When opting for artificial installation, the customization level of your space is completely up to you. While some material add-ons are necessary for a quality installation, others can be used as an added layer of protection. Below we'll walk you through our most sought out add-ons, and discuss when they're most beneficial!
This is a plastic edging product for landscape borders. The result is a pliable and strong board that is able to contour evenly and consistently. We apply this around the perimeter of our installation to separate the turf from bushes, fences, and other surfaces. The downfall to this product is that it's nearly impossible to install in a straight line. When the landscape requires a straight border, treated wood boards must be substituted.
Treated wood boards are made with wood that is chemically treated to resist acts of nature. This includes moisture and fluctuating temperatures. They also won't expand with a change in temperature and will hold a very durable straight line serving you for years to come.
Aluminum bender boards are a longer-lasting upgrade from plastic bender boards. They don't discolor over time and we can achieve a more precise installation with these heavy-duty borders. These are commercial-grade, so they're often used for heavily trafficked areas, playgrounds, and parks. To get an idea of the price of bender boards, request a custom estimate specific to your project in 2 minutes or less below!
Weed barriers won't stop weeds from growing. What it does is prevent seeds from being able to get underneath the soil and spread. We don't recommend this option because the fabric locks in bacteria, but we keep it around for clients who prioritize weed prevention over other factors. Even with this installation, weeds can develop along the edges and in cracks. We strongly advise anyone with pets or children to avoid this due to the possibility of bacteria build-up.
Weed preventer is an herbicide used during installation to prevent the widespread of weeds. Please note that we can't guarantee the removal of all weed growth, just greatly prevent it.
Antibacterial sand is plastic-coated sand. Its granules are round rather than sharp, allowing for better turf ventilation. Bacteria growth is restrained by the coating. It is cooler than silica sand and doesn't create dust particles. Because the granules are non-abrasive it also makes the turf softer and more child and pet-friendly.
This substance is a negatively charged volcano ash. When wet, it releases a cleaning substance and sends water horizontally. We use this to control odors under the turf. It is typically a popular add-on in spaces that are occasionally used for pet relief.
For projects that need to be pet-friendly and child-safe, we make the installation nail-free. It’s also a must in commercial spaces where customers are left unsupervised. This is because over time nails can detach from the surface and become a safety hazard. In this method, we will install a frame along the perimeter and attach the turf with 16-gauge galvanized staples. This is also beneficial if your dog likes to dig in the lawn because they're nearly impossible to detach.
Artificial turf blocks water and oxygen from getting under the surface. To prevent trees from dying, we must provide oxygen to the roots. In order to do this, we drill 2-3 columns around the tree and reroute water to it. All that will be visible are flat caps that resemble a drain. With this add-on, the artificial grass can be installed all the way to the tree stem making your lawn look even more natural!
The pet system is a washable solution that helps keep the area free of odor. However, the area has to be rinsed and sanitized consistently to control the smell. We use turf deodorizer and antibacterial sand to fight the bacteria and smell. A drain mat can also be installed to allow for better ventilation and drainage of urine - usually for commercial spaces.
Galvanized nails are nails that are coated with a protective zinc oxide layer to prevent rust and are commonly used in outdoor projects. With a typical synthetic turf installation involving nails, we use non-galvanized nails because we want the nails to rust. When it rusts it will swell which helps secure the turf to the base layer.
In a turf installation, it is important to understand what form of binding adhesive will work best for your specific project. For the large majority of landscape installations, the installers will use nails and staples as opposed to a sticky alternative such as glue and seaming tape. The seams are easier to manipulate when using nails. However, there are certain scenarios that require an alternative combination of seaming tape and glue.
And there you have it, our most common material add-ons. While this list will help you better understand your needs, it can still be a little overwhelming to pick and choose based on priorities. Don't worry, we're here to help! Request an estimate with us to get your project started.