How to Install Fake Grass in Any Backyard

How to Install Fake Grass in Any Backyard

Artificial or synthetic grass is getting more popular especially as modern products are such an improvement on early versions. People chose synthetic grass for many reasons including to help with allergies. Over 50 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergy and artificial grass can reduce exposure to grass pollen. You may love the idea of artificial turf but worry that you won’t be able to fit it in your backyard. Perhaps you want to install it on a slope or a concrete slab. Read on to learn how to install fake grass in your backyard.

What is Synthetic Grass?

Synthetic grass is a beautiful, time saving, environmentally sustainable alternative to a real grass lawn. You won’t have to do much more than a little raking and hosing. There are no pesticides, watering, cutting or herbicides to apply.

There are various types of synthetic grass each of which is designed for a different purpose. Choose from landscape, pet, golf or indoor turf products.

Standard Synthetic Grass Installation

A standard installation starts with good preparation. Remove any previous turf together with any paving. Prepare the surface so that it is at a constant level with no bumps or potholes.

Lay a weed control membrane in strips. Overlap the strips and cut it to the required shape. Nail it down into the ground.

Concrete in timbers around the edge of the area to be turfed. These will provide a secure edge for the turf to be fastened to. Position them just below the level of the grass.

To maximize the drainage of rainwater lay a 3 to 4-inch sub-base of type 1. If water drainage is not likely to be a problem a 2-inch base will be fine.

Use 1-inch fine granite dust as the surface the synthetic grass will sit on. Level the base with a Wacker plate.

Install your synthetic grass cutting it to size and using a bolster chisel to press it into the edges. Make any joints with tape and glue. Nail the synthetic grass to the timber edge.

Add kiln dried sand and brush it.

How to Install Fake Grass on a Slope

Do the preparation as per a standard installation. Don’t lay the weed control material yet. Install the timber edging paying special attention to creating a sound supporting edge at the top of the slope.

Spread type 1 sub-base across the slope to a depth of 2 to 3-inches and press it down by hand. Be careful not to push it all down the slope. Apply a coating of granite dust to a depth of 1-inch.

Tamp the sub-base and granite dust down with a piece of heavy timber. Don’t use a Wacker plate on a slope. Fit the weed control membrane on top of the sub-base to help bind the aggregates.

Install the synthetic grass as normal nailing it to the edges.

How to Install Fake Grass on Concrete

Synthetic grass can be installed on top of sound concrete. If it is broken up or cracked you will have to remove it and install as per a standard installation. If it is in good condition it will save you from having to install aggregates and prepare the surface.

Fill any minor flaws in the concrete with a self-leveling compound. If there is a slight slope to ensure good drainage that is ideal. If not then drill holes for drainage and fill them with shingle.

If there are any minor irregularities in the concrete you should lay the synthetic grass on to a foam underlay fixed with special glue. Fix the synthetic grass using the adhesive around the edges. Complete the installation as per a standard installation.

Professional Installation

There is no substitute for professional expertise when it comes to fitting synthetic grass. For long life and the best appearance get the people who know how to install fake grass. Then, sit back and enjoy your effortless, attractive lawn.

For more information on artificial grass installation, contact us today.