How Do You Put Turf Down In Your Backyard?

When you’re ready to get serious about your backyard, turf is a great first step. It’s a durable and flexible way to transform your yard, requiring little maintenance and providing an instant upgrade in terms of aesthetics and function.

The process can seem daunting at first,especially if you’ve never installed turf before,but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips on how to put down new grass in your backyard:

How to Install Artificial Turf | A DIY How To Guide

Takeaways
Proper ground preparation is crucial for successful turf installation.
When installing turf, it is important to use high-quality materials and tools.
Careful watering and maintenance are essential for the health of your new turf lawn.
Installing artificial grass can be a good option for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn.
Consult multiple resources to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the turf installation process.

Table of Contents

Decide Which Kind of Turf You Want to Install

The first step in installing turf is to figure out which kind you want to install. Turf comes in a number of varieties, and each offers its own advantages and disadvantages.

Some types of turf are more durable than others and may be better suited for certain climates or situations.

Other options are more expensive but offer a higher-quality aesthetic with little maintenance required in the future.

Before deciding which kind of turf you’d like to invest in, there are several factors that you should consider:

Your budget – Depending on how much money you’re willing to spend on your project (and whether or not you plan on reselling the yard), this could be one of the biggest factors when choosing between different types of grasses or plants.

It’s important to keep track of expenses from start to finish so that any unexpected costs don’t catch anyone off guard later down the road!

The size – If there’s enough room for it outdoors then consider placing some indoor plants instead; these can help provide color year-round without having any maintenance requirements beyond watering once every two weeks during dry spells.

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Remove Existing Lawn

If you’re removing an existing lawn, the first step is to remove the grass, roots and all. A sod cutter can help with this task.

You can rent one from a hardware store or buy one new if you’re so inclined. If you don’t have access to such tools, a shovel and pickaxe will do just fine but be prepared for some hard work!

If your old lawn was laid down over top of another layer of dirt underneath it, then that’s what needs to be removed as well before laying down new turf.

Map Out How the Turf Will Be Installed

Once you have chosen the type of turf that you want, it’s time to map out how the turf will be installed. The size and shape of your yard will dictate how much turf is required.

Make sure that the pattern of your new lawn is pleasing to the eye and fits within an existing landscape scheme or is aesthetically appealing on its own. You also need to make sure that there are no dips or slopes where erosion could occur.

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Prepare the Land

The first step in laying your new lawn is to prepare the soil by removing any existing sod. You’ll want to make sure that your soil is loose, free of rocks and has a pH level between 6 and 8.

If you’re not sure what this means, you can check with a local nursery or hire an expert to test it for you. To help keep the roots of your grass healthy, water well before laying down your new turf and water regularly after that point as well.

Rent a Sod Cutter

If you need to cut through grass roots, rent a sod cutter from your local rental store. You’ll want to rent one with a straight edge so that your cuts are as even as possible.

You can expect to pay between $30-$50 per day for this tool and it’s worth mentioning that most local hardware stores will give you an extra discount if you’re renting their equipment for more than 3-4 days at a time (which is common when laying down new turf).

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Place the Turf in an Orderly Pattern

Now that you’ve got all of the turf laid out, it’s time to put it in place. Start by laying down your straight edge across the top of the roll, pressing down firmly so that there is an even layer of turf along its length.

Then, use a tape measure to ensure that each row is evenly spaced from one end to the other (this will help make sure that any gaps between pieces are equal).

Next, place each piece with its ends butting up against those already laid down; this will prevent having to cut additional pieces later on as well as prevent any unsightly gaps between pieces where they meet together at their edges (which happens often if not done correctly).

Finally, check your work: Check both sides of each row and make sure they’re parallel and level with one another before continuing on by adding more rows until you reach the end!

Use a Long Straight Edge to Cut Each Row Evenly

With your turf laid out, it’s time to cut each row with a long straight edge. If you don’t have one on hand, you can use a ruler as well.

Line up the measurement tool along an edge of the yard and make sure it stays level as you move across the yard. Once again, keep in mind that we’re using 4×8 sheets of turf so they need to be cut at an angle (this will ensure they fit together without overlapping).

Here’s how:

Start at one end of the row and line up your straight edge vertically with this end point.

Then slowly move down until it reaches another corner where two pieces meet together from different rows; place your ruler flat against this corner so that both ends are touching each other perfectly and then follow along until you get back over where you started from!

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Use a Soil Roller for a Smooth Finish

Once you’ve got the turf down and rolled out, you’ll want to use a soil roller to smooth out the surface.

This will help compact the soil under your turf, making it more level and preventing water from pooling in any one area.

It also makes it easier for rainwater to drain out of your yard, which prevents major erosion from occurring due to excess runoff.

Soil rollers are surprisingly easy to use! Just follow these steps:

Push or pull on the handle until it’s horizontal with the ground (or as close as possible).

Place one end of your roller against a corner where two sides meet; make sure that this end is flat against the ground so it won’t fall over easily!

Roll back and forth along either side until you’ve reached your desired length; then repeat for every other side, repeating these steps if necessary until all four corners are evened out evenly with each other

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Conclusion

Hopefully this article has given you a good idea of what to expect when installing new turf. It’s not hard, but it does require a little bit of planning and patience. Your lawn will look great in no time!

FAQs

What materials do I need to install turf in my backyard?

To install turf in your backyard, you will need turf rolls, a utility knife, a shovel, a wheelbarrow, a compactor, landscape fabric, and landscaping stakes.

How do I prepare the ground for turf installation?

To prepare the ground for turf installation, you will need to remove any existing grass or weeds, level the soil, and add a layer of sand or gravel to improve drainage.

Can I install turf on top of an existing lawn?

It is not recommended to install turf on top of an existing lawn, as this can result in drainage problems and uneven surfaces. It is best to remove the existing lawn and prepare the ground before installing turf.

How do I maintain my new turf lawn?

To maintain your new turf lawn, you will need to water it regularly, mow it frequently, and fertilize it as needed. You should also keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and address any issues promptly.

How long does it take for turf to root and establish?

Turf typically takes about 2-3 weeks to root and establish, but this can vary depending on the weather conditions and the type of grass. It is important to water the turf regularly during this period to promote healthy growth.

Hellen James

I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.