Artificial grass is one of the most popular landscaping solutions on the market today thanks to its low maintenance requirements, evergreen appearance, and long-term cost savings. When you invest in synthetic turf, you’re investing in a home improvement that should last you for years or even decades to come. 

Whether you’re a homeowner trying to DIY your artificial grass installation or a professional synthetic turf installer, it can be tricky to ensure that you have everything you need to get the job done. After all, failing to invest in the proper supplies can reduce the lifespan of your artificial turf installation and reduce the long-term value of the investment. If you’re planning to install synthetic grass landscaping for yourself or a client, make sure you have these four essential turf installation tools to properly install high-quality synthetic grass landscaping and create an outdoor oasis that will last for years to come.

Weed Barrier

Although synthetic turf discourages weed growth, it doesn’t prevent it altogether, and adding a weed prevention fabric will help ensure that weeds can’t grow between seams in your new turf installation. Weed barriers are installed as the final step of the base prep phase, covering the sub-base before the synthetic grass product is laid down. 

Weed barriers are strong enough to prevent weeds from taking root, yet they’re porous enough to allow all water and liquid nutrients through to properly drain. They also act as an additional stabilizer and soil separator for your synthetic grass lawn. Made from non-woven, sheer black fabric, SGW Bay Area’s weed fabric is a top choice among turf installers nationwide. It has professional-grade weed and erosion control, with a 15-year warranty to support its effectiveness. It resists mildew, rotting, and insect invasion, and it’s extremely durable and tear-resistant.

Infill

Turf infill, which refers to the products placed between the blades of a synthetic grass lawn, is a crucial component of any good turf installation. Infill most importantly provides ballast, weighting down the grass and helping the turf blades maintain their upright position while reducing the risk of wrinkling on the turf’s surface. It also gives artificial grass the cushioned feeling of natural sod, mimicking the way soil absorbs impacts, and shields the turf’s backing from the sun’s UV rays.

There are many options for infill products, so it’s important to choose the right material. Silica sand, rubber, and brands like Envirofill each have their own unique benefits depending on your project’s needs. Some infill are antimicrobial, some are designed for use on pet-friendly turf, and some can help keep your turf’s surface cooler. Each infill material and brand has distinct pros and cons, so reach out to your artificial turf distributor for assistance in choosing the right infill for your installation.

Fasteners & Adhesives

When installing multiple rolls of turf, the synthetic grass will need to be secured both to the ground underneath and to each other. This is where artificial turf fasteners and adhesives come in. Fasteners such as stakes, spikes, and staples are essential for holding the turf down and keeping them in place temporarily during the installation process. These tools are typically used to secure the artificial grass in place as you align the turf rolls and cut them to size. 

To secure the turf to the sub-base without visible seams or protruding stakes, we recommend using seam tape and adhesive. After lining up the seams and securing them temporarily with nails, place the seam tape on the ground with the sticky side up, securing it every so often if necessary to keep it lined up. Once the full length of tape has been laid out, set the grass in place and apply weight along the seam to ensure the turf binds with the tape. Allow it to sit overnight for a strong hold.

Underpadding

If you have a backyard that your kids love to play in, a school playground that needs renovating, or an athletic field that’s seen better days, synthetic turf landscaping is an ideal solution. It remains safe and comfortable for kids and athletes while staying evergreen year-round. If you want to further enhance the safety of your backyard, for whatever you use it for, SGW’s underpad is specially designed to deliver additional shock absorbency

SGW’s Tiger Pad comes in a range of heights from ¾ inches to 2⅛ inches. Like all of our playground turf products, the underpad is IPEMA-certified and meets or exceeds all standards set by the American Society for Testing and Material. When used with our PlayScapes system — a playground landscaping system specially engineered to be safe and fun for kids — our underpad layer protects kids from impact injuries and falls from up to 10 feet high. Our foam padding also maintains GMax scores, so you can rest assured that our artificial turf products are some of the safest and most durable landscaping options available on the market for children’s use. 

If you need guidance in choosing the right artificial turf installation accessories, speak to your installer or contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse location. We can help you find the perfect synthetic grass products for your home or business. SGW Bay Area has been an industry leader for more than 20 years, helping distributors, installers and homeowners alike with all their artificial grass installation needs. To find out more about artificial grass wholesale or to receive guidance with your next turf grass installation, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse facility today.