Proper drainage for your artificial turf will help to increase its longevity and keep it dry. Drainage systems prevent puddles of water on the artificial grass and help prevent the growth of mold and mildew so your turf can maintain its lush, green appearance. Here are five ways of providing proper drainage for your artificial turf:
1. Assess the Current Drainage
Start by assessing the drainage of the area where you plan to install your artificial turf. Check for soggy soils, low spots that accumulate water, and other signs of poor drainage. To get better drainage, you can avoid such areas or seal the low spots before installing synthetic turf. The type of soil determines how well your yard will drain.
In areas with clay soils, you will need more drainage channels. Having access to downspouts, pipes, and other drainage features shows a good drainage system. Prioritizing such areas with an effective drainage system helps you maintain and use your synthetic turf for a long time.
2. Grade and Slope Your Base
Slope and grade your ground before you put down synthetic turf. Turf installation experts will help ensure the slope is steep enough to enable runoff without creating an uneven surface. A shovel can be used to remove raised and uneven parts of your yard.
A rake may also help make sure your slope is smooth and consistent. Some installation teams apply a laser level to obtain a uniform slope. When adjusting the ground level, making sure the slope leans toward drainage points helps prevent puddles.
3. Install a Drainage Layer
Including a layer of drainage beneath the artificial grass helps prevent pooling above the soil’s surface. The water drains through this component and away from the synthetic turf. You may install washed gravel evenly across the slope and make sure the gravel is level. In areas with clay soils, having a geotextile material between the drainage layer and the clay soil can help avoid clogging.
4. Incorporate Surface Drainage
Surface drainage features like trenches and channels strategically placed across your lawn should help divert runoff away from the artificial grass. The surface drainage features are made by forming shallow, gently sloping channels for drainage across an area to channel water flow. The shallow channels are connected to pipes that work as outlets. You could connect the trenches to downspouts for effective drainage.
5. Perform Maintenance and Monitoring
Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of your turf’s drainage system. This can show you signs of deteriorating drainage, such as clogged drains and water puddles, so you can conduct the necessary maintenance. Using brooms or a leaf blower might help clear debris that accumulates within the channels of drainage or on top of the synthetic grass. Make sure to refresh the material you use as infill helping maintain a uniform level for your turf.
Install an Artificial Turf Today
Trusted artificial turf distributors can help make sure you have proper drainage for your synthetic turf. They have the tools and experience to install effective drainage systems such as trenches and spouts. Some may offer maintenance services to make sure you have a working drainage system. Synthetic turfs can serve you for a long time when you have an effective and well-maintained drainage system. Contact artificial turf distributors today to learn more about ways you can enhance drainage for your artificial turf.