The Complete Guide to Installing Artificial Grass on Soil

May 23, 2024 Shirley Savage

Fitting artificial grass on soil follows a similar process to laying it on other surfaces but with a few additional considerations for the soil base. The low maintenance requirements, durability, and visual appeal of artificial grass have made it an increasingly popular choice for landscaping.

Installing artificial grass on soil calls for exact execution, appropriate planning, and the necessary supplies. We'll cover all aspects of the installation procedure in this in-depth tutorial, from how to fit artificial grass on soil, to soil preparation and final touches.

Can I Install Artificial Grass on Top of Natural Grass?

Unfortunately, that is not the case. Before laying artificial turf on soil, you have to remove any natural grass and other organic debris and build a basis. Although it is a terrific choice to place artificial turf on top of natural grass, doing so results in an uneven, unsightly surface that is more prone to damage. If grass were to grow through the backing of the turf, it may lift the turf, sink, or retain moisture, causing damage and an unsightly lawn. A base permits drainage and gives the turf a sturdy surface.

Below you will see the steps on how to lay artificial grass on the Soil:

1) Prepare the Base for Artificial Grass

It is necessary to have a subbase when laying artificial turf grass on soil or dirt. Shovel away any existing grass, mulch, pine needles, roots, and other debris that can affect the artificial turf grass from the ideal surface. Next, remove as much of the current soil as possible, up to 2-1/2 inches deep.

2) Add A Weed Barrier Under Turf Grass

Install a weed barrier to stop weeds from sprouting and entering the artificial turf grass's underbelly. A weed barrier is permeable enough to allow drainage and sturdy enough to keep weeds at bay.

Over the aggregate base, roll out the weed barrier and trim as necessary. Verify that the proper surface is facing up. Overlap all of the fabric's lengths and edges. Every few feet, fasten it with landscape anchors or 6-inch galvanized nails.

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3) Add the Aggerate

Add a 2-to 4-inch layer of aggregate, such as crushed stone or gravel, to the base after it has been cleansed, and prepped, and the weed barrier has been removed to create the appropriate form and contour.

4) Rake, Smooth, And Tamp the Aggerate

Utilizing a rake, work the aggregate by spreading it with the fork side and smoothing it with the flat side. Level the aggregate with a screed for a smoother surface. To compact the aggregate, use a tamper. Tamping larger areas is simple and easy using a plate compactor.

5) Trim the Grass

Once the base is ready, lay the artificial grass over the aggregate, taking care not to drag the artificial grass rug over the recently laid down surface. This portion of the installation is considerably simpler with an additional pair of hands.

To get the required form, trim the grass using a sharp utility knife. To guarantee comprehensive coverage, be sure to trim the grass slightly larger than the area where it is going to be installed. Anything extra that you don't need can easily be trimmed.

6) Seam and Secure the Edges of Artificial Grass

You must sew together multiple rolls of artificial grass if you're utilizing them. Align the edges of two artificial grass pieces with each other. Two sections of artificial grass are joined together using seaming cloth, sometimes referred to as artificial grass tape. Lay seaming cloth along the seam's length after pulling back the grass. The seaming fabric can be fastened using 6-inch galvanized nails or landscape anchors using a hammer.

7) Apply Adhesives and Connect the Seams

Using a trowel, apply outdoor carpet adhesive to the seaming fabric. Make sure the glue is applied evenly throughout the seaming cloth's length to prevent any uneven patches.

Give the adhesive ten minutes to set. Next, gradually start to reattach the two artificial grass section seams. To prevent seam gaps, be careful to check the fit as you proceed.

8) Secure the Artificial Grass

Verify that the newly laid grass is flat and stiff. To maintain a level lawn, fasten it with landscaping anchors or 6-inch galvanized nails around the perimeter. Trim any grass that overlaps the edges with a utility knife.

9) Spread and Brush the Infill

Spread infill, like silica sand, across the whole area to aid in weighing down the artificial grass. Deep infill prevents the grass from appearing matted from foot traffic. Work the sand into the grass fibres with a landscaping rake or a stiff-bristle broom.

This offers fibre support and a smooth, uniform look to your lawn. To keep the grass looking uniform, make sure you work over it in the same direction. It's then time to kick back, unwind, and enjoy your gorgeous, now low-maintenance lawn.

Underlay For Artificial Grass on Soil

Using an underlay isn't usually required when installing artificial grass directly on the soil, but it might be helpful in some circumstances. The following are the situations in which installing underlay artificial grass on soil might be wise:

· Drainage Improvement: If your soil has poor drainage, putting in a permeable underlay will assist minimize waterlogging and other problems with standing water.

· Weed Control: Weeds can be kept from growing through fake grass by using underlay as a barrier. In case you're worried about weed growth on your grass, this can be quite helpful.

· Protection: To shield the artificial grass backing from harm caused by sharp objects or uneven soil underneath, underlay adds another layer of protection.

· Cushioning: Certain underlays include cushioning qualities that make your artificial grass lawn seem softer underfoot and more comfortable.

· Even Surface: Your artificial grass's surface may be made smoother and more even with underlay, which lowers the possibility of bumps or unevenness brought on by changes in the underlying soil.