HOW TO INSTALL ARTIFICIAL TURF

Step 1: Excavation & Existing Sprinkler Removal
Remove 4”- 6” of dirt below the level at which you want the turf. Beware of irrigation and electrical lines which may be located under the project area. Either completely remove sprinkler lines or remove and cap sprinkler heads. Cap sprinklers at the pipe level as opposed to the rising to avoid any leakage that may occur between the two.

Step 2: Base Preparation
After removing the dirt, compact the soil using a 5000lb plate compactor. This will increase the soil’s load bearing strength and prevent settling. Then, install a weed barrier on top. If desired, lay down gopher wire and use landscape staples to hold it in place. Do not install plastic under the turf as it will entrap water, causing other problems.

Step 3: Compacting Base
Place base material over the weed barrier and compact it in 3”=4” increments. Water can be added to assist in compaction. Once again, use a 5000lb plate compactor to compact the base. The base material should be a crushed gravel that varies in size from ¾” to dust and may be fortified with a small amount of cement to stiffen after installation. Ensure you slope the base away from the house and towards drainage area.

Step 4: Turf Layout
Ensure to measure the project area and carefully design the layout to minimize the number of seams in the turf. Unroll the turf and stretch across the top of the prepared base. Make sure not to drag it across. If the synthetic turf has a wrinkle; allow it to acclimate in the sun. Due to the natural direction of the turf blades, separate pieces of turf must be laid in the same direction.

Step 5: Turf Cutting
Cuts can be made using a long pile carpet cutter or a carpet knife. All cuts must be made from the backside of the turf. This will ensure you see the stitched rows.

Step 6: Secure the turf
Secure the turf by staking the edges with 6 inch nails. Place the nails six inches apart. Nails used in the field should be applied as necessary to prevent movement of turf.

Step 7: Seams
You can choose the seam 2 straight edges together or use the “S” cut method using a custom stencil. Either way, make sure the stitch lines match so the seams will be practically unseen. The “S” cut method is a more advanced process, but may give you a more natural appearance. Once you have your seams cut, straight or “S”, pull both pieces of turf back exposing the base. Place the seam tape with half of the tape under each cut.

Use a synthetic turf adhesive and apply to the seam tape. Fold the two sections of artificial grass over seaming material to form one seamless piece. Secure seams with U-nails spaced six inches apart.

Step 8: Tucking Turf Edges
Tucking the turf involves hiding the edges of the turf against any hardscape or edging boarder by using a wonder bar. The side edges of the turf give it a good clean plush look.

Step 9: Applying Filler
Spread Wonderfill material evenly utilizing a drop spreader (the type commonly used to spread grass seed), or a flat. Do not attempt to install the infill material while the synthetic grass or the infill material is wet. Once all sand is spread evenly on top of turf it will need to be broomed into the turf fibers. Use a power broom to brush up turf fibers and let the sand work in between the turf blades. When the infill process is complete, water the entire area evenly with a hose to settle the material. This acts as a balance to hold the blades upright and gives the turf more weight. Zeolite infill can be used in combination with our Wonderfill 1lbs/ 1lbs, or it can be used alone as an infill. Zeolite helps control order. It absorbs toxins and neutralizes order. Zeolite is mainly used as a Pet Infill.

Step 10: Final Groom
The final grooming step involves power brushing the turf once again, lightly, to force the wonderfill granules into the base of the turf for settling and optimal stability.