Turf installation is a complex project that takes a skilled crew. Many factors go into the final cost of a landscape lawn, putting green, pet-friendly artificial turf, or golf course surfacing. The main variables are labor and materials.
Choosing the right installer Turf Installation is critical in getting the best return on your investment. Ask for referrals based on customer reviews, or visit installations that you’ve admired in your neighborhood to see the quality of their work for yourself. Then talk with the turf company about their pricing and ask to see sample product and pricing sheets. Remember, the more professional and experienced a crew is, the more they’ll charge.
Before installing the turf, lightly mist the area and rake the soil to loosen it up. Once the area is prepped, add a layer of base rock material about 2 1/2 to 3 inches thick, depending on how much you have in the area. Next, add decomposed granite or path fines about 1 inch thick. Again, hose down and compact to 90% using either a vibrating plate or roller. You’ll want to do this a couple of times until the base is level, smooth and firmly compacted.
After the turf is laid, stretch it by carpet kicking or using a turf stretcher. It’s important to do this on a warm day as it helps the turf to lay flat and free of wrinkles. Also, make sure the turf is rolled out with the blades facing the house or the direction you want it to face. This is an important step in achieving the most natural look for your new synthetic lawn.
Once the turf is stretched, nail it down with 60D nails spaced about 3″-4″ apart around the perimeter and seams. Don’t nail it too deep or you could cause divots and tears in the grass. If necessary, trim the turf around the perimeter edges with a utility knife.
Then, apply the infill and brush it into the turf with a hard-bristled push broom. Finally, use a turf rake to fluff up the grass and help it stand up. This will be the last time you’ll have to cut this turf.
When choosing an infill, be sure to choose one that has good drainage and is certified for use with synthetic grass. It should also contain a deodorizer, mold inhibitor and preservative to control odors, mildew and protect against insects. Lastly, it should have a small amount of tackifier to hold the infill in place. Adding this to the infill will ensure it stays put and prevents the infill from coming out of the lawn over time. The best infills include organic and recycled components to keep the turf healthy. This will help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and other toxic chemicals. The infill will also help the turf maintain its appearance over time, and will extend the life of your investment. This is especially true with outdoor installations, where the weather can be more harsh on turf than in climates that are more moderate year-round.