Leveling the Field: How to Ensure an Even Surface During Your Artificial Turf Installation
February 29, 2024
Thousands of homeowners across the country are switching to water-wise artificial turf for their landscaping needs. It offers dozens of benefits for properties of all sizes and in all climates, from water conservation to evergreen curb appeal. It’s also an incredibly versatile landscaping material and can be installed on almost any surface.
However, before you can enjoy all the benefits of synthetic turf, you need to ensure that the ground is level and ready for installation. Uneven surfaces can not only affect the overall look of your turf but can also lead to functional issues such as drainage problems and uneven wear and tear. If you’re getting ready to install wholesale artificial grass, here are some of the key steps you should know to ensure an even installation surface.
Leveling Out Soil
If you’re replacing natural grass with synthetic turf, you’ll need to even out the soil once the natural grass has been removed. Often, the earth underneath the natural grass will already be settled and compacted. If you have a newer house or new garden, it may take a few years for the soil to settle.
Regardless, you’ll need to ensure that the earth is level around the installation site. Identify any uneven areas by walking around and inspecting the surface. Remove any rocks, debris, or areas of excess soil that are making the surface bumpy. You can also compact the soil using a hand tamper or lawn roller.
Once the ground is level and compacted, add a sub-base material to create a sturdy and stable foundation for your artificial grass. Spread your chosen sub-base aggregate evenly across the surface and rake it to enhance its stability. Then, once again, use the hand tamper or lawn roller to compact the base material. This will ensure that the surface is even, flat, and ready for your synthetic grass product.
Leveling Out Concrete
If you’re installing your synthetic grass on a patio or other concrete surface, you’ll still need to ensure that the area is level and smooth. However, most hardscape surfaces are already smoothed out and even from their installation, making the process a bit easier than with natural soil.
Ensure that your existing concrete surface is perfectly level and smooth. If it isn’t level, fasten your sub-base material with a membrane to stop it from moving. If the area is level, you can proceed with adding your sub-base as usual. Once the sub-base is added, make sure to incorporate an efficient drainage grid that slightly slopes away from the foundation of your property to avoid pooling and potential water damage. Then, you’re ready to lay out your wholesale artificial grass.
Installing Artificial Grass on Uneven Ground
It is possible to install artificial grass on uneven terrain, but it generally isn’t recommended unless you utilize a professional turf installer. When artificial grass is installed on an uneven surface, you increase your risk of flaws and mistakes, such as uneven joins, unsecured edges, and visible imperfections.
For example, when installed on hilly terrain, the turf’s drainage system can be impeded, resulting in pooled water that can lead to mold, mildew, odors and more. It can also prevent your weed barrier from doing its job effectively, making it more likely that weeds are able to push through, especially at the seams of your turf roll. To avoid these issues, always utilize a reputable synthetic grass installation professional for your project.
If you want only the highest-quality artificial turf on the market, speak to your installer or contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse location today. We can help you find the perfect synthetic grass products for your home or business. Synthetic Grass Warehouse has been an industry leader for more than 20 years, helping distributors, installers and homeowners alike with all of their artificial grass installation needs. To find out more about artificial grass wholesale or to receive guidance with your next turf grass installation, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse facility today.