How Do I Prepare the Base of Artificial Grass?

Preparing the base of your artificial turf is crucial. A good base will make your fake grass last longer. Aside from that, a good base will make your artificial grass carpet drain properly, with water running off the surface after it rained. Another benefit of a good artificial grass base is that it will make your turf smooth and well-landscaped. To enjoy the benefits of properly landscaped fake grass, you have to prepare the base. There are two ways to do that. One way is to hire a fake grass installer to help install your turf, while the other is to do it yourself. While hiring an artificial turf installer is effective, you will spend lots of cash. The other alternative is to do it yourself. This article explains how to prepare the base of artificial grass.

Why You Should Install Your Artificial Turf Properly

Preparing the base of your synthetic turf is crucial if you want it to last longer. When you install your fake grass correctly, your turf will drain properly. Poor drainage can make fake grass less durable. Water can settle on the surface of your turf, making it difficult to walk on it. This can cause slipping and falling when you walk on the surface of fake grass. Aside from slipping, your artificial grass can grow mold if not properly drained. 

Mold can distort the surface texture of your fake grass, making it less attractive. Even high-quality fake grass will not last longer if you don’t install it properly. Green algae can grow on the surface of your fake grass, making it unusable. The best way to install fake grass is to use a properly draining base. Homeowners will use crushed stone or gravel as their turf base. Another benefit of preparing the base of your artificial grass is that you will get turf with a smooth surface. 

Can I Install Fake Grass on Soil?

If you are wondering if you can install fake grass rugs on natural carpet grass, you can. Homeowners can lay fake turf on grass if they want, but it is not the best idea. Although laying artificial grass in the grass helps save money, it can cause drainage issues after installing the turf. 

Aside from drainage issues, installing fake grass on grass will create an uneven surface. There will be bumps on your artificial turf, making it less attractive and rough to walk on. Grass can shoot out of your artificial grass through the holes in the backing when you lay it directly on the soil. This can make your synthetic turf less attractive.  

Preparing the Base of Your Fake Gras

Step One – Measure Your Yards

Before you lay your fake grass, the first thing to do is to measure your property. You have to know the extent of your compound to determine how much turf you need. You will need a measuring tape for this task. 

Step Two – Clear the Existing Lawn

If there are grasses on your lawn, you have to remove them. This means that you will need a shovel to remove all traces of grass where you want to install your fake grass. If possible, you can use a machine to make the task faster. Most artificial grass installers will recommend that you dig the soil a little deeper to remove grassroots. 

Step Three – Apply the Subbase

After digging the soil to remove grass, you can apply the subbase where you want to install fake grass. It is recommended that you add 5 cm crushed stones or gravel as the first layer of your subbase. You will need a shovel to spread the gravel evenly where you want to lay the turf. To make the base solid, you have to compact it. Or, you can use a mechanical roller to press the crushed stones into the ground. Check for depression and reapply the crushed stones if you have to. 

Step Four – Apply Sharp Sand

After applying crushed stones, you need to apply sharp sand as the second layer. Sharp sand provides a smooth base for your fake grass after laying it. If you don’t apply sharp sand, you will feel the stones when you walk on your lawn. You can use a rake to spread the sand evenly over where you want to lay your artificial turf. 

Step Five – Lay the Grass

After preparing the base of your grass, you should spread the fake grass roll and ensure you join the surface properly. 

Conclusion

How do I prepare the base of artificial grass? You have to remove all traces of grass where you want to install your fake grass. Aside from that, you should spread crushed stones and sand before laying the turf.