Find out the key Dos and Don’ts of turf installation including any prep work needed for your existing lawn before you get started.

Synthetic turf is becoming increasingly popular in Perth. While we get plenty of sun to sustain natural lawns, there’s a lot of time and money that go into maintaining them. And those are minutes and funds that you simply can’t recoup. Unless, that is, you invest in synthetic grass which requires very little maintenance and incurs little cost beyond the upfront purchase and installation.

With all that said, it’s no wonder that so many people are eager to get started with their new turf. But can you lay turf over an existing lawn, or do you have to prepare the ground differently before installation? Can you just blaze ahead with your install, or should you tread lightly to get started?

If you want to learn more, check out our other resources:

1. How Much Does Synthetic Grass Cost in Perth?

2.How To Buy The Best Artificial Grass

3. Lifespan Of Fake Grass

4. 7 Things You Should Know Before Purchasing Artificial Grass

We’re going to take a closer look at artificial turf, its requirements, and what you can expect from a proper installation so you can gauge for yourself the best way to get started.

Where is artificial turf best used?

Because it’s so versatile, synthetic turf can be used in any number of applications. Some homeowners even choose to replace their entire garden grass with synthetic material because it can look just like real grass without the hassle of mowing or watering a lawn.

Other great places to install artificial turf include:

What is synthetic turf made of?

How can there be a material that looks and feels like real grass but is 100% artificial? It all comes down to the manufacturing process. Synthetic turf is made of a blend of fibres usually consisting of nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. These are designed to resemble real grass leaves and are affixed to a backing material that holds it all together. This backing along with infill (typically made from sand) help provide a cushioning surface and a natural feel to walk on.

And to segue into the topic at hand, the soil preparation and ground treatment also contribute to the quality, look, and feel of artificial turf. The backing is only as quality as the ground it is installed on, after all. Most installations also require compaction of the ground to ensure a smooth surface and the placement of a sub-base material that allows for water to drain away from the turf and into the surface below.

Turf installation and whether you really need to remove your lawn

Which brings us to the question of whether you can lay turf over an existing lawn. While the very short answer is yes, the more detailed answer is that it’s possible but not advisable. That’s especially true if you want a high-quality installation that will last for years to come.

You might be tempted to install over your existing lawn. Perhaps it looks level enough to you or you don’t have the time or money to spend removing it properly. However, we’re confident that preparing the ground for your turf installation is well worth the effort and any costs so that your new turf will give you a satisfying install.

Growth

Really though, what could go wrong if you install turf over an existing lawn? For one thing, even if your lawn is in rather poor condition, you’re installing your artificial lawn over living plants. This means that over time, they could grow up and through the backing even if you use a decent weed barrier. This kind of growth is just what you are trying to avoid by installing artificial turf in the first place, and having it pop up through your new turf makes for a challenge when it comes to maintenance.

Drainage

What’s more, drainage is particularly important when it comes to artificial turf, since the ground below is responsible for absorbing and/or carrying away any water runoff. But if you have plants growing underneath, that drainage could get disrupted, causing water to pool and create uneven patches in your turf. Not taking the time to remove the grass below also leads to skipping the compaction step we mentioned, which is crucial to making sure the soil is prepared for the right drainage.

Can you install turf around the pool? Find out here

Grading

Your yard might look level now, but your grass could be hiding imperfections in the grading of your garden. Removing the existing lawn gives you the chance to truly level out and grade the ground smoothly for an even turf installation. Other installation steps such as compacting the ground, adding base materials, and checking for drainage are complicated much more than they should be if there is a lawn in the way already.

Durability

Finally, all of these things not only affect the installation and quality of use but also the longevity of the turf itself. When it’s not installed properly, it cannot be expected to wear as long or as properly as it should (which is 10-15 years at a minimum).

Wondering how much artificial turf installation will set you back? Check out our FREE Price Guide

Install your turf the right way with Evergreen Synthetic Grass

While you might be tempted to take the shortcut route and install your turf over an existing lawn, the resounding answer is that you should take the time and effort to ensure that your ground is properly prepared instead.

While turf can go down over existing grass, it creates a variety of other issues and complicates matters. What’s worst perhaps is that you’re undermining your investment by diminishing the quality of the install, which will eat into the life of the turf as a whole.

Instead, you can turn to the experts at Evergreen Synthetic Grass to help with your installation. We’re an accredited installer and gold status agents when it comes to selecting, placing, and prepping for new turf in residential and commercial applications. We also have decades of experience, having started our family-owned business back in 1996. If it has to do with artificial turf, we know all about it.

We have over 6,000 happy customers here in Perth and would love to add you to our family of clients. If you’re considering artificial turf for your garden, give us a call on 08 9303 2130 for a fast free quote including installation and materials.