replacing your old lawn with artificial grass, but your budget is tight. So, what is the new way to install the best artificial grass Melbourne?
The best way to install artificial grass is to buy your own materials and make your own adjustments. However, be aware of the dangers of cutting corners – poorly installed artificial grass drainage can cause aesthetic problems and may eventually require expensive replacement and restoration.
If you can put a little sweat into equity, this article can save you a lot of money. I’ve also included hints on finding the most reasonably priced content for your needs. Read on, and you’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of an affordable lawn.
How to install artificial grass?
Here’s how you can install artificial grass:
Check electrical wiring and sprinkler
Before you start clearing the way for your new artificial lawn, make sure there are no power lines, fibre optic cables or other important wires. Also, check your irrigation system to make sure you have filled or removed any sprinkler heads. This step will save you more repair costs and – God forbid – hospital bills.
Digging old grass
Before you start laying the best artificial grass Melbourne, you should clear the area of old turf, soil and vegetation. At most, this will require digging about 3-4 inches (7.6 – 10.1 cm).
You start by removing the sod to get the dirt out. A sod lifter like the Bully 12 Gauge Sod Lifter (available on Amazon.com) will suffice to fill a small space. The sharp edge of the steel cuts down the root system and allows you to effectively remove the bunch.
You can remove the sod when you have cleaned the area of rough, hard dirt and removed any rocks or scattered tree roots. If you have a big job, renting a dumpster may be appropriate.
Compact the soil
Rolling on open ground with a ground roller will help level the surface and avoid bumpy or uneven installation. But for best results, you should hire a compaction force plate compactor. Paving contractors use plate compactors to prepare surfaces for asphalt or concrete.
A sand-filled ground roller can compress the surface with a weight of 300 pounds (135 kg). The plate compactor hits the ground with 1,500 – 4,500 lbs. (675 – 2,250 kg) force, ensures a level foundation and a smooth finished product.
Put down a perimeter
To keep the base compact and the grass firmly in place, you need to install solid shelves on all sides. You can use block, brick, wood, metal or synthetic plyboard to make that border.
Pressure-treated lumber is a common choice for those who install best artificial grass Melbourne. It works well with gardens and has a lifespan of over ten years. While plastic lumber is a bit more expensive, its estimated lifespan is more than two decades. Considering the hassle of replacement, experts recommend using plastic lumber.
The boundary of the perimeter will keep the base in position. Without limits, your subbase will slip, causing sinks and lumps in your artificial grass that may need to be reinstalled. The perimeter border also replaces your artificial grass.
You can use the foundation of your house as a concrete edge. If your grass is next to a driveway or sidewalk, you may want to install a bendable landscaping border. This edge is easy to install, wraps around curved surfaces, and is an excellent option for manual doers.
Install weed cloth
Now that you have your land ready, you should arrange a haystack. Weed cloth (also called weed fabric barrier or driveway cloth) is a thick but porous sheet of polypropylene or plastic that allows drainage but does not allow sprouts or roots to pass through it.
Weed cloths also help keep your subbase separate from the ground below. This means that your subbase is less likely to break or break under regular use.
Subbase placement
Soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry. If you put your artificial grass on top of your compacted soil in one or two seasons, you will notice wrinkles and unevenness in your lawn. Artificial grass founders cover the ground with non-extensive subbases to prevent these problems.
Many artificial grass subbases use decomposed granite, which is granite that has become soft and flaky due to chemical decomposition. It can be easily broken down into smaller particles. You can also use decomposed granite fine granite powder and granite crumbs for artificial grass.