1. Base Groundwork

At K9 Turf Hertfordshire we cannot enforce enough how important it is to have a strong and secure base for the installation. Having a solid subbase and using the correct material is important for any artificial grass installation, but it is incredibly important for a K9 Turf installation. If you want your artificial lawn to function 100% effectively then the required robust sub-base needs to be installed first. The reason this first step of the 4 phase installation process is so important is because it determines the lifespan of your artificial lawn, making sure that it will not sink or dip in certain places. The materials we use in the placing of our sub-base help the drainage system and flow of moisture which prevents the build-up of ammonia and harmful bacteria.

The first step is to remove any existing turf using a turf cutter and making sure every last bit is gone. We need the surface to be as smooth as possible before beginning the installation in order for the artificial grass to look as authentic as possible. This is done to a depth of 5-8cm, allowing enough room for the new base. If edging is needed to create a specific garden design, we use specialist steel core retaining edging. The steel edging is easy to install and can create any shape that you want such as a circle or straight edge allocating space for flowerbeds or plants. We do not use timber edging because over time this will rot when pets urinate on it and the nasty smell of pet urine will be held in the edging.

A layer of Type 1 MOT hardcore will then be installed to a depth of 75-100mm, but this depends on the levels at the site. This is then spread across the area and compacted using a Wacker Plate to create a secure, consolidated base. We recommend this type of hardcore due to its high level of strength and effectiveness.

The next layer of the subbase is essential as it acts as a drainage system underneath your artificial lawn. We use granite dust which is the best choice of material when it comes to creating a drainage system. Granite dust sets extremely hard which holds the hardcore in place underneath it, this is layered to a depth of 25mm. The reason we use granite dust rather than anything else e.g. sand, is because it is a porous material, meaning it allows moisture produced from pet waste to flow through more efficiently than if sand was used. Using sand is not recommended as it will create a strong scent of pet urine and this is not suitable for the K9 Turf installation process.

Once laid, the granite dust is then compacted to create a strong, solid surface ready to hold the K9 Turf and begin the installation. A 2cm gap between the lawn edge and the granite needs to be left to leave room for the blades of artificial grass. This will also prevent any trip hazards if too low, or a higher lawn than the rest of the garden. A weed membrane is not installed with K9 Turf as this slows down the drainage system and poor drainage can result in a nasty odour. In order to prevent weeds from growing up through your artificial lawn we use a water-based weed killer on the soil before the installation of the sub-base. We will also do this on the K9 Turf itself after it has been laid to prevent any airborne weeds from growing.

This procedure is Phase 1 of the four-phase installation system required for K9 Turf. Now, the sub-base is ready for installation of the Pro Flow polyurethane backed K9 Turf artificial grass.