How To Install Artificial Turf

When it comes to laying artificial turf, there’s not much difference from laying natural turf. So, if you know how to install one type of turf, you’ll be ok with the other. However, there are a couple of steps that will give your artificial lawn the best chance of performing at its best. If you’re a complete newbie in fake grass or are looking to install a five-star artificial lawn for your client, this article provides a step-by-step guide on how to lay artificial grass correctly.

View Our Range of Artificial Turf

Explore our premium artificial grass products, suited to a range of budgets, preferences and landscaping projects:

• Vinca
• Vinca Eco
• Rosemary
• Sirius
• Mira-Lux
• Putting Green

Why Switch to Artificial Turf?

Homeowners and business owners are switching to artificial turf for several reasons, particularly those with smaller or urban outdoor spaces where garden maintenance is more challenging. Here are some of the top reasons to switch from natural turf to artificial grass:

• Low-maintenance lawns
• No mowing
• Reduce water usage
• A vibrant, green lawn all year round
• an excellent garden investment
• Zero risk of lawn diseases
• Suitable for kids and pets

Things to Consider When Installing Artificial Turf

Installing artificial turf yourself is something to be proud of because, honestly, it can be a tough job! Depending on where you’re installing your fake grass and how much you’re laying, you need to remove any existing turf in that area, effectively prepare the ground, and make sure you’ve fitted your lawn tightly to the edges. It’s labour and time-intensive, so we recommend getting a few extra people to help out if you can!

What You Need for Installing Artificial Turf:

Before you start, gather your essential artificial turf laying kit:

• Artificial turf
• Subbase
• Sand
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Sharp knife
• Tape measure
• Compaction plate or roller
• Turf cutter
• Stiff broom
• Joining tape
• Grass pins
• Garden glue

9 Steps for Laying Artificial Turf

Follow these nine easy steps to lay the perfect artificial lawn.

1. Remove existing turf

First, you need to remove all evidence of any existing turf! You can use a turf cutter for larger areas or a knife and shovel for smaller lawns. Remove the natural turf and about 10cm of soil. Weed the entire area before moving to the next step. It’s important to note that turf is very heavy to move. So, cut smaller pieces or get some extra hands to help!

2. Edge the boundary

Edging your lawn’s border will help keep your artificial turf in place. It’ll also prevent any edges from eroding and potentially creating an uneven lawn, as well as suppress any weeds.

3. Check your drainage

Adequate drainage is essential when laying any type of turf. But if you don’t get it right with artificial turf, it can result in unpleasant odours or water pooling on the surface of your lawn. To check the drainage, measure the area’s elevation – you want the highest point to be in the middle of the lawn and next to any structures, with the lowest points being at the edge. As you add your subbase (step four), keep checking the elevation until you reach about half an inch below where you want your turf to sit.

4. Laying the foundations

To successfully lay artificial turf, you need a solid, even subbase. Type one or a gravel subbase (20-60mm) will suffice, but we recommend a finer subbase for the top layer (around 20-40mm deep) to create a smooth surface. With each level, compact the subbase material with a compactor plate or roller. Complete this step by lightly watering your subbase; it’ll remove any dust and help your foundation settle.

5. Suppress the weeds

There’s nothing more frustrating than weeds taking over the lawn, especially when your lawn is entirely fake! Although artificial turf prevents weeds, it doesn’t eliminate them. This is why we add a weed membrane. The membrane sits on top of your soil and stops weeds from coming through. As you lay it, make sure it covers the entire area and overlaps at the edges.

6. Roll out your fake turf

Start by laying out your artificial turf roll and cutting it to size. Be sure to overlap the edges for now to ensure plenty of coverage –  you can cut it away later. Allow it to settle and stretch out for an hour, then return and cut it to size. When cutting fake grass, always fold back the turf and cut along the stitch lines for a neat finish.

It’s essential to keep a tight fit around any edges and structures. You can use garden pins to secure your turf in place as you cut. If you notice any wrinkles or bumps, use a carpet fitter around the edge to stretch your turf tightly into place.

7. Cut to fit

If you’re joining two pieces of artificial turf, pull the edges back and place turf joining tape along the seam. Apply an even layer of adhesive to the tape, ensuring it is completely covered, before folding the turf back onto it. Push the seams together and secure them in place by walking along the seam.

8. Add your infill

Like you would add topsoil to natural turf, infill is the equivalent for artificial turf. Most landscapers opt for sand as their preferred infill, which adds some weight to keep your turf in place. Sand also helps the fibres stand tall and keeps your lawn cool. You’ll need approximately 5kg of sand for every square metre, which can be evenly spread using a shovel or a seed spreader.

9. Fluff it up!

Using a stiff broom, give your new artificial lawn a good brush. Remember to brush in the same direction to help lift the grass fibres and spread out your infill. As the final finish, check the edges and trim stray fibres.

Maintaining Your Artificial Turf

Obviously, the beauty of artificial turf is that it requires minimal maintenance. But there are a few things you can do to ensure it looks its best all year round:

• Regularly brush your fake grass to help the fibres stand tall
• Remove fallen debris and leaves
• Clear and clean spillages that could stain
• Remove animal faeces
• Water and clean urine spots
• Spread the weight of garden furniture or toys to avoid indentations
• Do not place a BBQ or fire pit directly onto your artificial turf

Speak to the Experts

You can order high-quality artificial turf online or over the phone with George Davies Turf & Stone. We have a great range to suit your budget and landscaping needs, and can be viewed at our St Albans branch. If you’re unsure of anything, get in touch with our friendly customer service team, who are here to answer all your artificial turf questions!

For landscapers handling large amounts of artificial turf, consider our Trades Accounts, which can support your projects and provide access to premium landscaping materials for your customers.

Further Advice for Artificial Turf

• Artificial Lawn Care Tips for Winter
• Can Weeds Grow Within Artificial Turf?
• Artificial Turf – What is All the Fuss About?