DIY Turf Blog

Steps to Preparing the Ground Like a DIY Pro for the Best Putting Greens

 

The foundation for the best putting greens is as important as the number of holes, flags and tee boxes on the course. It defines the golf experience. Professional installers have the advantage of having a whole team, complete equipment and years of experience to execute this part of the project smoothly.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take the DIY route for your dream green. Preparing the ground for your artificial turf involves several steps that you can easily follow with the right research and tools.

How to Prepare the Ground for Artificial Grass

Before you kick start your turf laying project, make sure to conduct in-depth research on the installation process. Synthetic turf is a significant investment, and how well it’s installed will determine your lawn experience for years to come.

Below are quick tips on how to prepare the ground for the best artificial turf:

1. Identify soil type and ground conditions.

Determining your lawn’s ground conditions and soil type will help you understand how well it drains. This is important when selecting the turf aggregate. Don’t skip this process. It will affect everything from how much work you need to lay the foundation to the type of infill, turf, accessories and techniques you’ll need to use.

2. Remove all organics.

Next, remove the existing layer of natural turf to prevent root materials and other obstructions from hindering the installation. Keep in mind that standard base construction typically requires working down to a depth of 3-4 inches on average. This can increase depending on the type of installation.

3. Add a weed barrier

Protect the turf foundation by adding a weed barrier or geotextile layer to prevent organic growth from penetrating artificial grass.

4. Spread ou base rock

When following the best practices of artificial grass installation, you will need to add base rock to the turf foundation. We have found that a 2:1 mixture of Class 2 Permeable Base (3/4” pieces) and gray fines yields the best results. However, your artificial turf supplier can help you select the most suitable base material for your installation.

5. Compact the ground.

Create a stable and sturdy base for the best synthetic grass for dogs in San Jose by compacting the surface after your base material is laid out. Your base layer should be half inch to inch lower than any surrounding hardscapes (driveway, sidewalks, edging etc). For best results, consider borrowing or renting an electric compaction plate. If any crease remains after compacting the surface, smooth them out with a straight piece of timber. This will create a perfectly level surface for laying the turf.

Install Turf Like a Pro with Artificial Turf Express

Once you’ve prepared the ground, you can now install artificial grass to enjoy the best putting greens, playgrounds, dog runs and synthetic yard for your home!

Artificial Turf Express can provide everything you need for a successful project, including all the top-quality synthetic grass products and accessories you may need. Call us at 408-317-4730 to see how we can help with your next project!