How to Prepare the Ground Before Laying Artificial Grass

Your outside space can be transformed and made more beautiful with the installation of artificial grass. But the ground must be properly prepared before the fake turf is put down. If you skip this important step, the surface might not be even, water might not drain well, and the fake grass might get damaged over time.

You can be sure that your new lawn will last for years if you take the time to properly prepare the area. This blog will help you know how to prepare the ground before laying artificial grass. Here, you will get to know the most important things you need to do to get the ground ready for installing artificial grass.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare the Ground Before Laying Artificial Grass

1. Clearing the Area

Remove All Debris and Weeds

First, make sure the area is completely clear of any existing grass, plants, stones, or debris. Use a flat shovel to undercut and remove all vegetation down to the soil. Dispose of the green waste appropriately. Any rocks or foreign objects left behind could cause bumps or dents in the new turf.

Eliminate Any High or Low Spots

You can fix any holes, dips, or spots that aren’t level by raking the ground closely. A long-level board can be used to look for low or high spots. Use extra dirt to fill in any holes or dips. If the hole is more than an inch deep, fill it with crushed rock to make the base more stable. Get rid of any bumps so that the whole area is flat.

Install Edging Barriers (Optional)

For a cleaner look, consider installing sturdy edging around the entire perimeter before adding the base materials. This keeps the synthetic grass contained and provides a crisp border between the fake and real landscaping. Popular edging options include brick, stone, composite materials, metal, and plastic.

2. Grading the Soil

Achieve Proper Slope for Drainage

Any standing water under artificial turf can lead to problems. Gradually slope the cleared dirt area away from the house at a rate of at least 1/8 inch per foot. This allows rainwater and irrigation to flow properly. Use landscape tools to smooth and shape the appropriate grade or pitch across the lawn.

Compact and Level the Soil

Once sloped, advance watering may be needed to moisten excessively dry, sandy, or loose soil. Then use a vibrating plate compactor to consolidate and flatten the entire area. Compressing the dirt fills air pockets and creates a firm foundation for further layers. Check for low spots or impressions left behind and fill as needed to level.

Include a Geotextile Fabric Layer

For improved stability, have an optional geotextile fabric professionally installed onto packed earth before the aggregate base. This durable, permeable material helps prevent premature sinking and lets moisture pass through easily. The barrier also blocks weeds from sprouting up into your synthetic grass backing later on.

3. Adding a Base

Types of Base Materials

A 6-20mm aggregate stone base goes on top of prepared soil or fabric before artificial turf. Usually crushed rock or gravel, this porous infill levels minor imperfections while facilitating drainage underneath. Alternative synthetic or concrete-based mixes are lighter options that still provide stability.

Install Proper Depth

To determine how thick your base should be, consider the type of fake grass purchased and site conditions. For basic residential use, aim for a minimum of 3-4 inches depth. Up to 6 inches is better for higher foot traffic areas or poor drainage. Heavy infill and commercial synthetic lawns may require thicker, reinforced foundations too.

Compact in Layers

Work methodically to dump and rake the gravel or stones in multiple batches across the lawn space. Spreading out about 3 inches at a time prevents uneven settling later. After each layer, pass over the aggregate with a vibrating plate compactor again. This packs it down firmly before adding more on top.

Ensure Everything is Smooth and Level

As the base layers are added, use a long, flat board and a carpenter’s level to make sure the levelness stays the same. Find places where the ground is too low or too high and fix them right away by digging, tamping down, or adding more material as needed. The last layer should be firm all over and stay the amount you want it to be.

Some Tips For Perfect Installing Artificial Grass 

Proper Planning and Preparation

  • Measure your lawn space accurately to determine how much artificial turf you need to purchase
  • Check that your ground is properly graded and sloped for good drainage
  • Remove all vegetation, rocks, and debris from the installation area

Ground Preparation

  • Loosen and smooth out soil to eliminate bumps
  • Compact the earth with a plate compactor
  • Optional: Add a geotextile layer for increased stability

Base Installation

  • Use a crushed stone/aggregate base of at least 3-4 inches
  • Popular materials: crushed rock, gravel, synthetic blends
  • Compact base in layers using a mechanical compactor
  • Ensure the final layer is smooth, uniform, and level

Helpful Tips for Laying Artificial Grass

  • Unroll and stretch the turf, following the grain direction
  • Allow the material to adjust to the temperature for 30 minutes before cutting
  • Use a sharp utility knife to cut seams between rolls
  • Pin edges in place with landscaping spikes, as needed
  • Glue seams for added stability, if desired
  • Brush infill pellets between blades from multiple angles
  • Avoid over-compacting infill materials
  • Rake gently to lift blades and allow granules to settle

Conclusion

We hope your query of how to prepare the ground before laying artificial grass is cleared now. But stay aware that preparing the ground for artificial grass takes some work. By correctly grading, compacting, and leveling materials leads to better drainage, fewer lumps, and an extended lifespan. Just remember to properly slope, stabilize the soil, and make adjustments until everything is uniformly flat. Follow these best practices before installation day, and your fake grass will look perfect and last for many years.

Read more: Tips for Artificial Grass Care and Maintenance

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.
You need to agree with the terms to proceed