How to Install Artificial Turf on Dirt or Soil in 11 Easy Steps – Expert Guide

Are you fed up with the constant upkeep of your organic grass? Are you looking to switch to a more convenient and low-maintenance artificial grass option?

If so, then you’re probably wondering how to install artificial turf on your dirt or soil. After all, not everyone is expertly versed in the process of synthetic turf installation, and it can be a daunting task.

Fear not – in this article, we’ll show you exactly how you can successfully install your very own artificial grass turf in your yard, leaving you with a gorgeous, low-maintenance lawn without any of the worries!

By going through these detailed instructions, you’ll have an understanding of everything that needs to be done, as well as the tools you will need to complete the job.

With a few simple steps, you’ll soon have an amazing artificial turf lawn, one which requires minimal care and offers maximum convenience!

How to Install Artificial Turf on Dirt

If you’re looking to transform a patch of dirt into a lush, artificial turf-covered space, the first step is preparing the land.

This means clearing away any rocks, stones or debris and removing or filling in any bumps or depressions with sand.

The next step is laying out plastic turf strips for drainage, as well as a geotextile layer, which will help protect against weeds.

Finally, you’ll need to carry out landscaping edging, such as adding bricks or pavers, to keep the turf firmly in place and give your artificial lawn a more polished aesthetic. With the right preparation, your artificial turf project can be a breeze.

1. Preparing the Surface

It is important to remove any existing organic grass and weeds from the dirt surface before installing artificial turf. If these plants are left unattended, they will grow and cause the turf to become lumpy and uneven, resulting in an unpleasant and disheveled appearance.

Besides being aesthetically displeasing, this can also be uncomfortable for you and your visitors as you walk on it.

To ensure the artificial turf installation process goes smoothly, use a herbicide in warmer seasons such as summer, where the temperature stays above 65 degrees at night. This will provide a long-lasting, pleasing look and feel that you and your guests can enjoy!

2. Remove Top Soil

The soil you previously had on your land may no longer be suitable for what you need, so it’s time to start fresh.

To make sure your turf is able to thrive, you must begin by digging up your existing soil layer to a depth of 3-4 inches.

This will allow you to clear out the old dirt and make room for new, more fertile and nourishing soil.

Once you’ve removed the old soil, you’ll be ready to take the next steps towards transforming your lawn into the lush, vibrant landscape you desire.

3. Removing Debris and Vegetation

Once you’ve successfully removed all of the existing grass and plants from the land, it is important to ensure that the roots and other vegetation beneath the soil are also removed.

This requires you to dig out at least 3-4 inches of the ground to reach the roots and eradicate any growth underneath.

Taking this step is key to ensuring that your artificial turf will stay in top condition for years to come as it prevents regrowth from the roots which could otherwise disrupt the turf and require you to start the process all over again.

4. Add Subbase material

Before your land is ready for the installation of artificial turf, it is important to consider the type of soil that is left behind.

This native soil can typically consist of clay, which has an expansive quality and can cause problems with the artificial turf such as soft spots and uneven surfaces.

To avoid this, a sub-base such as decomposed granite should be added on top of the native soil.

Decomposed granite is a non-expansive material that will not create issues when combined with the artificial turf and will provide a stable foundation for the installation and maintenance of your artificial turf.

5. Make the Dirt Surface Level and Flat

Now that you have cleared your land of any plants or other debris, it is important to make sure you are constructing a strong foundation for your new turf.

Begin by slowly and carefully laying down 1/4 inch thick decomposed granite onto the land. As you roll out each layer, be sure to soak it and firmly compress it with a sod roller to ensure you reach the desired level of compactness.

When the base is complete, it is wise to level the decomposed granite even with the deck of your lawn so that the transition between the two is seamless and you won’t risk tripping as you walk across. This will also create a beautiful look and provide a safe, secure surface.

6. Install Weed Fabric/Weed Barrier

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To ensure your turf is free from weeds, in addition to laying down a foundation of granite, also consider installing a weed fabric or weed barrier.

This will provide an additional layer of protection and not impede drainage of either water or air.

For best results, use long nails to firmly secure the weed barrier in place.

That way, your turf will benefit from the double-layer of protection, while still being able to maintain optimal drainage of air and water.

Installing The Artificial Turf

With great anticipation, it’s time to bring your desired aesthetic to life.

After you’ve meticulously cleared the land of organic grass and dug out the topsoil, you’ve laid the groundwork for the next step: installing your new artificial turf.

You’ve worked diligently to make sure that all potential problems that may have interfered with the turf installation have been taken care of.

Now, all that’s left is to lay the turf onto the prepared ground. This is an important moment as it will bring your new vision to fruition – a beautiful landscape that everyone around you can enjoy!

7. Cut Your Artificial Grass

To ensure the grass looks neat and presentable, measurements of the edges of the prepared land must be taken beforehand.

This can be done either with a measuring tape or by pacing off the area.

Once the measurements have been taken, it is important to accurately cut and trim the grass to the desired length.

The most suitable tools for this job are shears or a utility knife.

Also, it’s best to make sure that none of the grass is overlapping with the deck of the lawn so that it looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

8. Layout Your Synthetic Grass

Now that the groundwork has been laid, it’s time to start the most satisfying part of artificial turf installation – laying it out!

Begin by unrolling the turf and measure the edges of your lawn to ensure an accurate fit. If any trees or wall posts are getting in the way of the turf, do not hesitate to fold the grass back and decide which route is the shortest.

To join segments of grass together, use a joining tape to bind them together, and then apply an adhesive to ensure a secure bond.

Finally, securing the grass to the ground with nails around the edges, spaced approximately 4 inches apart, will improve its lifespan and greatly reduce the risk of shifting.

