- Prepare the Ground. Dig or till the ground to a 3-inch depth. Rake to remove clods and smooth out the surface. ...
- Add Nutrients
- Plant the Grass Seed
- Protect the Grass Seed
- Water the Seed
- Mow New Grass and Weed Control. Mow the existing grass lower than usual and then rake to thin the existing turf. First, aerate to reduce soil compaction.
How to properly install artificial grass?
How to Install Artificial Turf
- The first step in artificial turf installation is to remove the old grass. ...
- If you’re doing the work by hand with shovels, a pickaxe, and a wheelbarrow, break apart the lawn in stages to maintain a steady depth of at least four inches. ...
- The next and perhaps most critical step is to install a base layer of mixed rock over the earth. ...
How to istall artificial grass?
- Washed silica sand is used primarily as ballast to weigh the turf down. If your turf requires infill, sand alone may not be enough.
- Black crumb rubber provides the most cushioning and support for the grass blades. ...
- Copper slag absorbs odors from pets better than other options.
- Some dense products do not require infill. ...
Can I install artificial grass on top of real grass?
Why install artificial grass over real grass? The advantages include saving money and time, especially on lawn maintenance, and it can also improve lifestyle and help with environmental issues. Low maintenance – generating savings on time and up-keep costs.
How to prepare for artificial grass installation?
Steps
- Measure up your space. Measure the size of the area to make sure you buy the right amount of synthetic turf. ...
- Roll out and trim the turf. Starting at the edge of the area, roll out the turf until you reach the end. ...
- Peg the turf down. ...
- Roll out the second length. ...
- Cut around an obstruction. ...
- Join the synthetic turf together with adhesive strip. ...
What are the steps for installing a new lawn?
However, whether you plant a new lawn in stages or all at once, you will need to take the following steps:Step 1: Remove Old Turf. ... Step 2: Fix Grade Problems. ... Step 3: Amend the Soil. ... Step 4: Rake Smooth and Firm. ... Step 5: Plant Your New Lawn. ... Step 6: Caring for Your New Lawn.
What should you put down before laying turf?
Spread a general-purpose fertiliser over the ground one week before laying the turf. ... Firm the soil surface by walking up and down on it taking small, heavy steps. ... Lay the turves on the soil, staggering the joints like brickwork and overlapping them slightly.More items...•
Should I put fertilizer down before laying turf?
TIPS FOR LAYING SOD | BE SURE TO FERTILIZE FIRST! Apply a Starter Fertilizer first, before laying down the sod. You would also want to include an application of Gypsum, which will loosen the existing ground and encourage a healthier root system.
Should I put sand down before laying turf?
As we've discussed earlier in the post, sand soil needs to be improved, first, before laying the sod. Choose a nice, dry (not too hot) day for the job. Below, you can read our step-by-step guide on how to lay the turf on sand so that your lawn thrives, even if your soil is not exactly on the foamy side.
Do I need topsoil before laying turf?
If your soil is poor quality and has been neglected over the years, give your turf the best start at adapting to it's new environment by adding a layer of topsoil. Turf ideally needs around four inches of top soil to root in.
How do I prepare for turf?
How to Prepare for TurfCompletely clear the area to be turfed of rocks and other debris.Remove existing lawn and/or weeds. ... Rotary hoe or till the soil to depth of 100mm.Assess soil type and condition. ... Continue to rotary hoe or till the soil to an even consistency.More items...
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How big is a synthetic lawn?
The synthetic turf usually comes in standard sizes, for instance 15 ft x 20 ft in the United States, or 4m x 25m in the UK. Unroll the sections across your lawn side-by-side, facing the same way.
How tall should a bender board be for a lawn?
Use a plastic or metal bender board, which won't corrode like wood. Choose bender board 4 inches (10 cm) tall for a flat lawn, or 6 inches (15 cm) for a lawn with elevation changes.
How thick is artificial turf?
The artificial turf itself is usually about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. If you want the final lawn to be perfectly level with the surrounding walkways, dig an extra 1 inch (2.5 cm) to allow for this as well as the sub-base. Pull up or cap any sprinkler heads.
Can you put synthetic turf over hard surface?
Alternatively, you can keep them installed and set them to a low-volume setting to cool the turf on hot days or wash it after your pet's used it. If you are installing the synthetic lawn over a hard surface instead of over soil, the surface needs to be completely waterproof and damage-resistant.
Who owns Artscape Gardens?
This article was co-authored by Benjamin Hansen. Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification.
Can you delay putting turf on a large lawn?
If you have a large lawn that needs several pieces of turf to cover it, you might want to delay this step until you've finished connecting all the turf together.
What to do when grading a lawn?
While grading the soil, remove rocks and other large objects that could interfere with the lawn's roots. Do not bury construction debris or other materials not naturally present in your lawn, as this could harm the lawn roots. ...
