Q&A for How to Install a Synthetic Grass Lawn

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What kind of synthetic grass should I get if I have pets?

Benjamin Hansen
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification.

Benjamin Hansen

Licensed Landscape Contractor

Expert Answer

You want to get pet turf. It has holes in the actual turf that allow you to wash it. You'll need to be able to easily wash the turf since your pets will be going to the bathroom on it.

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Question

Is synthetic grass more expensive than real sod?

Benjamin Hansen
Licensed Landscape Contractor
Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification.

Benjamin Hansen

Licensed Landscape Contractor

Expert Answer

Yes, it's much more expensive than sod, but there's no need for irrigation or maintenance really, so you save on that in the long run. There's also usually a warranty of up to 16 years for most manufacturers.

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Question

If nails rust, aren't the nails no longer holding the turf?

Community Answer

Get rust-proof nails.

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Question

I have an area which I would like to lay grass on. Is it best to lay a weed mat on this first?

Community Answer

Yes it is, as with the weed mat you have less chance of weeds growing through your turf. It is optional; however, it will be a benefit to you to use it.

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Question

Do nails need to be put in the middle of the grass or only along the perimeter?

Community Answer

Only along the perimeter unless you are NOT using seam tape and glue. If you don't have seam tape and glue, you will need to nail down the seams.

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Question

What kind of nails should I use?

Community Answer

Use 5-inch, un-galvanized nails. You want the nails to rust to prevent them from being pulled out.

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Question

Do you need to have the existing lawn die before installing artificial turf?

Community Answer

Yes, but not dead and buried, dead and gone. Any grass, weeds, roots, wood, etc. that would rot need to be removed.

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Question

Must I have a border between artificial turf and ground cover such as granite, and if so, why?

Community Answer

No. Borders make an easier seam between the two materials (turf and granite) but it is not necessary if you pay close attention to the seam and take care during the install.

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Question

Should I use a weed mat if I have pets who might pee on the grass? I'm worried about the urine odor?

Community Answer

Landscape cloth or "weed mat" is designed to allow fluid penetration so any pee would go through the cloth. If you are worried about odors, set up a sprinkler system that will water once or twice a week for a couple of minutes to dilute the urine and allow it to deeper into the ground so there is no or less smell.

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Question

Which do I install first? The weed barrier, the weed mat or the decomposed granite?

Community Answer

It's best to spend a little bit more for extra protection. Weeds would ruin your new turf. In order: 1. Weed killer on the virgin soil. 2. Weed barrier. 3. Base material. 4. Weed barrier again (in case weeds take root in base material). 5. Turf Just ask yourself, is it worth spending $50-100 for the peace of mind to have no weeds? For me, that answer is yes.

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