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How to Prepare Your Natural Grass Lawn for the Switch to Artificial Grass

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Anybody who is considering making the switch to artificial grass wants their lawn to be durable and high-quality. A well-executed artificial turf installation can ensure a stunning and long-lasting surface. Before an installation can occur, some steps need to be taken and prep work to be done. These preemptive measures can improve the chances of a successful installation. Here’s how to prepare your natural grass lawn for a transition to artificial grass. 

Learn About Your Ground

One of the first steps that should be taken is learning about your ground and all of its properties. Having extensive knowledge about its pH level, the type of soil it uses, its drainage abilities, and the aggregate that you’ll need can make the installation process easier and more likely to succeed. If you don’t feel confident in your knowledge of ground conditions, we suggest consulting a professional artificial turf installer who is well-versed in this area.   

Do Your Measurements

After learning about your ground conditions, you’ll want to measure the area where your synthetic turf will be installed. Outline this specific area with chalk or with a similar tool and make your measurements. Be sure to do your measurements multiple times to verify their accuracy. Incorrect measurements can throw off your entire landscaping project. You may want to turn to a professional installer to do your measurements because of their experience with such tasks. 

Removing the Topsoil

Removing the topsoil will help prepare your ground for the artificial turf installation by clearing out anything that may be in the way. This is important for ensuring a smooth and flat surface that every synthetic grass owner wants to have. Perform this step with a shovel or sod cutter and take out any rocks, grass, or sod that are in the installation area. 

Apply Weed Protection

The last thing that you want for your artificial turf lawn is weed growth. It can make for an unpleasant sight to look at and threaten the health of your synthetic grass. This can be avoided by spraying weed killer onto your surface once everything has been cleared out. You should also consider using grass killer as well to make sure nothing grows back in the installation area that may obstruct the project.  

Install a Drainage System

This is one of the most important steps in ensuring a synthetic turf surface that lasts long and performs well. High-quality artificial grass lawns all have an effective drainage system. A good drainage system allows for the effortless flow of water through a turf. Meanwhile, artificial turf with an inadequate drainage system will see puddles and build-up of water throughout its surface. This can damage your synthetic grass and drastically shorten its lifespan.

Prep and Compact the Project Area

Prep the project area by placing about three inches of crushed gravel, sand, and rocks onto it. This should help with the drainage. If you want to further improve your drainage, consider placing an extra layer of stones. Next, you should compact the project area and level it to make it more even and stable. This will make laying down your turf an easier process and help ensure that it maintains its flat position.

Installing artificial grass can be a complicated process. That’s why it’s best to get help from professionals who can be counted on to get the job done most effectively. OC Turf & Putting Greens has successfully collaborated with many Laguna Niguel and Irvine residents to provide services that are both reliable and affordable. We are always trying to benefit our clients and work hard to offer world-class artificial turf solutions and friendly customer service. For more information about what we can do for you, give us a call at (888) 526-2289 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Mistakes to Avoid When Attempting to Install Your Own Artificial Turf

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The quality of an artificial turf installation plays a large role in determining how well it operates and how long it lasts. A well-executed professional turf installation can ensure a long-lasting, stunning, and efficient surface that satisfies the needs of its owner. Meanwhile, an installation that has been done improperly will cause a variety of issues to arise for your synthetic grass and perhaps even reduce its lifespan. If you’re someone who’s attempting to install artificial turf, here are some mistakes to avoid. 

Inaccurate Measurements

One of the biggest mistakes that a person who is installing their artificial turf often makes is having incorrect measurements for their yard. Inaccurate measurements can throw your whole landscaping project into chaos and make it difficult to salvage. It’s important to take measurements multiple times to ensure accuracy. This is avoidable if you choose to go with a professional installer who can take care of all of the measurements so you don’t have to. 

Uneven Surface

Every artificial turf owner wants a flat and smooth surface not only because of the pleasing aesthetic it offers but also because of the financial benefit of  increasing a home’s curb appeal. An uneven synthetic grass surface does the exact opposite and can easily come as a result of attempting to do your own installation. You can eliminate any chances of having an uneven surface by giving the job to a professional installer. Any artificial turf installation experts will remove any dirt, rocks, or debris that could cause inconsistency and will work to ensure a smooth flat surface. 

Inefficient Turf Use

After an installation project is completed, some amateur installers will want to throw away the leftover pieces of turf that haven’t been used. This is a mistake and inefficient use of your turf; you can use the leftover turf for any patchwork or repairs if something occurs to your synthetic grass later on. If you accidentally throw away your leftover pieces and are required to make repairs to your surface, you’ll be forced to buy more turf to do so. 

Failing to Install Weed Protection

With so much to consider, many amateur landscapers forget to install weed protection with their artificial turf lawn. Failing to do so will allow natural weeds to grow in your synthetic grass. Weeds are not only an unpleasant sight to look at, they can also compromise the integrity and health of your turf. To ensure a stunning green and smooth lawn, you’ll need weed protection. 

Instead of trying to do your own artificial turf installation and risk making these kinds of mistakes, leave it in the hands of professionals that can be trusted to do the job effectively and efficiently. Laguna Niguel and Irvine residents can attest to OC Turf & Putting Greens’ dependable and affordable residential artificial turf installation services. We always look out for our clients, which is why we offer high-quality artificial turf installations and friendly customer service. For more information about what we can do for you, give us a call at (888) 526-2289 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.