Table of contents

You can click on the title to go to the section

1. Installation plan

2. Artificial grass & installation product choices

3. Base preparation

4. Things to consider before installation

5. Installation of artificial turf

6. Maintenance and winter use of artificial grass

EXAMPLE OF AN INSTALLATION PLAN

The journey to your green paradise starts on graph paper. A careful installation plan sets the stage for a successful outcome that you will enjoy for a long time. When making a plan, you need to measure the edge dimensions of the area to be paved, calculate the size of the area in square metres, and determine the direction of the grass fibres. Always measure accurately instead of making a rough estimate.

1. Measure the edge dimensions of the area to be paved as accurately as possible, using either a tape measure or a measuring wheel.
   
2. Draw the area to be paved on grid paper or on the computer as a map. Note the dimensions of all edges separately if the area is not square or rectangular.
3. Using the edge dimensions, calculate the area of the area in square metres. Add +15cm to each outer edge to allow for cutting loss. If the area to be paved contains curved edges, we recommend adding +10-20% m2 to the final result.

Please note that as a rule, SYNLawn artificial grass is supplied in 4 meter wide rolls. When installing in areas wider than 4 metres, ensure that the turf strips are always installed parallel to each other. Please also consider the necessary slopes for drainage at the design stage.

Most SYNLawn artificial grass is unidirectional, meaning that the grass fibres naturally bend in one direction along their length. Take the direction of the grass fibres' bending into account in your design. Always point the direction of deflection in the direction of the view; towards the backyard terrace, or towards the driveway in the front yard, for example.

SYNLawn experts will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the plan.

When selecting artificial grass it is important consider the status of the intended use. From SYNLawn product range you can always find artificial turf suitable for you; for a backyard, for childrens playground, to the gym, for dog sports or e.g. your business space to go green. SYNLawn-experts are always at your service to choose a suitable product for you , but products are also easy to visit and explore on our website:

SYNAugustine -collection is known for it's exceptional softness, realistic appearance and excellent comfort.

SYNNatural is first class artificial grass for landscaping. It is ideal for residential and commercial for applications: for the garden, pet- and for play areas, on roofs etc.

SYNPlay -collection is designed in particular for playgrounds, for recreational areas, sports- and for other high consumption sites, where security and sustainability are priority authors.

SYNPro Pet -collection is designed specifically for pets and for pet owners. It provides sustainable and easy to maintain solution, and a comfortable and hygienic environment to create a clean and hygienic environment for your pets.

SYNLawn Golf -collection is an artificial grass solution specialised for customised greens, for landscaping and local play areas.

Carefully done groundwork is the key to a successful artificial turf installation.

Artificial grass groundwork is comparable in complexity to, for example, the groundwork for a terrace or a paving stone.

The best substrate for artificial grass is a flat, non-rotted, crushed stone base, with the necessary drainage allowance (about 1% / 1m per 100 m). Never install the artificial turf directly on the ground.

When installed on a hard surface, such as a balcony or roof/roof terrace, groundwork is obviously not required.

However, care must be taken to ensure that the substrate is level and properly drained before installation.

1. Stop watering the natural grass about three days before installation and allow the soil to dry out
2. Remove irrigation sprinklers and piping from the installation area. Also make sure that the irrigation system's inlet water is properly cut off.
3. Remove existing lawn and other vegetation from the installation area.
4. Dig out the soil from the installation area to a depth of about 15-20cm. Take into account the thickness of the layer of crushed stone required for removal so that the finished artificial grass surface is neatly level with the ground after installation.
5. Apply the filter fabric carefully to the installation area - the filter fabric should cover the entire ground area.
6. Apply a layer of crushed stone on top of the filter cloth. The thickness of the crushing layer should be about 10-15cm.
7. Water the crushed stone layer before levelling. Level and compact the crushed stone layer with a compactor/compactor. We recommend at least 60-80kg of compactor. During the compaction phase, take into account the water drainage required. The compactor can be conveniently hired from a local machine hire company.
8. After compaction, remove the large loose stones from the top of the crushing layer.
9. Spread a 2-5cm layer of fine aggregate (<4mm KaM) on top of the crushed stone layer.
10. Apply a safety underlay on top of the stone ash layer if there are e.g. playground equipment in the installation area.

