Landscaping Ideas: How to Embrace Your Lawn and Garden

Whether you are tired of mowing or simply want to put in a durable turf solution for a high traffic area, such as beneath a playset, artificial grass installation could be just the solution you need. Modern artificial grasses mimic a real lawn very convincingly, and they are designed to withstand the test of time. This is done with new technologies that allow them to withstand UV light without fading and breaking down, as well as improved drainage methods that prevent mildew and decay from standing water. If you have decided that artificial grass is the solution for your yard, the following guide can help you prepare for installation.

The Basic Process

The installation crew will first come out to clear out your old lawn.  This is a multi-step process that includes the following:

1) Turf removal

The installers begin with turn removal. This is usually done with a mechanized turf stripper that removes the old lawn in strips. If your previous lawn was relatively weed-free and lush, you can plant these strips in other parts of your landscaping where you still prefer living grass. Otherwise, the installers will arrange for disposal or composting.

2) Base installation

The next step for the installers is to install base materials. This is typically a layer of weed-blocking fabric covered by a layer of gravel and sand. The sand and gravel layer allows moisture to seep through so it doesn't collect on your artificial grass. This layer is compacted down well so that your lawn will be smooth.

3) Sub material installation

Finally, sub materials are installed. These typically consist of a shock-absorbent pad designed to give the lawn that "springy" feel. There may also be a drainage mat installed, which is recommended if you have outdoor pets or if you live in a particularly wet climate.

What You Need to Do

There isn't much that you need to do to prepare for installation. You will, of course, need to remove lawn furniture, ornaments, and other items that could interfere with the installation work. If there are large items you need to be moved, such as statues, concrete benches, or large fountains, you may need to work with the installation crew to see if they are able to handle these tasks or whether you will need to arrange to have them removed.

Extensive changes to your hardscaping, such as moving or installing patios and pathways, may also be outside of the scope of services offered by your artificial grass installers. You will need to have this type of work completed before the grass installers arrive.

Contact an artificial grass installation service for more help.