Q&A for How to Install an Artificial Lawn

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Question

How do I prepare soil if I want to overseed a lawn?

Jeremy Yamaguchi
Lawn Care Specialist
Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. Jeremy provides instant satellite quotes and can coordinate service from a smartphone or web browser. The company has raised funding from notable investors like Y Combinator, Joe Montana, Alexis Ohanian, Barbara Corcoran and others.

Jeremy Yamaguchi

Lawn Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Rake a thin layer of enriched soil over your existing soil. This will provide better germination than the native soil you already have in your lawn.

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Should artificial turf be laid in a certain direction?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Yes. There should markings on the back of the turf showing the direction. Be sure any other turf goes the same way.

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Question

What size nails do you use to hold turf down?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Use 4 to 6 inch (10 2-15) galvanized stakes placed approximately 6 inches apart.

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Question

How do you install artificial grass on concrete?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Clean and prep the concrete by filling in any big cracks, chipping etc. Make sure there is proper 'Slope of Drainage' and roll out the turf. Apply some adhesive to one edge to start and fasten down. Use a stretcher and apply adhesive on concrete before rolling turf in place and fasten down.

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Question

I have roots growing under my artificial grass. What can I do about this?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

The turf will most likely have to come out to deal with the growing grass problem.

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Question

Why do you have to remove existing grass before you install artificial grass?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

So that it will not leave voids or bumps under the turf or attempt to grow back and through the new artificial lawn.

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Question

If the turf has two side seams on one side and one seam on the other, how do you join them?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

You should join them by over-lapping the adhesive application, as if creating a "two sided tape".

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Question

Does the weed barrier go under the base or can it be installed on top of base?

Community Answer

It goes under the base, to prevent root growth from coming through or pressing on the barrier.

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Question

Should turf laid as carpet always go in the same direction?

Community Answer

It's better to face the same direction because they reflect light differently and will cause them to look like they have different colours. Of course, if you do not mind, then this does not matter.

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Question

My soil is already sandy, like several inches deep of beach sand. Can I just lay down the weed barrier and go from there? It seems unnecessary to do the other steps prior to weed barrier.

Community Answer

If it is too porous (like beach sand) it won't compact well (or at all) and could move underneath the grass surface when pressure (like your footsteps) is applied. Ultimately this could create a very uneven lawn with small divots/depressions everywhere. This is a judgement call on your part.

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Question

Can I install this on an uneven hill?

Community Answer

It depends on the elevation. Mine is on a decent slope, maybe 10-15 degree elevation, and I chose the short artificial grass. You need little infill on that type of artificial grass, so you won't get the same kind of runoff of the materials as long as you compact the base properly.

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Question

Does it cost more to install artificial turf or sod?

Community Answer

Sod can cost 50% less, but then you have water, fertilizer, weeds and mowing. If you want real grass, seed it yourself. It's WAY cheaper than sod and will look the same in a month or less.

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Question

Doesn’t artificial turf cause cancer?

Community Answer

The recycled tires used as infill can be toxic. Also certain sand used for the same purpose can be highly toxic as well. Thankfully there are plenty of safer options, just requires a bit of research.

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