Artificial turf is a versatile option for landscaping your yard. It’s durable, low maintenance and looks great. It can also reduce your water consumption and help keep your lawn healthy. However, many homeowners are unaware of the costs associated with this type of installation. In this article, we’ll explain some of the common operational fees and give you a better idea of how much your project is likely to cost.
Depending on the size of your lawn, the amount of labor involved and the materials used, you may have to pay more than you think for an artificial turf installation. Some companies add on hidden costs without telling you, such as delivery charges and set-up fees. Other expenses include excavation, base layer materials and labor for laying the turf. Some companies even charge for removing any existing plants, which can add up quickly.
Before laying the synthetic grass, your installer artificial turf installation should install a layer of crushed rock or class-2 road base over the earth. This is important because the artificial turf only has a thin top layer and a solid base is crucial to the longevity of the installation. The base material should be compacted with a barrel roller or slide compactor to create a level surface. A one-inch layer of sand or decomposed granite is also recommended for a smooth underlay for the turf.
It is possible to lay the turf directly on top of the ground, but this will look like a patchwork of uneven lawns. A pro will install a four-inch layer of the crushed rock or road base material and then a layer of sand to ensure a uniform surface.
Next, the turf is laid and cut to fit the space. To do this, the pro must work around trees, flower beds and other obstacles. If the area is curved or uniquely shaped, the turf needs to be carefully molded to the contours of the landscape, which can increase the price of the installation.
Once the turf is installed, a team will perform any necessary seaming techniques to make the final product look seamless. This will usually involve gluing, sewing or using tacks and nails. Once the seams are completed, the team will sweep the entire area and apply an infill layer of sand or rubber to the turf according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the turf will be used by pets, an infill layer of Zeolite is often recommended, which eliminates odors and controls ammonia breakdown.
Despite the fact that turf makes it difficult for weeds to grow, they sometimes find their way through gaps in the seams and drainage holes in the hole-punched backing. If a weed problem arises, it is usually best to remove the affected areas and install new turf to prevent further problems. For this reason, a professional is usually recommended.