Turf Installation Recommendations
INSTALLATION
Step 1: Pre-Installation
- Remove existing materials: Demo and remove any existing materials including soil, weeds, or any substance above ground. Rough grade the area and uncover everything underneath, including electric wiring, irrigation, pipes, etc. This prepares a solid sub-base.
- Cap the existing sprinklers that will not be used. It is very important to cap sprinklers at the pipe level as opposed to the rising. This avoids any leakage that may occur between the two. Modify sprinklers irrigation or drainage.
- If necessary, relocate sprinklers, modify existing irrigation lines, and add any required drainage. Be sure to back-fill and mark the location of any unused sprinklers to avoid depressions or low spots.
- When locating any wiring, electrical sprinklers, or other existing materials, move it inward and away from any hardscape or perimeter, from six to eight inches. This should prevent accidental damage when it comes time to secure the turf edge with nails. Once moved, lay all wiring on top of the subgrade surfacing with u-nails.
- Install a bender board. The installation of the bender board is an important step as it provides a clean line and separation for the plants or bed and turf areas.
Step 2: Base Preparation
- Install the base material. Gravel DG Mix is a special mixture of gravel and sand which allows for proper drainage. For a non-pet landscape installation, the base material should be installed to a depth of 3 inches.
- Properly distribute and level base. Proper base distribution and leveling is important to account for sloping away from living areas and towards the install drainage area. Proper base installation also ensures the turf will have a smooth and leveled appearance upon completion of the project.
Step 3: Compacting Base
- Wet the existing base to allow for proper settling.
- Compact the base. Compaction is accomplished by vibrating, tamping, and rolling the gravel. This establishes a solid base for driving the nails when installing the turf. Any additional leveling or grading can be done at this time.
Step 4: Custom Fitting Turf
- Trim the Turf: When trimming the turf to fit the area properly, leave 1 inch of extra turf along the edges. This provides the excess turf necessary for tucking. When in doubt, cut the turf slightly larger as it can always be trimmed later.
- Seam the Turf: When seaming, it is recommended to use a seaming tool. Once cut using the seaming tool, simply line it up accordingly. Cutting the turf in an s-shape avoids the possibility of the turf pieces pushing against each other’s angles, which in many cases would create the illusion of discoloration in the area of the seam.
- Install the Nails: Install nails along the edge by placing them six inches apart driving them down ¾ of the way. Nails used in the field should be applied as necessary to prevent movement of turf. Equally drive these nails down ¾ of the way. When finishing with the nails, separate the grass to avoid pulling down the blades. Once the nail is secured, conceal it by arranging the grass blades over the base of the mat. Don’t drive the nails too deep in the ground as it will cause the turf to be pulled down and dimpled on the surface.
- Secure the seams: Secure seams using U-nails spaced six inches apart. Butt the turf edges together, placing U-nails every six inches. To finish, separate the grass blades before driving the U-nail flush with the mat, then conceal the nail by arranging the blades over it.
Step 5: Securing Edges
- Secure edges with 40d nails every 4 to 6 inches on center and ½” away from the edge. In commercial applications, it is recommended to place them 3 to 5 inches on center and ½” away from the edge.
Step 6: Tucking Turf Edges
- Tucking the turf involves hiding the edges of the turf against any hardscape or edging border by using a metal bar called a wonder bar. The side edges of the turf give it a good clean plush look. This is an optional step and can be performed based on the needs of the project.
Step 7: Applying Filler
- Utilize a power brush. The heavy bristled brush is used to pull against the grain of the grass causing it to stand up in preparation for applying the durafill sand. Next apply the infill or durafill sand. The durafill sand is anti-bacterial and not harmful for pets or children. Spread the granules evenly throughout the turf installation. This acts as a balance to hold the blades upright and gives the turf more weight.
Step 8: Final Groom
- Power brush the turf one more time, lightly, to force the Envirofill granules into the base of the turf for settling and optimal stability. Follow up the process to remove any excess debris.