How to Install Artificial Turf Professionally By Kingswood Landscape

Artificial turf has become a popular choice for homeowners and businesses, providing a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. Whether installing a little patch in your backyard or covering a vast commercial space, careful planning and execution are required to create a perfect finish. Kingswood Landscape, a landscape solutions provider, offers experienced advice on properly installing artificial turf.

Introduction to Artificial Turf Installation

Artificial turf, often known as synthetic grass, is an innovative solution that replicates the appearance and feel of natural grass while eliminating the need for frequent watering, mowing, and fertilizer. It's an excellent alternative for regions where natural grass is difficult due to weather, soil problems, or water constraints.

Kingswood Landscape is a professional landscaping service company specializing in installing artificial turf. Their skill ensures that your synthetic grass will be visually appealing and long-lasting.

Benefits of Installing Artificial Turf

Before beginning the installation procedure, it's essential to understand why artificial turf is an excellent investment:

• Low Maintenance: There is no need for frequent watering, mowing, or fertilization.
• Cost-Effective: Although the initial installation costs may be heavy, the long-term savings on water bills and grass maintenance are considerable. 
• Durability: Artificial turf is designed to handle significant foot traffic and can last up to 15-20 years with proper upkeep. 
• Environmentally Friendly: Reduces the demand for water, fertilizer, and pesticide. 
• Consistent Appearance: Regardless of the weather, it remains green and lush all year round. 

Essential Tools and Materials

To install artificial turf professionally, you will need the following tools and materials: 

• Artificial Turf: Synthetic grass.
• Weed Splitting: To keep weeds from spreading through the lawn. 
• Sub-Base Material: Crushed stone or gravel is typically used to give stability. 
• Compactor: For compacting the sub-base. 
• Utility Knife: For cutting turf to size.
• Turf Glue and Joining Tape: To connect sections of turf together.
• Landscape Pins or Staples: Secure the grassy edges.
• Infill Material: Use sand or rubber granules to weigh down the turf and keep the blades straight. 
• Turf Rake: To balance out the infill and brush up the grass blades.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Artificial Turf

Now that you have the essential equipment and materials let's go over the installation process step by step.

1. Preparing the Area

The first stage in artificial grass installation is to prepare the area where the turf will be laid. 

• Clear the Area: Remove any remaining grass, weeds, and rubbish. If there are any vast rocks or roots, remove them to produce a smooth surface. 
• Excavate the Soil: Dig down to 3-4 inches, ensuring the ground is level. This will create space for the sub-base material. 
• Install a Weed layer: Lay down a weed layer to keep weeds from growing through the artificial turf. Make sure it covers the entire space and overlaps on the edges. 

2. Laying the Base

A good foundation is crucial to the longevity and beauty of your artificial turf. 

• Add Sub-Base Material: Spread a crushed stone or gravel layer across the entire surface. The sub-base should be 3-4 inches thick to ensure a strong foundation. 
• Level the Base: Use a rake to level the sub-base material, ensuring no dips or high places. 
• Strong the Base: Compress the sub-base material using a compactor. This procedure keeps the turf from sinking or shifting over time. 

3. Installing the Turf

After preparing the base, it is time to install the artificial turf. 

• Unroll the Turf: Lay the artificial grass over the area and let it sit for a few hours to eliminate any wrinkles or creases. 
• Cut to Size: Use a utility knife to trim the turf to fit the space. Leave a tiny gap around the edges to secure the lawn. 
• Join Pieces Together: If you're using numerous pieces of turf, correctly line the edges and use turf adhesive and joining tape to secure them together. Ensure the turf fibers face the same direction to get a smooth appearance. 

4. Securing the Edges

Securing the edges properly is crucial to keeping the lawn from lifting or curling over time. 

• Fold Back the Edges: Fold back the turf's edges and apply turf adhesive around the outer edge. 
• Secure with Pins or Staples: Press the turf down once the glue has been poured and fix it with landscape pins or staples spaced every 6-8 inches. 
• Trim Excess Turf: If there are any extra edges, carefully clip them with a utility knife.

