Turf installation can be overwhelming at first glance. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional installer, we are here to help you with every step of the way. Keep in mind that most installers will not run into any of these issues, it's more geared towards those that are installing by themselves!
Fake turf installation problems are normal and can be easily prevented. Here we list down the most common fake grass installation problems. We also included possible workarounds to address them. We also have a great guide on how to install artificial grass for those that are ready to go!
Problem # 1: Wrong Type of fake Grass
It's just turf, how complicated can it be? What if we told you there were many different variants of artificial grass? Each type is designed for a specific use, with qualities that respond to a particular need. It’s common for first-timers to overlook their choices when choosing the right turf. For example, sometimes pet owners order fake grass meant for putting greens. They then end up with stiff grass blades that are uncomfortable for pets.
Solution: Proper Research
Under our MegaGrass products section, you will find several different types of artificial turf. Each of these specialize for a particular need. We've laid out the specifications of each grass we offer along with a simple name to make sure you get the right turf for your next project.
Problem # 2: Sinking Spots and Holes
If a base is not prepared properly, it will be prone to holes and sinking spots. These holes are not visible once the fake turf has been installed, but they may cause future problems because water can accumulate in these crevices. Stagnant water can become a breeding space for insects and can cause drainage issues.
Solution: Install a Solid Sub Base
A good and solid sub base will make laying turf easy. It will hold everything together. This will stop your grass from sinking and prevent all other problems that come with it. If preparing the base on your own, try to make sure the ground is level and the base is even by filling any potholes you see prior to installation.
Problem # 3: Weed Growth
One key benefit of installing fake grass is convenience. Usually, there’s no need to apply any fertilizers or weed deterrents to stop weed growth. However, if you have had weed problems in the past, it may come back if you don't apply weed barrier.
Solution: Install a Membrane
Installing a good weed barrier prevents weeds from growing through the grass. This membrane will kill the weeds before they grow. MegaGrass offers weed barrier in our grass accessories section. We recommend installing the barrier at the bottom layer if you have pets. When you install it on top, there’s a chance that it may trap pet urine.
Problem # 4: Foul Odor
Nobody likes a smelly lawn. If you’re using fake turf as your pet’s potty or dog run, bad smells seem inevitable. Another concern during installation is the smell of adhesives. Some people even claim that they can smell the infill, days after their lawn has been installed.
Solution: Deodorizers
You don’t have to live with a bad smelling lawn. MegaGrass offers pet odor neutralizer, which completely eliminates any smells from trapped urine, adhesive, and infill. Deodorizers will not harm the material of the turf.
Problem # 5: Moss Buildup
The fake grass itself does not encourage the growth of moss or algae. In rare instances however, organic matter or debris trapped in the grass does. Moss or algae is tricky to remove so in this case, prevention is the best course of action.
Solution: Use a Leaf Blower or Pressure Washer
Prevention is key when it comes to mold growth. A simple pressure washer or leaf blower once a week can completely prevent mold from growing. This way, there’ll be no need to use harsh chemicals on the same lawn that you, your family, or pets play in.
Problem # 6: Lifted Edges
When the fake turf roll is not properly installed, the grass lifts at the edges. Visually, this will ruin the clean that you see in most finished jobs. Apart from the aesthetic disadvantage, lifted edges also pose a safety tripping hazard. There’s nothing worse than an ugly lawn that’s also dangerous for the homeowners.
Solution: Use Fixings Around the Area
Use sturdy fixings to secure the edges of your lawn. You can also seem the edges to get a nice rounded edge. This will guarantee that the edges will not lift and threaten your family or pets’ safety.
Problem # 7: Drainage Problems
Drainage problems are some of the worst issues when it comes to installation. A poor draining lawn will collect water in all the wrong places and lead to puddles. If not sorted early, it can cost a lot in the long run.
Solution: Use Rubbles
Dig and use rubbles to fill areas where you want drainage to be smooth. It’s a great way to make sure that liquids pass through easily. A word of caution, never use wet clay or granite dust under your fake lawn. This will only slow your drainage more. You may also end up with a useless drainage system.
Problem # 8: Visible Joint Lines
Aesthetics is one of the main reasons why people choose fake grass. After all the money and time spent on your landscape project, a line that runs all across the turf is the last thing you would want to see. Joint lines are caused by light bouncing off the grass blades that are pushed together.
Solution: Hire an Experienced Installer
Trying to fix this error at a later stage can be costly. To make sure this doesn’t happen, make sure you work with skilled and reputable installers. Refuse any offers to use timber or cable ties to push your turf rolls together. Usually this only occurs if the installation was done poorly.
Problem # 9: No/Limited Access to Warranties
Some fake grass from overseas come really cheap. The problem is, if anything goes wrong, you’ll have to wait days to process warranties. This can push back your completion date. It’ll also be hard to check the product if it’s shipping from far away.
Solution: Go MegaGrass!
Warranties are easier to process if you buy from a local company. It’s also easier to request free samples to better assess the turf quality before you commit. MegaGrass offers a 15 year warranty on all of our grass products. Why so long? We offer the highest quality grass in the market and stand behind our products. We are confident that as long as the installation goes smoothly, you will love you new grass from us!
The more you are aware of these issues, the better your chance of avoiding them. Getting everything right the first time can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
If you are a DIYer, these are the issues that you may face when starting your project. If you’re mindful about them, you’ll be able to pull off your project with no problems.
If you’re hiring a contractor, make sure to ask about these concerns and how they plan to tackle them. Don’t hesitate to list your questions and expectations. Remember, your lawn is the face of your home. It deserves all the care it can get.