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The installation of an artificial lawn or artificial putting green is a step by step process.
The initial step is removing any existing sod and capping off the sprinkler system. The goal is to begin with a Dirt surface. If you are in a new home, obviously that is the most ideal condition to begin the installation process.
The second step is building a sub-base which will go over the top of a dirt surface. The U.S. Turf Company uses ¼" minus decomposed crushed granite to build the sub-base. Depending on whether we are installing an artificial lawn or artificial putting green we might install a sub-base with a depth of 2"-4" on a lawn, or 4"-24" on a putting green.
The third step after the sub-base is built is to roll out the turf and cut the turf to the shape of the design or area.
The final step is infilling the artificial turf. This infilling process accomplishes several things with the installation of artificial turf. On an artificial lawn it helps to weight the turf to the ground. On an artificial putting green it helps to weight the turf to the ground, but also stiffens the fibers to increase the speed of the ball on the putting green surface.
There are a variety of ways to secure artificial turf to the ground. The U.S. Turf Company believes that the best infill is Gravity Max. This infill is a ceramic coated infill that is a light green color for lawns or darker green color for putting greens. The Gravity Max infill is smooth to the touch and non-abrasive. We typically use between (1) one to (2) two pounds of this infill per square foot to weight the turf to the ground. Do not be confused! Infill is what goes on top of the turf not underneath the turf. We are looking to prolong the life of your investment by using cutting edge products for our installations.
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Below are several other ways or types of infill that are used for securing artificial turf to the ground:
Sand - There are several downsides to using this type of infill. Sand typically has jagged edges and will pack over time. The jagged edges of the sand will rub against the fibers of your turf and strip the UV coating off. Remember that the UV coating is what protects the turf from discoloring and fading. Another result of jagged edges is the "packing effect". As time elapses you will need to add additional sand to help support the fibers or get the fibers to stand up. By adding more sand you will start to notice that the sand will pack and become hard. This type of infill is not recommended by the U.S. Turf Company especially for pets. Pet urine will turn a sand filled artificial turf lawn or putting green into a kitty litter box.
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Copper Slag - There are also several downsides to using this type of infill. Copper slag is an inert byproduct that is primarily used for sand blasting. It is very abrasive and is black in color. The abrasiveness will strip the UV coating off the fibers and the black color will add additional heat to the surface of the artificial turf.
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Nails, Sod staples, Pins - Nails, sod staples, and pins secure the artificial turf or artificial putting green to the ground by acting as stakes. Over time, the nails, sod staples, or pins will come loose of the dirt underlay and the product may buckle as a result. As time elapses you will notice that the artificial lawn or artificial putting green may start to buckle.
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