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How to remove grass to prepare for an artificial lawn installation
In order to install an artificial lawn that will look good and be functional, you will need to remove the existing grass so you can create a draining sub-base.
It’s possible to remove turf from the garden by hand or with the help of some professional tools that remove grass more easily.
How you want to approach taking up grass may depend on how large the space you’re tackling is; it’s hard work that will require bending down and the use of some force.
Things to prepare beforehand for your sod removal
- Have a flat, sharp, moderate width shovel to hand.
- Cut the grass to make it more manageable for disposal.
- Water the ground to loosen the soil if not moist already.
- Have a wheelbarrow handy for removal of turf.
Removing grass in a small area
For small areas it is possible to use only a spade to remove your sod. You can do this by cutting vertical lines into the lawn at about 2-3 inches deep, then repeating so you have parallel lines throughout the whole lawn. The width of these strips can vary, you’ll want it wider than the width of your shovel.
When you’ve created the parallel lines you can then work on creating a removal pad. Go to the far end of a strip and work backwards, using the spade to cut between the lines to create a square pad. When you have a square shape, begin to lift the front side with the edge of your spade to get some purchase then shove the spade underneath the grass to sever the roots and dig up the grass.
Grass roots don’t tend to be too strong or deep so you shouldn’t have too much resistance. However the work is hard so make sure you’re dressed appropriately and take regular breaks if you’re not used to this kind of activity.
Removing turf in a large area
For a larger area you may find that using a turf cutter makes it much quicker and easier to take up grass. A turf cutter is a motorised piece of equipment you can hire that easily cuts your grass into strips for you to be able to remove or roll up.
You may want to check the depth of your lawn, and the depth of the machine before starting to make sure that the cutter will work correctly. It’s advisable to check the lawn for any stones to remove before starting so you don’t damage the machine.
You can easily create strips with a turf cutter meaning you can make them more frequent and break up the lawn more easily, which helps speed up removing chunks of earth. You will still require a spade and wheelbarrow to dig up the grass once cut.
Want the next steps in artificial lawn installation?
We have a step by step guide to artificial lawn installation we’ve been using for almost two decades to create a lawn that looks good and lasts. You may find other answers in our FAQ section or can give us a call on 0800 2100 461 for further advice.
Sounds like a lot of effort? Get a quote for artificial grass installation from the experts…
If you’re looking for a fuss-free experience creating your artificial lawn then save yourself the hours and muscle soreness by getting a quote from the experts! Our realistic artificial grass suits all types of garden style, with child and pet-friendly options to recommend.
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We provide artificial turf installation for a range of garden styles and sizes. Check out our Portfolio section to see some of the previous projects completed by Trulawn or a Trulawn franchise.
