The Installation Process for Artificial Turf
At Goat Turf, our experienced landscapers have successfully installed artificial turf for both indoor and outdoor environments. With a variety of synthetic turf to choose from, you can use them for athletic fields, pet parks, and putting greens. Here are the steps to completing your landscaping project:
Consultation and Design
The first step in installing artificial turf is our consultation process. Once you make an appointment and let us know what you want, we can schedule a consultation. One of our project managers will meet with you in person on-site and help you develop a plan.
The project manager will ask you about the function of the space, as there are many varieties of synthetic grass for different purposes. One option is SYNLawn, which is a brand of artificial grass that offers a variety of products. These can help to eliminate pet odors or make a softer space around playgrounds.
Preparation
Once we have established a plan with you, we will prepare the property for turf installation. To prepare an outdoor space, we will need a subbase to work from, which is an underlying support for the turf. We will clear any existing grass, roots, mulch, or other obstructions to create a clear area. This involves removing topsoil up to 2.5” inches deep. Our team will haul away this debris and dispose of it for you.
Once the subbase is ready, we will install a plastic lumber support around the perimeter of the project. This establishes a flat, smooth surface where the turf will be secured. Next, we fill in the area with a geotextile. This synthetic material is similar to fabric but stronger than traditional weed barriers. It prevents the growth of weeds and deters ground-dwelling creatures like worms and beetles.
For indoor applications like golf courses, we use green board as a subfloor. It offers a smooth, flat surface for putting greens. We use SYN Lawn’s golf product line to mimic the feel of real grass, allowing you to practice and play golf more accurately.
Add the Aggregate
After the geotextile is in place, we will then add a 2” to 4” inch layer of aggregate, such as crushed stones or gravel. The loose rocks provide a solid foundation for your synthetic grass while accommodating drainage. Aggregate allows water to drain downward into the soil, preventing flooding on the surface.
The aggregate is raked smoothly and compacted. We use a tamper, a heavy, vibrating plate, to flatten the stones and increase the aggregate density. This creates an even, solid surface for your turf installation.
Installation
In this step, we will lay your synthetic turf efficiently to save yardage without compromising the overall look of your property. Because artificial grass comes in bolts, like fabric, we will need to tape and glue each section together. We do this by aligning the pieces of turf edge-to-edge and joining them together with specialized glue or tape. Because artificial turf has a pile, which are upright strands of plastic, seams are well hidden.
We hammer landscape anchors, such as 6” inch galvanized stakes or nails, to secure the turf into place. Galvanized metal has a zinc coating, preventing rust and breakage. Each anchor is placed approximately 6” to 8” inches apart. This method of securing the artificial grass is to avoid wrinkles and keeps the material from shifting during daily use.
The final step in our installation process is to trim the excess turf. We use sharp boxcutters to trim away any unnecessary material and shape it to the specific area. It is better to leave a little excess fabric to secure the edges at the end of our process.
Infill Spread
Artificial grass uses infill to keep the plastic blades in an upright position. Infill is a coated sand that prevents the turf from expanding and contracting due to temperature changes. Our team will use a stiff, bristle broom to spread the infill and lift the fibers.
SYNLawn also offers different types of infill depending on the function of your space. Certain infills contain antimicrobial properties to help eliminate pet odors. Infills that can reduce the temperature of the area are also available, which may be beneficial for outdoor fields.
Securing the Edges
The final step to installing your synthetic grass is to secure the edges of the turf. We do this by nailing the edges to the previously installed nailer board. Using a combination of narrow crown staples or screws prevents tripping hazards. Once everything is secure and cleaned up, your lawn is ready for use.
Get Your Artificial Turf Quote
Goat Turf is the largest artificial grass company in the southeastern United States. During our first consultation, we can help you create a plan for your yard or other landscape needs. We also provide fake grass installation services and wholesale options for our clients. Contact us today to receive your project quote.