Preparing the Site
Turn Off the Water
Make sure the water is turned off a few days before installing the artificial turf installation.
Removing Sod + Excavating
Remove any grass, dirt, rock and any other materials in the installation area, creating an adequate drainage base between 2” – 4” deep.
Using sod cutting tools and/or a flat shovel, haul materials away from the installation area.
If necessary grade, subgrade, level and compact the base of the installation area until firm.
If there is no grass in the installation area make sure the depth is consistent across the installation base and determine if additional base material or excavating is needed.
Modify the Irrigation System
Removed existing irrigation and/or sprinkler system components prior to installing the artificial turf.
If components cannot be removed have them capped off and/or disconnected from water sources.
Remove and Treat for Weeds
Pull up any weeds found in the installation area.
Treat tough weeds with spray before excavating.
Add a weed barrier, if necessary add decomposed granite, sand or other weed mitigating materials from your local rock yard.
Installation
Laying Down the Base Materials
Different rock yards have different materials for creating road base.
Consult with your local rock yard about the appropriate option for your area.
Remember to discuss what is best suited for a compacted drainage bed.
Install weed barrier, on top of prepared sub-grade as mentioned above if you have tough weed problems.
Evenly distribute base materials into the area until you’ve created a 3” – 4” base.
Use leveling tools like a grading rake to ensure proper leveling and preparation for drainage.
Water down the base after it has been properly graded to help with compacting.
Use a hand tamp or a vibrating compactor to compact the base up to 80%.
We recommend renting a vibrating plate compactor.
An incomplete or uneven base could result in improper drainage.
Laying Down the Turf
It’s advised to have help cutting and moving heavy turf rolls.
In an open area unroll and cut the turf, from the backside, slightly oversized, while still making sure you still have enough to cover the entire area.
Line up the grain direction with the original design.
Lay the cut turf down, precisely in the installation area, before making additional cuts.
The final detail cuts can be made after you have nailed the turf in place.
Rember to always cut from the backside.
Nail one end of the turf, pulling the other end into place, using 6” galvanized nails.
You can kick the turf if it’s too large to pick up and pull by hand.
Secure the turf edges with nails every 8” – 12”, going through the turf into the base.
The glue down method can be used if you are applying to a concrete base.
When nailing try not to crimp the grass fibers under the nail heads.
After nailing is completed it’s time to make your detail cuts making the edges flush with the boundaries of the installation area.
Seaming the Artificial Grass
Align all of the turf rows in the same direction, evenly spaced side by side.
Connect the sections with seam tape.
Spread the recommended adhesive with a trowel onto the seam cloth.
Lay the turf sections onto the cloth using caution.
Allow time for the seam adhesive to dry or cure, following manufacturer recommendations.
Use sandbags as a weight to create a stronger bond between the turf, adhesive and seam cloth.
Spend extra time paying close attention to the seam alignment to get the desired, seamless appearance.