How to pick a grass seed?
More commonly, grass seeds are sold in blends (varieties of a single species) or mixtures (combinations of multiple species) to provide better resilience to disease and environmental factors. Browse blends and mixtures to find one suited to your lawn's sunlight levels, your preferred grass texture, drought resistance, and durability to foot traffic. Avoid purchasing low-quality seed blends using the following tips:
What is sod grass?
Choose a sod variety. Sod, called turf in some countries, are strips of already-growing grass attached to soil. Grass comes in many varieties, so select one suitable for your climate and your intended purpose. Warm-season grass thrives during summer heat, while cool-season grass prefers cooler weather.
How to spread grass seed evenly?
Sow the grass. Spread grass seed using a seed distributor or lawn spreader if possible, to ensure even coverage. Drop the seeds by hand if no other options are available, but always refer to the recommended sowing density on the grass seed package. For even distribution, sow half the recommended seeds while walking in parallel rows back and forth lengthwise across the lawn, then sow the remaining half while walking in rows widthwise. If there is no recommended seed density on the packaging, use the following guidelines: [22]
How long does it take for grass to germinate?
Do not step on the soil at all until the grass has germinated, which usually takes 10–14 days. Walk across it as infrequently and lightly as possible for about six months after planting.
How to get grass to grow faster?
Rake in starter fertilizer lightly. Starter fertilizer is high in phosphorus, which encourages root growth for new grass. Phosphorus is displayed using the middle number on the fertilizer package, so starter fertilizers are sometimes labeled 5-10-5 or 10-20-10. Always use the amount recommended on the fertilizer packaging, as too much fertilizer can kill plants. Do not till the fertilizer in deep; just rake it gently into the surface soil.
What is a plug in a lawn?
There are other, less common methods of installing a lawn. "Plugs" are small pieces of sod that are planted at intervals, then allowed to spread across bare soil. "Sprigs," also called "stolons," are stems of grasses that creep along the ground, such as Bermuda or Zoysia.
How to keep grass seed from drying out?
7. Cover Up. After you finish laying down the grass seed and lawn food, cover both with a thin layer of soil to help keep the grass seed from drying out and washing away.
How to spread grass seed and fertilizer?
Different types of grass seed and fertilizer require different spreader settings for optimal coverage. Check the bag to make sure you’re choosing the right setting for your individual spreader. (Don't have a spreader? Find the right one for your lawn right here.) Apply the product to the perimeter first, which allows you to fill in the rest of the lawn without worrying about missing any of the edges. Similar to a mowing pattern, seed and feed your lawn with slightly overlapping passes. Avoid getting grass seed or fertilizer in your garden beds or on your sidewalk or driveway.
What to do if your lawn is too alkaline?
If your soil is too alkaline (pH over 7.0), add compost, composted manure, or sulfur to the soil. No matter what you add, be sure to follow all product instructions. 4. Prepare Your Soil. Once you've chosen the area for your future lawn, you’ll want to prepare the soil before seeding.
What is the pH of grass?
You can even do some basic soil testing yourself with a soil test kit. The ideal soil pH for most grass types is between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic (pH under 6.0), add ground limestone to the soil. If your soil is too alkaline (pH over 7.0), add compost, composted manure, or sulfur to the soil.
What is a bow rake?
Use a bow rake (also called a garden rake) to make the surface as even as possible. As you rake, remove any rocks or debris you come across. At this point, you might be tempted to bring in new topsoil. That's not a good idea, since it may contain weed seeds that are tough to control.
Can you add videos to your watch history?
Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.
What are the common mistakes people make when laying artificial grass?
Here are common mistakes that people do make while laying artificial grass. Uneven Surface : The Biggest mistake anyone can make during Artificial Turf Installation is laying artificial grass on an uneven surface. Not only this look awful and painful to walk, but this will also end up ruining your artificial grass.
What is the first step to install artificial turf?
1. Pre-Installation . In this first step, you have to assess which tools and materials are required to install artificial grass i.e., cutter, nails, glue, and joins. Then you have to check whether there is any underground electric wire or water pipe passing on the area where you are going to install artificial turf.
How long does it take for artificial grass to settle?
It is advisable to let the artificial grass settle for a few 2-3 hours before proceeding to the next step.
What is used to pin down the outside border of turf?
Now its time to secure the edges. Turf Nails and staples are mostly used to pin down the outside border of turf.
What are the steps to lay artificial grass?
Not only will these steps show you how to install artificial grass, but there is a list of precautions you must take during the whole process. 1. Pre-Installation.
Does artificial grass last?
Artificial Grass Quality: No matter how good your artificial grass installation is, if you the quality of synthetic turf is not up to the mark, then it will not last. Always install artificial grass that is suitable for a particular environment. You can check this guide to select Best Artificial Grass for you.
