Professional Synthetic Lawn Installations

Although our synthetic turf product is available for direct purchase, we highly recommend that the installations be conducted by trained professionals, even more so by those possessing experience and knowledge of that particular product. No two brands of synthetic turf are the same, either in the construction of the product, or the required process necessary to achieve a proper installation.

Our synthetic turfs were developed and patented by Mirage Outdoor Concepts, formerly Waterless Grass Inc. Although the construction of the turf is performed by manufactures common in the industry, it is the design, development and specifications of our turfs that make them the absolute best in the industry.

Average Installation Process

Step-1 Customer Relationship / Turf Requirements
Once we have developed a customer relationship with a signed contract and down payment, we order the requested turf model based on the amount of turf needed to complete the project. Our turf products are constructed and shipped in 15’ wide rolls at lengths over 20’ and in 5’ increments. It may be necessary for one of our installers to revisit the site to verify the amount of materials necessary for the project. It generally takes 2.5 to 3 weeks on average to receive the turf once it has been ordered. This may very slightly with any manufacture or shipping constraints.

Step-2 Site Preparation
Once the turf arrives and passes our inspection verifying the proper model and lengths, our customer is contacted and an installation date is agreed upon. Generally we can completed most jobs (depending on size); within 3 to 4 days once we break ground. The first step once we arrive at the job site is to tear out the current soil to 4” below proper grade. The sprinkler system is addressed and caped if needed, or rerouted to allow proper irrigation to existing or future landscaping. Borders are trenched and installed if needed which allow a barrier between a newly constructed base and the existing landscape. Depending on the job site size and attention required to complete the above steps, the borders may be installed on the first or second day at the site.

Step-3 Base Construction
¼ to ¾ inch drain rock is brought on to the site and spread evenly over the newly formed area which will house the drain basin. As the layer of drain rock increases it is mixed with small amounts of decomposed granite as a vibration plate is run over the top to create a solid compacted foundation. This process is continued until all of the drain rock is covered. The foundation is now complete. Additional decomposed granite is brought in to the site and evenly spread over the foundation as the vibration plate compacts it solid. This process continues until the crew has achieved a proper and correct grade. Depending on the size of the site, this process can easily take several hours to complete.

Step-4 Laying Turf
Once the drain basin has been completed, Turf will be transported by flat bed trailer to the site. It may be necessary for the homeowner of residential applications to clear their driveways or areas directly in front of their residence to allow the crew to unroll the turf for trimming and preparation. Once delivered, the turf is spread over a clear area, measured and swept or blown with a commercial blower to erect the fibers. The lawn is pre-cut using rough measurements of the placement areas and then placed over the installation site. Final cuts are made and seams aligned. Using a special seaming material and adhesive, the seams are completed and tacked to the drain basin for stability. Outside edges of the new turf receive a final cut for an appropriate fit, and are tacked to the drain basin until the entire site is properly covered with the new synthetic turf. All edges and seams are tacked using 4 and 1/2inch hot dipped galvanized nails, at approx every 3inches. This will hold the turf from shifting as the infill is added and eliminate the edges from raising and creating a trip hazard.

Step-5 Grooming Turf
A special moisture resistant sand is brought in to the site and spread with a commercial type seeder or spreader. The amount of sand spread over a synthetic turf will vary by turf model and application. On a taller turf model being utilized for a dog owner, a 100sq foot area could easily contain 40lbs. to 50lbs of infill, whereas an application for a swimming pool area may only contain half the amount. Ground rubber is then spread over the entire synthetic lawn and blown in to the fibers with a commercial grade blower. The blowing process make to up to a couple of hours and is continued until the rubber is no longer laying on the top portion of the synthetic grass. Once again, ground rubber is not required with our turf installations, however these rubber granules will assist with “bounce back” and provide a softer feel when walking over the turf. Once the infill’s have been added, a UV Protection spray is spread over the synthetic turf. Crew members will inspect the lawn for loose tufts, cut strings and any abnormalities before reporting the job as completed.

Warning; The Professionals at A Carefree Lawn recommend that purchasers of synthetic turf avoid products or installations that do not infill their synthetic turf grass with at least a moisture resistant sand material. Water and animal urine may settle on the matt below the turf fibers for extended periods and combined with heat may cause odor, mold or hard water deposits. The sand infill is a deterrent of moisture and will assist in absorbing and distributing fluids in to the earth. Although not 100% necessary, the ground rubber will help deter matting.

Warning; Some synthetic lawn companies or installers have cut corners on costs; They claim that their installations do not need or require drain rock as part of their drain basin building process. The professionals at A Carefree Lawn recommend that purchasers of synthetic turf avoid these types of installations. The clay content in the bay area is very high and the drain rock, when installed properly will improve the flow of water through the drain basin and back in to the soil. Failure to construct a proper drain basin can lead to puddles and excessive moisture from lack of drainage. Over time the moisture will cause mold and odor issues.