying Course
Using the wrong material for laying courses can result in instability of the artificial grass layer. You need to provide a firm and compact laying course for the grass. Sharp sand or any other kind of sand is not recommended since it cannot remain compact for long periods of time. You can use either granite or limestone for the laying course.
7. Taking No Precautions For Weeds
Although weed growth is restricted in artificial grass, some weeds can wriggle their way to the surface through the drainage holes in the backing or even grow around the edges. In order to prevent this, a proper weed membrane must be attached to the sub base. Many professionals also recommend installing a second weed membrane over the laying course.
8. Improper Securing Of Joints
Improper securing of joints can result in visible joint lines which will rob your grass of a perfectly seamless look. You also risk the grass membranes coming apart at the joints. Make sure you remove the selvage of the membrane before you join it to another one. Use good quality joining materials like joining tape and a well known artificial grass adhesive.
9. Ignoring The Edges
Edges are something many people neglect when it comes to artificial grass installation. It might not look bad initially but improper securing of edges can result in frayed and loose edges. If the edges lift up it will cause people to trip and fall. Make sure to use fixings around the perimeter for edges and if possible hire a professional.
10. Installing Grass In Opposite Pile Directions
The blades of the artificial grass will always point slightly towards a specific direction. In order to achieve a uniform and seamless look, all grass layers need to be arranged in the same pile direction. In case of backyards and lawns the pile direction of the grass usually faces towards the house.
11. Discarding Excess Turf
It is always good to have extra turf in hand in case you experience future damage which will require you to replace the turf. Finding the exact same turf which matches your old one will be quite difficult.
12. Trying To Save Money With Low Quality Materials
In order to save money many people buy cheap artificial grass and ineffective joining materials like cheap tapes and adhesives. It is always better to make a good investment and achieve a properly finished lawn rather than ending up with a shabby one which wears out really fast.
To ensure your new lawn is professionally installed, choose a company that’s invested in quality materials and quality manufacturing to deliver sustainable surfaces. EasyTurf may be the right one for you, moreover, it covers a lot of cities in the US, so you can always find quality artificial turf near you.
Conclusion
Many of these mistakes can lead to extra expenses and you might even have to repeat the old procedures all over again. If you don’t have proper knowledge about artificial grass installation, we recommend hiring a good professional to help you.