Enhancing Curb Appeal with Paver Installation – Northridge
March 8, 2023
The Benefits of Artificial Turf
March 10, 2023
Artificial turf is a synthetic grass that has been carefully designed to mimic the look of real grass. It is often used for playgrounds and sports fields, but it can also be installed in backyards or residential areas for a more natural feel.
Before installation, the area must be prepared properly. Typically, this involves rough grading of the land and removing any existing irrigation, pipes, or electric wires that may be present. Once the area is ready, a heavy layer of weed preventer is applied to the surface. This will help the turf stay in place during installation and will also help to keep other plants and weeds from growing around the area. Bender boards are also sometimes installed to separate the artificial turf from other plants and ground covers.
During the base prep process, it is important to remove 2-3 in. of soil to provide a solid foundation for the artificial grass. This will avoid nails detaching, dips and bumps occurring, or ground movement under the material. Depending on the client’s preference, a treated wood border can be installed along the sides of the grass to add to the natural appearance of the area.
When selecting an artificial grass material, make sure to choose a product with a fall zone safety rating. These turf products meet the ASTM guidelines for fall heights and are often required in playgrounds and daycares.
In addition to a fall zone rating, it is also important to choose a material with perforations in the backing that assist in drainage. This is especially helpful for areas with high water tables.
If you want your artificial grass to last for years, it’s important to keep it clean and maintained regularly. Using a hose to rinse off the grass and mowing it regularly can help to extend the life of the turf.
It’s also important to apply a weed barrier beneath the turf in order to prevent weed growth and other unwanted plant life from growing underneath. Weed barriers are available in a 3’x50′ roll or a 6’x300′ roll.
Once the weed barrier is in place, the turf can be laid onto it and positioned where needed. You’ll want to be sure that all of the pieces are arranged so that the grain, or direction of the blades, is facing the same way. This will help to eliminate a patchy look and will also help to hide any seams.
After a few hours of sun exposure, the turf will acclimate and become more flexible. This will allow you to position it easier and make working with the turf much more comfortable.
You’ll then need to brush the infill into the blades of the turf using a hard-bristle push broom. Be sure to distribute the infill evenly across the surface of the lawn, applying about 1-2 pounds per square foot.
You can also add a layer of padding to the surface of the turf to increase shock absorption and cushion for your feet. Padding layers range in thickness from 5 mm to 50 mm, and are often used for playgrounds or sports fields.