Does artificial grass need infill?
Some artificial grass doesn’t require infill, but most of them require infill to gives grass strength and helps to maintain blade condition in heavy usage area. There are different types of infills available. So, if you require infill, then read the manual to see what kind of infill is suitable for your grass. 8. Brush.
Before You Start Planting Grass Seed
If you're learning how to grow grass, you should know a few basic things first.
Selecting the Best Grass Seed for Your Home
Before seeding, first identify the type of turf currently growing in your lawn. If you're starting from scratch, select a turf type suited to grow in your region and remember the specific requirements of your yard.
What a Grass Plant Looks Like
Creeping grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and most warm-season grasses, spread by above- or below-ground runners. Bunch grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, spread from the crown of the plant. Mow these varieties high to protect the crown to ensure the survival of the grass.
How to Read Grass Seed Labels
State laws require labeling on grass seed. Be sure to carefully note the following information on the label:
How to Seed a New or Existing Lawn
Seeding is the most common method of planting turfgrass. Whether you're starting a new lawn or overseeding an existing lawn to fill it out or add green for winter months, the basic principles are the same. The general steps for seeding a lawn are below, but some types of grass have specific planting and care requirements.
How to Repair Your Lawn
If you only have a bare spot or two, spot seeding may become necessary.
How to Water New and Established Lawns
You must keep newly seeded lawns moist by light, frequent watering in order for the seeds to germinate. Keep the soil moist (but not saturated) until the new seedlings are about 1 inch tall. Be careful: Too much water can rot the seeds or wash them way.
What Direction Should You Lay Sod?
Make sure you lay your first row against a straight edge ; this could be along your yard or fence or patio.
What Is the Best Time of the Year to Lay Sod?
Sod can be installed spring through fall (and even in winter in mild climates). In areas of the country that favor cool-season grasses, like the Northeast, it avoids the problem of sprouting a nice crop of weeds when seeding a lawn in spring. And in southern states, which favor warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, zoysia grass, and centipede grass, sod is the best way to cover the yard at any time of year, since these turf types cannot be grown from seed.
Why do farmers cut sod at night?
Because sod is perishable and dries out quickly, many farmers cut their turf in the middle of the night so that it can be delivered and installed the same day. To keep it moist, consider watering the sod after you lay the first large area and move the sprinkler around the lawn as you complete each subsequent section.
How long does it take to get sod delivered?
Ideally, sod should be delivered within 24 hours of being cut and be laid the same day.
How does Roger make his sod curve?
Instead, Roger makes his sod curve the way a tailor might, by cutting a dart or two in a full-sized piece. With the sod la id next to the curve, he grabs a couple of spots along one edge and pinces them together to make the sod follow the contours of the bed.
How to improve drainage in a sandbox?
Loosen the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a rototiller. Spread 2 inches of finished compost (this may be available for free if your town has a municipal compost center). Add 2 to 3 inches of sand to claylike soil to improve drainage. Till in amendments. Then, based on the results from your soil test, use a spreader to lay down the appropriate starter fertilizer, and then lime if needed.
How much does a rototiller cost?
While you’re at it, you’ll want to rent a rototiller (about $55 per day). You’ll also need a sod-cutting knife with a 2-inch blade, a spreader, an iron rake, compost, and other soil amendments, including fertilizer and lime, depending on what your soil analysis dictates.
Where to put small pieces of sod?
Place Small Pieces in Middle. As you come up with small pieces of turf, tuck them into the center of the lawn area, so that all edges are touching other sod pieces. If you use small pieces to fill in along the edges of a lawn, they’re more prone to drying out and more likely to shrink and even die.
How to get a curve in a lawn?
To get curving sections just right, lay out the curve with a hose, and use a lawn edger to slice neatly along the curve. Grab your carpet knife to slice openings in sod around irrigation heads, trees or other obstacles.
How to get sod to grow quickly?
Use a lawn roller to push sod firmly against soil beneath. A tight connection between sod and soil is the secret to roots knitting quickly into soil. Limit traffic on the sod for the first three weeks while it’s establishing. This includes children and pets.
How much does it cost to lay sod?
Costs vary, but in general, expect to pay at least 40 cents a square foot for sod you install yourself. That comes out to $400 for a 1,000-square-foot lawn area.
How to grow turf in a good environment?
The best way to provide the perfect growing environment for turf is to test your soil. Most turf grasses thrive in well-aerated soil with a pH slightly toward the acidic side (between 6 and 7.5). Obtain a soil test kit from your local extension office.
How to make your soil healthier?
Organic matter helps improve soil aeration and water retention and enhances the microbial population in your soil. The bottom line is that organic matter makes your soil healthier.
