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  • Grass That Will Last a Lawn, Lawn Time
  • Grass That Will Last a Lawn, Lawn Time
    From "Grounds for Improvement"
    episode DGFI-209


    PHOTO

    Figure A
    Grace and Mark Hallett have always wanted a tranquil and colorful space in their barren backyard, but due to the heat and dry conditions of the Nevada climate, it's been impossible to achieve. But with the help of a synthetic lawn, their dream is about to become a reality (figure A). And as an added bonus, this lawn will never require mowing, fertilizing or watering.

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    After raking up the large surface calichi rocks, a 3"-4"deep sub-base of gravel is poured, leveled, graded and compacted with a plate compactor, creating a flat foundation for the synthetic turf. With the first layer in place, a second layer of gravel is poured, leveled and sprayed down with water before being compacted. Next an 8" metal edging is installed to form a boundary between the lawn and the path; the sub-base close to the edging is firmed with a hand tamp (figure B) (figure C).
    Photo

    Figure B

    Photo

    Figure C


    The synthetic nylon turf is now ready for installation. This type of lawn comes in various styles, with prices ranging from $2-$6 per square foot. It has a porous matting that allows water to drain through to the sub-base, and stains or pet odors can be removed with a solution of vinegar and water.

    After rolling it in place, a carpet cutter is used to cut off any excess and slits are cut in the lawn to fit it around fencing posts (figure D). Six-inch nails are placed 6" apart and 1" back from one edge and hammered into the ground, making sure the nailheads are buried below the carpet fibers. Additional nails are placed intermittently along the turf edges (figure E). A knee-kicker is then used to remove bubbles and wrinkles from the turf (figure F).
    Photo

    Figure D

    Photo

    Figure E

    Photo

    Figure F



    RESOURCES :

    Black and Decker tools
    Website: www.blackanddecker.com
    Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
    Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm

    Porter-Cable Tools
    Porter-Cable Corporation
    Website: www.deltaportercable.com

    Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Website: www.irwin.com

    Ames True Temper Tools
    Ames-True Temper
    Website: www.ames-truetemper.com

    American Society of Landscape Architects

    Delta Tools
    Deltak Power Tools
    Website: www.deltamachinery.com

    Sealants
    OSI Sealants, Inc.
    Website: www.osisealants.com

    Fountain provided by Al's Garden Art
    Al's Garden Art
    Website: www.alsgardenart.com

    Plants provided by Star Nursery

    Artificial grass
    Synlawn
    Website: www.synlawn.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: