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When I observed most installers beginning a project, they typically started by buying weed fabric from the local hardware store, rolling it out, and securing it with landscape staples. Then, they would lay aggregates on top to build the base. I used to do this too. However, is it really the best approach? The more important question is, does it actually work? In most cases, no. And in some cases, it's a harmful idea.
Why do we use geotextiles in installation?
Using geotextile in turf installation can offer several benefits such as:
1. Improved stability.
2. Reduced weed growth.
3. Enhanced drainage.
Here's how you might use geotextile in synthetic turf installation:
1. Base Preparation: After excavating the area for the turf, you would typically add a base layer of crushed stone or aggregate. Before adding the base material, you can lay down a geotextile fabric to help stabilize the base and prevent the growth of weeds.
2. Weed Prevention: Geotextile can act as a barrier to prevent weeds from growing up through the turf. By placing the geotextile fabric over the prepared base, you create a barrier that inhibits weed growth while still allowing for water drainage.
3. Base Stability: Geotextile can improve the stability of the base layer by distributing loads more evenly and reducing the risk of settling. This can help ensure that your synthetic turf remains level and well-supported over time.
4. Drainage Enhancement: Some geotextiles are designed to enhance drainage by allowing water to pass through while preventing soil and other particles from clogging the drainage system. This can help prevent waterlogging and prolong the life of your turf.
5. Installation: When installing the geotextile, ensure that it is placed smoothly and without wrinkles to maximize its effectiveness. Overlapping seams and securing the fabric with staples or other fasteners can help create a seamless barrier.
By incorporating geotextile into your synthetic turf installation, you can improve the performance and longevity of your turf while minimizing maintenance requirements. HOWEVER, this is the general use of geotextiles.
Different projects require different materials. It’s not one fabric fits all situation.
For example: Placing the wrong geotextile under a tree and covering its base matte could end up damaging the tree. See my section on Trees.
The soil you use is important! Did you know that wrong geotextile with certain soils can enhance the growth of vegetation?
Are you familiar with soil mechanics?
Soil mechanics involves comprehending the physical properties and behaviors of soils. Including their deformation, compaction, and flow under various stresses and conditions. This general knowledge is critical in designing foundations, earthworks, and retaining structures. As well as in evaluating soil stability and contamination.
That’s a little overboard is it not? Your building outdoor foundation that must withstand the elements and, in most cases, needs to last as long as the turfs life. Let’s consider a couple of other things. What about the weeds? Absorption of bacteria and urine in the actual materials you’re putting down.
Here’s a practical example of soil mechanics at work.
Many installers in my area use decomposed granite. It’s a good aggregate and in most cases recommended. If you have and understanding of what you just installed.
Decomposed granite (DG) is a type of finely crushed and weathered granite material that is often used for turf installations. While decomposed granite itself does not provide significant nutritional value, it can have some indirect benefits for plants and soil:
1. Drainage: Decomposed granite has excellent drainage properties, allowing water to percolate through easily. This can be beneficial for plants that prefer well-draining soil conditions.
2. Mineral Content: Granite is composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica, which contain minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Over time, as decomposed granite breaks down further, these minerals can become available to plants, providing some nutritional benefits.
3. Soil Structure: Decomposed granite can help improve soil structure by adding texture and aeration. This can promote root growth and microbial activity, which are essential for nutrient uptake by plants.
4. Acidic pH: Granite is typically acidic, and as decomposed granite weathers, it can lower the pH of the soil. This acidic environment may benefit acid-loving plants but may not be suitable for plants that prefer alkaline soil.
Here is the point. Different types of grass/vegetation have specific soil pH preferences, and knowing these preferences is vital for weed control. Grass generally thrives in soil with a pH range of 6 to 7, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Think That’s important? Better believe it is!
Case Study
Here, a non-Woven Geotextile was used on the ground after removing the grass. Once the fabric was down the DG was installed on top. Typical practice in the industry.
However, after a year, here is the result. The geotextile became a root stabilizer which caught all the nutrition from the granite. The grass roots literally flourished and spread rapidly under the turf, through the turf, and through the geotextile.
This was not an easy repair. Once the nails oxidized and we began pulling out the nails, the granite base came with the nails. That means the base had to be built again and, in many cases, it will never be as compacted as it should be. See anchors/embeds for a better method!