• If there is an irrigation system at the installation site, try to avoid watering the previously existing natural grass at least 3 days before the installation.
• When receiving your delivery, please note that artificial grass weighs around 3-4kg/m2, and rolls are usually 4 metres long. It is a good idea to have enough helping hands, as well as pallets or, for example, a roller trolley, to move the rollers.
• When moving artificial grass rollers, adequate care must be taken, despite the weight: avoid bending or otherwise rough handling. Never double-fold your artificial grass! Also take care of safety at work - wear gloves and preferably safety shoes when installing and moving the artificial grass rollers.
• Before cutting the artificial grass to the dimensions you have planned, make sure that the artificial grass rolls you receive are the right size.
• Choose a suitable installation day: the best day for installation is a dry day with mild temperatures, around 10-25*C.
• Spread the grass rolls open, and let them rest for a couple of hours before installing. Remember the direction in which the grass fibres are tilted; take this into account when opening the rollers. Installation will be easier if the rolls are already opened in the right direction and facing the right way.

5.1 - OPENING THE ROLLS

Open at artificial grass rolls on site, and let the rolls straighten & settle for a couple of hours.

When opening the rolls, pay attention for the direction of the grass fibres and viewing direction.

Open the rolls so that the adjacent strips are overlapping about 10 centimeters. For the outer edges it's a good idea to leave about 10cm for cutting the edges.

Do not cut outer edges to their final shape, before seams are ready.

Make sure to distribute artificial grass rolls to rest steadily without wrinkles, nor it is also too tight.

Larger artificial grass strips in the layout can benefit from the use of a pulling claw.

5.2 - SEAMS CUTTING

Cutting the seams is the most precision-intensive part of the installation process. When cutting artificial turf, use a sharp carpet knife, or a cutting tool. You can also use a straight piece of board, for example, to help you achieve a straight cut line. Always cut the artificial grass from below - this way you avoid damaging the grass fibres. Cutting from below is also easier.

Cut straight cutting lines along the edges of the two grass strips for the seams. The bottom of the artificial turf shows where the cutting lines are: use the first cutting line as a guide to achieve a straight cutting line. Cut a seam line between the first and second line of fibre to help you to find the first line of fibre. The edges of the two strips of grass should be as close together as possible, but not overlapping, at the point to be seamed. You can use a seam straightener to help you align the seams. Make sure that the cut lines are as straight as possible so that the seam is also neat and unobtrusive. Do not glue the seam until you are sure that there are no gaps, for example.

Seamline attachment with adhesive tape:

- Carefully turn the edges of the grass strip open on both sides of the seam. Be careful not to bend it in such a way that the grass becomes wrinkled.
- Open the seam tape roll so that the centre of the roll is in line with the seam.
- Cut the tape to the length of the grass strip and remove the protective tape film.
- Turn the edges of the corners back over the seam tape, making sure that the seams still fit perfectly. Note that when the bottom of the grass touches the tape, the tape sticks immediately.
- Carefully press the edges of the grass at the seam onto the seam tape by walking over the edges several times. You can then place heavy objects on top of the seam for weight.

Note: Once the edges of the grass have been laid on top of the tape, do not lift the edges off the tape, e.g. to check if the tape is adhered. The tape attaches immediately, so lifting the edge may loosen or tear the seam tape.

5.4 - FINALISATION

Once the seams are attached, you can cut the outer edges to their final shape.

You can also border your artificial grass with a variety of materials, such as kerbs or durable wood - whatever suits your yard best.

After installing the artificial turf, spread the infill sand. For almost all artificial turf installations, we recommend light quartz sand with the smallest possible grain size, and rounded grains wherever possible. Depending on the wire length of the chosen artificial turf, we recommend adding approximately 3-8kg/m ².

To fill larger areas, you can use a filler spreader.

The infill sand adds weight to the grass, helping the artificial grass surface to stay in place better. It also helps the grass fibres to remain upright.

The stability of artificial grass can also be improved by using mounting pins and nails. We recommend the use of pins and/or nails, especially on sloping surfaces.

Finally, brush up the artificial grass yarns with a stiff-bristled brush or a motor brush.

Artificial grass is much easier to maintain than natural grass. With a little regular maintenance, you can keep your lawn clean and tidy for years to come:

Leaf removal and weeds: regularly remove leaves, twigs, cones and other organic matter from the lawn surface. It is a good idea to remove weeds before they take root. You can use a rake or a regular leaf blower to remove leaves and other material - it will not damage the grass fibres.

Objects on the grass: Placing heavy objects such as flower pots, a trampoline or a wading pool on top of your artificial grass will flatten the grass fibres. In the short term, this will not damage the artificial grass and you can brush the grass fibres back upright with a brush or power brush. Note that keeping heavy objects on the grass for long periods of time may leave a visible indentation after the object is removed.

Winter use: SYNLawn-artificial grass is resistant to frost and cold weather. In cold weather, the grass can be used normally. However, ice and packed snow can damage the grass fibres if they are removed mechanically. Always allow ice and packed snow to melt naturally.