Artificial lawns have recently become more and more popular, thanks to their numerous benefits. They require less maintenance, don’t require continuous removal of unwanted weeds, and don’t need much watering.
If you’re interested to know how you can easily prepare your ground to successfully install a synthetic lawn, go on reading.
4 Steps to Prepare Your Ground for Artificial Lawn
1. Remove the Existing Grass
First of all, you must remove the existing natural grass, if any. Note that the grass roots can go very deep down the ground, so you must make sure to dig everything out.
Many might find it unnecessary to even mention this step, but I had to give you a heads-up because lots of people leave the natural grass in place, thinking that it will decompose on its own. While this is partly true since it won’t be exposed to sunlight or water, the decomposition is nonlinear, and so your synthetic turf will be bumpy.
SourceYou shall also ensure that no weeds will grow under or in-between your new turf. Since weeds can appear and grow in whatever gap there is on the ground, you must spray a non-toxic weed killer on the area where you’ll lay your artificial lawn at least two weeks before the installation date.
In case you don’t have all this time to spare, you can buy a weed membrane designed specifically to stop any weeds from growing on your lawn. It should be installed below your new artificial grass.
2. Check for Drainage Issues
Make sure that the base of your artificial turf can drain water, otherwise, or else, it will become an environment for mould, diseases, mildew, bacteria, etc. The synthetic grass’s mat is made to let water pass through it. Thus, if water doesn’t find a place to drain, it will form an unwanted puddle.
Source3. Level and Consolidate the Area
Now is time to ensure that the ground is level and even. This is a vital mission to accomplish before laying down your turf because it would be tough to do this once the grass is in place. This won’t only lead to an aesthetically-pleasing lawn that you can comfortably walk on, but it also helps with drainage.
SourceOnce you’re done, consolidate the soil by applying a thin layer (25mm) of granite or sharp sand using a garden roller or a whacker plate. This helps in making the ground more firm in order to accept the synthetic turf you’ll be laying. Because the ground needs to be firm to accept synthetic turf.
4. Install the Artificial Lawn
Congratulations, you’ve reached the final and easiest step. Just lay your carpet in a way that minimises cutting so as not to waste much of the carpet. And if you’ll join two or more carpets, make sure that they’re laid in the same direction.
SourceFinal Thoughts
Preparation is an essential part of any DIY project. If you follow the easy steps stated above, you’ll find that installing your artificial lawn is not as challenging as you thought.
Mary shares a passion for gardening with her husband John, though she is more focused on growing veg on their allotment at St. Margaret’s Allotments, Durham. Mary also works in the lawn care industry and manages the lawns for the Durham University campus.