5 Common Mistakes Made During DIY Artificial Grass Installation

It is possible to install artificial grass as long as you have all the necessary tools, detailed instructions, and a little knowledge of the installation methods. Doing the project yourself will save you the money you would have spent hiring an expert. However, you are likely to make several mistakes because of a lack of experience and professional skills in installing the grass.

Improperly designed or installed turf can cause multiple issues, such as poor drainage, weed growth, and uneven surfaces. Homeowners should understand the mistakes they should avoid to prevent these issues.

1. Installing the Wrong Type of Artificial Grass

It is tempting to purchase cheaper products on the market when you are trying to cut costs. When it comes to turf grass, you get what you pay for. Low-quality grass might be cheaper, but it will not serve you for many years.

Turf grass is usually available in different heights, colors, densities, and materials. When purchasing artificial grass, many homeowners fail to consider their lifestyle, its intended purpose, and location. This means that they might buy a product that does not match their needs.

You are likely to make the mistake of installing the wrong turf if you purchase it in batches. Some homeowners prefer buying the artificial grass in different sets as they find extra money. This exercise helps them avoid feeling like they are emptying their wallets on this home improvement project.

However, you might find that you have purchased turf with different colors or textures. It will increase the risk of attaining a multi-colored lawn. To achieve the best results, consider buying all your fake grass in one batch instead of breaking the purchase into different rolls.

2. Failing to Install Weed Blockers

The advantage of artificial grass is that you will not need to weed your backyard. However, you have to install weed blockers underneath the Las Vegas turf to discourage plants from growing through the fake grass. Many homeowners in Las Vegas fail to add the weed membrane when installing the turf grass.

Without these blockers, your lawn does not remain as green and smooth as it should be. These natural weeds destroy the curb appeal of your lawn and the entire home. They also cause holes or damage the fake grass blades after you uproot them. This information indicates that weed blockers play a significant role in protecting the artificial grass from potential damage that the weeds growing in your lawn might cause.

3. Taking Incorrect Measurements

Most DIY turf installers make the wrong measurements. This mistake will throw your entire lawn off. You will also spend more money because you will have to order more turf from the store. A major disappointment that you can experience during this home improvement project is to be almost done with the installation and realize that you are running short of the material.

The most effective way to avoid this mistake is to measure the artificial grass and your yard twice or thrice from different directions to check whether they align or not. To achieve perfect results, you should ensure that the grass covers the entire installation area without leaving spaces in between or on the sides.

4. Working on an Uneven Base

A flat and smooth yard boosts the curb appeal in your home. However, many homeowners make the mistake of placing the Las Vegas turf on an uneven base during installation. The final results of such projects usually look unpleasant and unprofessional because of the bumps and wrinkles. These small bumps can also cause trips and falls.

Professional turf grass installers usually remove the dirt, stones, grass, and other objects that might cause unevenness after the installation. They also use plate compactors to make the lawn’s base layer smooth and even.

When removing the grass on your yard, ensure that you eliminate their roots because they might grow again and cause roughness. Creating a smooth surface for the artificial grass’ base increases the chances of applying the turf smoothly.

However, you should also avoid flattening the surface too much. In the process of creating a flat surface for the fake grass, you should maintain a slight incline from the center of the patio. A 1% incline will help your backyard look more natural. It will also prevent flooding in your lawn since the water will drain out of the sides instead of stagnating in the middle of the yard.

Prioritize the groundwork when installing the turf. Remember that the type of base material that you apply also determines how even your base will be. Professional turf grass installers recommend crushed drain rocks that are between ¼” and ¾”. The coarseness of the decorative rocks Las Vegas will also determine the drainage amount in your new yard.

The people living in areas with heavy rain should select a coarser material to protect their lawns from drainage issues. They should also avoid rounded rocks because they will barely stay still when you try to compact them. Read more about tips on choose the best artificial grass here.

5. Failing to Secure the Seams and Edges Sufficiently

Many amateur landscapers fail to secure two pieces of turf properly after joining them. Consequently, the pieces come apart and pose a risk for accidents. Additionally, a lawn with poorly attached turf grass seams is not appealing.

To avoid this issue, ensure that you use adhesive and seam tape to join the turf pieces. The adhesive should cover the seam tape’s width and length to ensure that it creates a solid bond.

It is crucial to add an edging restraint to the perimeter of the artificial grass. It will retain the material beneath and provide something to secure the grass’s perimeter to. Failure to secure the edges will cause the turf to lift at the ends.

You can prevent this issue by using U-pins or turf grass adhesive. Galvanized nails are appropriate for creating timber edging.

Sometimes, homeowners use inadequate or too much adhesive when joining the turf. However, the excess adhesive might seep into the fibers of your fake grass. On the other hand, using too little glue will create a weak bond.

Using a V-notch trowel to spread the glue will ensure even coverage. If the adhesive oozes into the plastic blades, consider using mineral spirits to eliminate it before it dries up.

In summary, installing artificial grass might seem like an easy process for a professional technician. However, many problems are likely to arise when you decide to do the project yourself. It is important to remember that you will be responsible for the installation’s quality. Avoiding the above mistakes will ensure that your considerable investment pays off.