Artificial Grass and Installation
If you’re a DIY-er, there are numerous guides to installing artificial grass yourself, including a number of YouTube videos on the subject, like this installation video from SYNLawn. What you’ll learn from these guides and videos is that installing artificial grass is a time-intensive process. Installing artificial grass yourself also requires renting tools like sod-cutters, tractors, compactors, and sometimes power brooms, plus dumpsters to haul away existing sod and soil. You also need manpower – you’ll have a much easier time if you have at least three people for your average backyard install.
How Is Artificial Grass Installed?
The process for installing artificial grass involves first designing your new layout, selecting the proper grass, and purchasing the right amount of grass. Then, you’ll need to tear out the existing sod, add in your base layer, and compact it. If you have play areas for kids, you may want to add a padded base layer. You’ll need to roll out the turf and mark it according to your installation plan, then re-roll it and cut the pieces you need at the spots you marked. If you have trees or round objects, you’ll need to carefully make relief cuts in the turf in order to allow the turf to bend. Then you’ll need to seam the pieces of turf using seam tape, spikes, and special adhesive. You’ll need at least two people for the seaming process to make sure you don’t end up with a huge mess. Then you’ll need to secure the turf at the seams, and lay infill. You’ll also need to broom the bristles and lay additional infill as needed, before giving the turf a final brooming.
Should You Choose to Install Your Own Grass?
Installing artificial grass correctly requires special equipment and a crew. It isn’t something that we’d recommend tackling on your own, as there are parts – like seaming the grass, or laying grass around trees – where having expert help is going to make sure you don’t mess up the process and ruin a roll of grass. If you have a simple installation – for example, a simple rectangular backyard – then it’s something that you could probably tackle with some friends over a weekend – but it’s going to be hard work.
Installing your own grass (with some help) may still be the best choice for you – it just depends on what your goals are. Installing your own artificial grass might be the right choice for you if:
- You need to save money – getting a professional install just isn’t an option.
- Getting the grass installed perfectly isn’t a huge deal for you. It’s okay if there are some bumps, loose patches, or not-quite-perfect seams.
- You have a least two full days to devote to the project (possibly more), and some assistants (rolls of grass are heavy).
- You enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you did something yourself.
We Recommend Getting Artificial Grass Professionally Installed
If installing your own grass sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is. You’ll need to rent equipment you’ve probably never used before and figure it out as you go. If that sounds stressful, then you might be better off going with a professional installation team. Very few people get a new job perfect on the first try. When you hire a professional installation team, you get the benefit of their experience, and you don’t need to worry about making sure you have all the necessary tools for the job. Most installation teams get the average job done within a day or two. And, if you buy the grass from the same place you get it installed, you’ll also be able to get expert help in the planning stages of the project, so you can make sure you’ve selected the correct grass, infill, and base layer for your installation and purchased the right amount.
Choosing a professional artificial grass installation is the right choice if:
- You need to make sure the installation is done right – no dips, pockets, gaps or loose flaps.
- You believe it’s worth the money to do something right the first time – he who buys cheap, buys twice, peace of mind is worth its weight in gold, etc.
- Your time and energy are valuable to you – sure you might save money doing it yourself, but at what cost?
- You’re installing a putting green – that’s an even more specialized skillset.
Which to Choose?
Ultimately, its your choice. Whether you buy your grass from a specialized company like ours or at a big box store like Home Depot, know that you always have the choice of going to a professional installer (like Paradise Greens, who received a perfect 100 from Home Depot for our installations of their turf). We highly recommend going with a professional team that can bring years of experience to your project and get it done right and done quickly – especially if you have a complicated installation. We believe the peace of mind that hiring a professional team brings is worth every penny. But that may not be the right choice for you. We hope this article has helped you decide what option is better for you
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