Choosing to install your own pet turf is a great way to increase the value of your property and give your family a place to play. If you are planning to install turf in your backyard, there are a few things you need to know about the process. These tips can help you make your installation process easy and enjoyable.

 

Laying down the turf

Getting your hands on some good pet turf is a great way to improve the quality of your lawn. However, it is important to know what to look for before you start the project.

The most obvious step in laying down pet turf is to remove the existing grass. This is a labor-intensive task. You may have to hire a professional or borrow a walk-behind tractor.

You may also need to clear out existing materials. This may include old asphalt or concrete. You may also need to purchase landscaping fabric. This will help prevent weeds from taking root.

One of the most important steps in laying down pet turf is to properly grade the area. There should be a slight slope for drainage.

A good way to do this is to use a drainage tile. The tiles will help improve drainage and air circulation.

You should also install a weed barrier. This durable cloth-like material will prevent weeds from growing through your artificial grass. However, it is important to note that the weed barrier can also make your turf smell.

Another good idea is to install a drainage core. This helps ventilate your artificial turf and allows for easy cleaning. The core should be installed around the perimeter of your lawn. It should be positioned at least 3" to 4" away from the grass edges.

One of the best ways to install pet turf is to use a weed barrier. This will not only prevent weeds from growing through your artificial grass, but it will also help to absorb urine. The best part is that the weed barrier will actually work.

To make this happen, you will need a few tools. You will also need to cut the turf to the proper size.

Applying the infill

Having the right infill installed during the pet turf installation process is vital. It helps to prevent wrinkling, matting, and movement of the turf blades. It also helps to protect the turf backing, and increases the life of the turf.

The types of infill available for synthetic turf include sand, silica sand, and rubber. Each of these offers different advantages. Sand infill is one of the most popular types of infill. It offers a more natural look and feel and also provides drainage. However, sand infill has been known to trap pet odors.

Silica sand is also an option for artificial grass infill. This type of infill has angular particles. It can be purchased in 100lb bags. Silica sand has been used for playgrounds and is ideal for areas with low traffic.

A popular type of infill is antibacterial coated sand. This type of infill is highly recommended for pet owners. It reduces dust, provides more impact absorbency, and kills bacteria.

Some types of infill also have deodorizing properties. Infill made of zeolite and copper slag also help to neutralize odors. They also help to absorb moisture and reduce the artificial grass's temperature.

The amount of infill required depends on the type of turf and the amount of foot traffic. It is recommended to use a minimum of two pounds per square foot for small dogs and three to four pounds per square foot for medium to large dogs.

A broom is a good option for spreading infill evenly. A power broom will also help. Be careful not to place nails on wrinkles, as this will cause frustration. Also, if you have a new synthetic turf surface, it is best to install the infill early in the day.

Protecting the turf from soil and debris

Using the right products to protect your pet turf from soil and debris can help keep your lawn looking fresh, smelling clean and retaining its luster. When choosing a turf, be sure to note the types of grass commonly found in your area. You'll want to find a product that's made from a reputable manufacturer that's known for its quality.

There are several other ways to protect your turf, including installing a waterproof border. These are designed to keep out weeds, mud, and heavy equipment. If you haven't already done so, it's a good idea to lay a plastic bender board around your artificial turf's edges.

If you're installing your artificial turf on a concrete slab, a rubber shock pad is recommended. This will provide cushion for your feet and prevent your artificial turf from slamming around.

Using the proper base for your artificial turf can also make a big difference. It's important to choose a base that is level, smooth and free of weeds. The surface should be trimmed to avoid warping.

Using the proper adhesive for your turf is also a must. You can use a specialized adhesive designed for artificial grass or a urethane-based glue. If you're not sure what type of adhesive to use, the folks at Turf Factory Direct can help.

There are also a few other ways to protect your turf from dirt and debris. Using the correct tools and a bit of creativity can help ensure a healthy, beautiful, and pest free lawn.

The most important thing to remember is that artificial turf is not always as easy to clean as its natural counterpart. A hose or a good old-fashioned scrubbing can help you get the job done, but be careful not to oversoak your artificial turf, as this can cause it to deteriorate.

Nail-free installation

Having a nail-free installation of pet turf can be a great way to make your yard pet-friendly. However, you have to be careful. If you don't have a lot of experience with this type of installation, you might end up wasting money and time.

First, you will need to prepare the base. This includes removing about two inches of dirt from the ground. You will also need to fill in the base with class II road base material. This is a coarse material that can be bought at a local gravel pit.

Using a rake or a heavy drum roller, level the dirt. You will need to make a 2% grade for drainage. This will help keep water from flowing away from your home.

Next, you will need to lay out the turf. This is similar to installing carpet in your home. You will need to create a smooth surface, define edges, and make sure that there are no obstructing objects in the way.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you may want to consider using a vibratory plate compactor to level the dirt. This will allow you to compact the dirt and make it easier to spread out. You can also use a hand tamp to make small areas easier to deal with.

When installing the turf, you will also want to make sure that you create an edge. This is important because it helps keep the turf in place. You will need to lay out the turf in sunlight for at least one hour.

You will also need to stretch the turf out. This is a great way to make sure that your yard is as clean as possible. You will also want to make sure that you have all of the proper tools.

Preventing odors

During the installation process, there are a few things you can do to prevent odors. This includes using the proper infill. You should use an infill that is designed for pet applications. This will help to keep your turf looking good all year.

A common infill for artificial turf is rubber pellets. These pellets are hot for pets and can help to absorb bacteria. They also add volume to the artificial turf. However, they are not the best choice for odor control.

Another type of infill is quartz sand. This type of infill is inexpensive and helps to keep the blades of artificial grass upright. It also helps with excellent drainage. However, quartz sand can trap odors.

If you have a persistent odor, you may want to try commercial cleaning solutions. These solutions have a spray on application. You should apply the solution on the affected area and leave it for a few minutes. Then, you should rinse with a hose nozzle. This will help the solution drain into your yard.

You can also remove odors by using natural products. Baking soda is an effective way to absorb odors. This substance converts into carbon dioxide when rain falls. Spread it around your synthetic turf to help keep it smelling fresh. You can also use a brush to scrub away stubborn spots.

Using a combination of water and soap is also a good option. You can also use a leaf blower to blow off any debris that may be blocking your turf's drainage system. This will help to ensure that the urine is draining correctly.

Another option is to use a pet-friendly disinfectant. These products are designed to fight bacteria and mold, and help to keep your turf free from odors. You can apply the solution for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse the area thoroughly.

Sponsored by Phoenix Pet Turf