5. Adding Infill

Infill weighs down the turf and keeps the blades upright, giving it a natural appearance. 

• Choose the Right Infill: Sand or rubber granules are frequently utilized as filler. The choice is based on the turf's intended use. 
• Spread the Infill: Use a spreader to spread the filler material across the turf properly. Aim for coverage of 1-2 pounds per square foot. 
• Brush the Turf: Brush the infill into the fibers using a rake, then stand up the grass blades. This will give your artificial lawn a natural look and feel. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, errors can occur during installation. Below are some common problems to avoid: 

• Insufficient Base Preparation: Skipping or incorrectly compacting the base might result in a rough surface, allowing the turf to shift or sink over time. 
• Incorrect Turf Alignment: Misaligned turf pieces might leave noticeable joints, reducing the overall appearance. 
• Insufficient Infill: Insufficient filling might produce flat, lifeless grass blades that do not stand straight. 
• Poor Edge Securing: Properly securing the edges might result in curling or lifting, particularly in high-traffic areas. 

Maintenance Tips for Artificial Turf

Although artificial turf takes less maintenance than natural grass, there is some maintenance required to keep it looking its best: 

• Regular Brushing: To maintain grass blades upright, regularly brush them with a turf rake, especially in high-traffic areas. 
• Remove Debris: Clean the turf of leaves, twigs, and other debris. A leaf blower or a soft brush might be utilized for this task. 
• Clean Occasionally: Wash the lawn with water to eliminate dust, dirt, and pet urine. To remove stubborn stains, use a mild detergent. 
• Check Infill Levels: The infill may settle or be moved over time. Check and refill the infill as needed to keep the lawn looking good and functioning correctly. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does artificial turf last?

Artificial turf can last 15 to 20 years, depending on its quality and level of upkeep. 

Can I install artificial turf myself, or should I hire a professional?

While DIY installation is possible, hiring a professional like Kingswood Landscape guarantees a perfect finish and saves time. Professionals know to avoid frequent mistakes and ensure the turf is installed correctly.

Is artificial turf safe for pets and children?

Yes, artificial turf is safe for dogs and kids. High-quality turf is non-toxic, long-lasting, and resistant to wear and tear from frequent use. 

How do I choose the right type of artificial turf for my needs?

Consider the intended usage (residential, sports, or playground), pile height, density, and color. Consulting with a professional can help you choose the best alternative for your requirements. 

What is the cost of installing artificial turf?

The cost of installing artificial turf varies according to the size of the area, the quality of the turf, and whether you hire a professional. You should expect to pay between $5 and $20 per square foot.

Can artificial turf be installed on any surface?

Artificial turf can be applied to various surfaces, including soil, concrete, and wood. However, the installation method may differ depending on the surface. Proper preparation is essential for guaranteeing a secure and robust installation.

Does artificial turf get hot in the sun?

Artificial turf can become hot when exposed to direct sunshine, particularly in hotter climates. Consider adding turf in shady places or utilizing lighter-colored filler materials that reflect heat to address this.

How do I clean pet waste from artificial turf?

Pet waste should be removed right away. Solid garbage can be collected and disposed of, whereas liquid waste can be washed away with water. A mild detergent can be used to clean the area thoroughly.

Conclusion

Installing artificial turf can turn your outside space into a lovely, low-maintenance haven. Whether you're a DIY lover or prefer to leave it to the pros, understanding the installation procedure is crucial to a great end. By following Kingswood Landscape's detailed advice, you can ensure that your artificial grass installation is completed correctly, resulting in a long-lasting, visually beautiful lawn. 

Kingswood Landscape's expertise in artificial turf installation makes it an excellent choice for your landscaping needs. With our skilled approach and attention to detail, you can be confident that your synthetic turf will look fantastic and withstand the test of time. Whether looking for artificial turf for personal or commercial use, working with Kingswood Landscape will provide you with the most outstanding results. 

If you're ready to transform your outside space with artificial turf, call Kingswood Landscape today for a consultation and skilled installation.