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Can You Put Artificial Grass/Turf on Uneven Ground? (How To)

Maintaining grass and plants on uneven ground is a lot of hard work and can even be dangerous. That’s why artificial options are becoming more and more popular. Artificial grass or turf can be an attractive addition to any yard, especially when it works well with the rest of the landscape to create a specific atmosphere and ambiance. 

Putting artificial grass/turf on uneven ground can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. As long as every step is planned and executed carefully, even the hilliest landscape can be covered in beautiful grass.

Artificial grass on the ground

It will be necessary to get all the right tools and prepare the ground for the artificial covering, but once all that hard work is done, the area can look like something out of a landscaping magazine.

Uneven ground can seem like the last place you can put artificial grass or turf, but that’s not the case. Despite the horror stories of artificial grass slipping or shifting, fake greenery can be placed without worry.  It does require thorough planning, though, and should be done by professionals.

As long as the ground is prepared properly, the right tools are used, and the right people are involved, there is nothing that stops homeowners from placing grass or turf on uneven ground.

Artificial grass and turf can perform well and look amazing on slopes, but it should be noted that this kind of installation is different from an installation on even and flat ground. It is essential that professionals do the installation so slippage is avoided and proper drainage is ensured.

Should You Put Artificial Grass/Turf on Uneven Ground?

Man putting artificial grass on the ground

Now that it’s been established that it’s absolutely possible to put artificial grass and turf on uneven ground, an important question begs to be answered: should you install it on uneven ground?

There are many reasons to consider putting artificial grass/turf on uneven ground, such as it being lower maintenance. Artificial grass and turf will also look awesome no matter what the weather conditions or how much you forget to take care of your yard..

Artificial grass helps to limit weed growth, doesn’t require the installation and maintenance of an irrigation system, and can even help to control erosion. Having a lush, green slope (or slopes) can transform the way your yard looks as well.

What Tools Do You Need to Put Artificial Grass/Turf on Uneven Ground?

Tools use for artificial grass

Installing artificial grass or turf can be made incredibly difficult and frustrating if you’re not using the right tools. These tools can be purchased from a hardware shop if it’s not already lying around in the shed or garage.

Tools necessary for a successful grass/turf installation include a shovel, a pick, a rake, measuring tape, a wheelbarrow, a garden hose, a hammer, a sturdy broom (or good brush), and chalk or paint to mark measurements during the process.

In addition to those tools, the following items will also play an important role in ensuring the installation is successful:

  • Gloves
  • Cutting tool
  • Turf Infill
  • Turf nails
  • Seam tape

What Preparations Do You Need to Install Artificial Grass/Turf on Uneven Ground?

Man putting artificial grass on the ground

Before taking on the installation of artificial grass or turf on a hill or uneven ground, there are a few preparations that have to be done. Fail to make these preparations, and the whole project could be a failure.

Any grass that is currently growing should be removed, and the stones and other debris should be taken out. All obstacles must be removed until the soil underneath is visible. Before artificial turf/grass can be laid on the ground, it is necessary to make cuts that will prevent turf stress. 

Turf stress can cause wrinkles in the material because of leftovers. The cuts must be precise so the joints don’t show, and small cuts can be held in place with staples or nails. If the cuts are big, glue or tape can work just as well.

Timber should be prepared also, because it has to be installed at the top and bottom of the slope(s) to anchor the grass. This will prevent the material from moving around and increase the longevity of the installation.

How to Install Artificial Grass/Turf on Uneven Ground

Confused man standing

Installing artificial grass or turf is a timely process, but when planned well and done by professionals, it will be a piece of cake.

To install artificial grass, the slope or uneven ground should be prepared and timber placed in the right places to anchor the material. Then, the soil must be covered with a substrate layer and the drainage should be planned. Finally, the grass should be laid out and kept in place with glue.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how artificial grass/turf should be installed on uneven ground:

Remove All Grass and Plants

It goes without saying, but you can’t install artificial turf or grass on top of existing grass, plants, and shrubbery. It is important that all roots are removed entirely to prevent the plants from growing back and damaging the turf. 

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 14, 2022.

Clean the Ground

Next, the ground must be cleared of any loose rocks, embedded stones, and other items that may have been lying under the grass and plants. Ensure that there is nothing left that could damage the artificial grass.

Place the Timber

Timber must be installed at the top and bottom of the slopes to act as an anchor. Without this anchor, it will be difficult to install the artificial grass and there won’t be anything keeping it in place, which means there will be shifting and the grass could even slip completely.

The timber may have to be concreted in, and the artificial grass nailed into it. This will ensure the installation lasts many years without problems. Depending on the gradient of the uneven ground, timber may also have to be installed around the perimeter of the area.

Plan the Drainage

It’s important to consider drainage when installing artificial grass on uneven ground to prevent the pooling of water. For this purpose, cover the exposed soil with a substrate layer (like chippings or granite dust) or sand.

Use a layer of material that will encourage water to drain away through the artificial grass or turf. Make sure the layer is compacted and sturdy so the membrane that comes under the artificial grass has a good base to sit on.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 14, 2022.

Lay the Membrane

The next step is to lay the membrane on which the artificial grass or turf must be placed. It should be placed and fitted correctly to prevent the growth of any plants or weeds that may have been left behind in the soil.

The installation of a membrane will also prevent the artificial grass from sliding down the slope, making the entire process easier.

Install the Artificial Grass/Turf

Finally, it’s time to install the chosen artificial grass or turf. Line up the grass and nail it to the timber that has been installed on the top and bottom of the uneven ground. Ensure the grass fits nicely and evenly.

Glue all the grass joints and leave the glue to dry completely. Secure the grass around the perimeter and make sure that there is no unnatural movement. This can take a lot of time to get right, but it’s better to dedicate a lot of time than having to redo the entire process.

Settle the Artificial Grass with Sand

Once the artificial grass has been placed properly and looks as it should, some sanding will be required. This part of the process will help to ensure that the grass is pushed into the incline and fits snugly by weighing it down.

When done, use a sturdy brush to evenly spread the sand until the area looks as planned and desired. The sand will also help the grass blades to stand straighter, looking more attractive and real.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 14, 2022.

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