With this step complete, you can now rest assured that your artificial turf installation project is well underway!

9. Fasten and Secure your Newly Laid Turf

After installing your new artificial turf, take a look around for any potential disruptions in the environment that may hinder the process of applying the infill.

Pay attention to any edges of the turf that have popped out from the land and make sure to firmly secure them back into place with nails.

It is important to ensure that all of the edges are accurately aligned with the layout of your lawn; if any do not align, simply cut or trim them accordingly.

10. Add Turf Infill

When it comes to artificial turf, infill is an essential. It consists of granules that allow the grass to perform better and extend its life span.

There are many types of infill for specific applications, such as silica sand for low traffic areas like balconies or patios, Durafill to avoid moisture and heat build up, rubber infill for those wanting extra grip and bounce, and rubber-sand to combine the softness of sand with the rigidity of rubber.

Not using infill can make your grass look very fake and cause it to sag more quickly from being heavily stepped on.

Adding infill will keep it looking vibrant and bouncy, making it appear more natural.

11. Brush Your Freshly Installed Artificial Turf

To ensure your artificial grass is packed down securely with the infill material, use a power broom or a hand broom to thoroughly brush down the turf.

Make sure to move the broom in several directions and give each spot a few passes to compact the infill material deep within the fibers of your artificial grass.

Doing this will not only make sure that the infill is evenly distributed throughout the turf, but it will also ensure that the grass appears uniform and neat-looking.

11a. Add Pet Waste Absorbent Infill If You Have Pets

Being a pet owner is a great responsibility – and it can be quite a challenge to keep your animals from ruining your new synthetic turf. Sure, you could always keep them away, but why should you have to? After all, both you and your furry friends deserve to enjoy your newly landscaped, artificial turf.

The real question is how to tackle the inevitable pet waste, an issue that can quickly turn lush artificial grass into a smelly, unsightly mess. The answer is simple – pet infill – a specially designed material to help absorb moisture and neutralize odors.

This amazing technology ensures that you don’t have to worry about your pets ruining your beautiful turf. And unlike traditional organic grass, all you need to do after pet waste has been released is wash it away with water and a broom. Problem solved!

Tips for Installing Your Artificial Grass

Congratulations on creating the perfect landscape with artificial turf! As you embark on this exciting journey, there are a few tips to consider in order to ensure that your dream does not become a nightmare.

Firstly, make sure that your area is level and properly prepared for the installation of your turf. You don’t want any lumps or bumps when you’re done!

Secondly, ensure that the turf is properly laid and secured. If not, the longevity of the turf may be shortened as it wears down more quickly in areas subjected to uneven pressure.

Finally, although it might seem like an insignificant step, make sure to regularly clean and maintain your turf to ensure that it looks its best and remains in good condition.

A simple cleaning and trimming will go a long way in keeping your artificial turf looking pristine.

Following these steps and taking proper care of your turf will ensure that you have a beautiful landscape for years to come.

Ensuring Proper Drainage

If you are looking for a way to ensure your artificial turf looks and performs its best, then it’s essential to make sure your drainage system is properly working. Without it, water from rain or maintenance won’t be effectively absorbed by the soil, leading to the buildup of puddles which can be tedious to remove.

While it may be time-consuming and laborious, repairing the drainage system is the ideal solution. However, there is an easier workaround you can take to prevent those pesky puddles: create a gap around the perimeter of the turf.

Leaving 6-8 inches of space will provide enough room for the water to flow out rather than getting trapped in the turf as it would otherwise. This way, you won’t have to worry about dealing with a flooded artificial turf during the rainy season.

Waterproofing the Borders

When it comes to caring for turf, it is just as important to maintain the edges as it is the center.

If your turf’s borders are not treated to be waterproof, it can lead to sagging and eventual separation of the turf over time.

To prevent this from happening, you can install a plastic bender board around the edges of your turf or even better, a concrete curb along the perimeter.

Not only will this dramatically increase the longevity and strength of the turf, but it can also provide a unique aesthetic element to your overall landscape design.

Safety Tips to Install Artificial Turf on Soil

Are you wondering whether synthetic turf is safe for both you and your pets?

The answer is a resounding yes!To ensure ultimate safety, here are some helpful tips to bear in mind.

First, comb pet fur regularly to remove any artificial grass fibers that may have become lodged in the fur.

It’s important to check for any sharp objects on the turf, such as rocks or twigs, to ensure no harm comes to you or your furry friend.

You’ll also want to make sure your pets don’t ingest the material, so be sure to supervise them while they’re outside playing.

Finally, if you notice any areas of damage or wear, be sure to fix them right away. With these safety tips in place, you can both rest assured that using synthetic turf is not only a safe option, but also a fun one too!

Do Not Use A Sharp Sand Sub-Base

When installing sub-base, it is important to avoid sharp sand at all costs. Although many turf installers may suggest this as a cost-saving measure, it can actually be detrimental to the turf’s drainage system in the long run.

Sharp sand can be easily washed away when the turf drains, leading to clogging of the drainage pipes and ultimately damaged turf.

To ensure proper drainage, it is recommended to use decomposed granite or limestone instead. This may cost more initially, but can save you money in the long run as it won’t need to be as frequently replaced.

In addition, these materials are less prone to washing away, allowing for better soil erosion control. So don’t be fooled by the promise of cheapness – make sure to choose a quality material that will keep your turf healthy and happy!

Use Proper Equipment

Before you begin the installation process, ensure you are following all safety precautions.

This includes checking for any hazards that could be potentially dangerous, using only safe and reliable equipment, and wearing protective gloves to prevent from any cuts or injuries from the utility knife.

Taking the time to follow the safety protocols will ensure your safety is the number one priority during installation of artificial turf and help you avoid any potential risks.