Artificial turf is a great alternative to a natural grass lawn, especially when it comes to saving water or increasing the value of your property. It is possible to lay artificial grass on soil, but it’s essential to properly prepare the soil beforehand to ensure a stable and long-lasting installation.

Do I need underlay for artificial grass?

It is not a requirement to apply an additional underlay beneath turf. However, many people use and recommend certain turf underlays for different applications: 

• Padded underlay for sports fields or turf laid on concrete to provide extra cushioning underfoot; 
• Drainage underlay on roofs with turf, concrete patios, lawns with poor drainage or flooding problems, and indoor athletic or pet facilities;
• Weed barriers for lawns and landscaping that’s prone to weed growth. Artificial turf itself and the turf installation process is usually enough to suppress weed growth, but every once in a while, a few can sneak through, and it’s hard to get rid of them once they do.If you are concerned about weeds growing, you can prevent this by installing a geotextile barrier around the outer edges. Alternatively, this weed barrier can be installed at the base. You can also place rodent wire here if your area is prone to mice or rats. 

You should never lay artificial grass directly on top of existing grass or bare dirt. A base is required to keep the artificial turf laying flat and even, allowing for drainage and preventing tears and damage. 

Here are the general steps to do so:

1. Prepare the soil: Clear the area of any debris, rocks, or weeds. Level the ground as much as possible to create a smooth surface for the artificial grass.
2. Compact the soil: Use a roller or tamper to compact the soil. This will help prevent unevenness or sinking of the artificial grass over time.
3. Install a base layer: To further stabilize the ground and aid drainage, you can add a layer of crushed rock or decomposed granite. Compact this layer as well.
4. Lay the artificial grass: After preparing the ground, roll out the artificial grass and trim it to fit the area. Ensure the grain of the grass is facing the same direction and that it fits neatly against any edges or borders. Use joining tape and adhesive to secure the seams if you’re working with multiple rolls.
5. Secure the edges: Fix the edges of the artificial grass with landscaping pins to keep it in place.
6. Add infill (optional): Infill material like silica sand or rubber granules can be added to improve the stability and resilience of the artificial grass. This step is optional, depending on the type of artificial grass you’re using.

Proper installation is crucial for the longevity and appearance of artificial grass. Following these steps will help ensure a more durable and visually appealing result. Additionally, always refer to the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the best installation practices, as they might have unique recommendations for their product.

If you’re uncertain about any step or if you’re dealing with a larger area or a complex landscape, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional or an expert in artificial grass installation to ensure it’s done correctly.