This was an expensive repair for the client. This is but one case study of many.
But I think you get the idea.
Why?
Before beginning this blog, I was frequently asked by manufacturers and industry leaders why I hadn't started sooner. My reason was that I wanted to delay until I had sufficient time to observe various projects and assess how the environment would react to different installation techniques.
I aimed to gather a diverse sampling of turfs, geotextiles, aggregates, on projects of various sizes to accurately determine what worked best. I hadn't initially realized the multitude of factors at play in what, in my mind, was an easy to do turf installation. Well, I was wrong!
Through years of installation, learning from mistakes, repairing my work and that of others, and collaborating with industry leaders, I have amassed sufficient case studies to share my findings and offer some general advice. It is also why I’m so adamant about certified techniques.
With that said, I can only encourage others to educate themselves and to do the right things for the industry. With that I will leave you with some general information to review.
General Textile Information
Geotextiles are permeable fabrics used in construction and civil engineering applications. They are designed to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, and/or drain soil. There are several types of geotextiles, each with specific characteristics and uses:
1. Woven Geotextiles: These geotextiles are made by weaving synthetic fibers together. They are strong, durable, and have good filtration and separation properties. They are often used in road construction, erosion control, and soil stabilization applications.
2. Non-Woven Geotextiles: Non-woven geotextiles are made by bonding synthetic fibers together. They are permeable and provide good filtration and separation capabilities. They are commonly used in drainage systems, landscaping, and erosion control.
3. Knitted Geotextiles: Knitted geotextiles are made by knitting synthetic fibers together. They are flexible and conform well to irregular surfaces. They are often used in coastal and hydraulic engineering applications.
4.Composite Geotextiles: Composite geotextiles are made by combining different types of geotextiles or adding other materials such as membranes or films. They are used to achieve specific performance requirements, such as enhanced strength or filtration.
5. Geogrids: Geogrids are a type of geotextile made from polymer materials. They have a grid-like structure that provides high tensile strength. Geogrids are used for soil reinforcement in retaining walls, slopes, and embankments.
6. Coir Geotextiles: Coir geotextiles are made from coconut fibers. They are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Coir geotextiles are used in erosion control, landscaping, and slope stabilization applications.
7. Natural Fiber Geotextiles: Geotextiles can also be made from natural fibers such as jute or sisal. These materials are biodegradable and can be used in erosion control and landscaping applications.
Each type of geotextile has its advantages and is selected based on the specific requirements of the project, such as soil conditions, drainage needs, and durability requirements.
These types of geotextiles are the most commonly used under synthetic turf:
1. Woven Geotextile: Woven geotextiles are strong and durable, making them suitable for applications where high strength is required. They are often used for separation and stabilization under synthetic turf to prevent intermixing of different soil layers.
2. Non-Woven Geotextiles: Non-woven geotextiles are commonly used for filtration, drainage, and separation. They are lightweight and have good water permeability, making them suitable for use under synthetic turf to promote drainage and prevent soil compaction.
3. Composite Geotextiles: Composite geotextiles combine the properties of woven and non-woven geotextiles. They are used when a combination of strength, filtration, and drainage properties is required under synthetic turf.
4. Geocomposite Drainage Nets: These geotextiles consist of a combination of geotextile fabric and drainage netting. They are used to provide both filtration and drainage under synthetic turf, ensuring that water drains away efficiently.
5. Porous Pavers: While not strictly geotextiles, porous pavers are often used under synthetic turf to provide a stable base that allows for water infiltration. They are made from plastic or concrete and can help manage stormwater runoff. Look for my section on panels and pavers
The choice of geotextile depends on factors such as the specific requirements of the project, the soil conditions, and the desired performance of the synthetic turf system.
Digging Critters
To keep chipmunks and other digging animals from digging through your turf, you would typically use geotextiles with a higher level of durability and resistance to burrowing.
Non-woven geotextiles made from polypropylene or polyester are commonly used for this purpose. These materials are strong, flexible, and resistant to degradation from outdoor exposure, making them effective at deterring burrowing animals like chipmunks. Additionally, you may need to consider other factors such as the installation method and any additional barriers or deterrents needed to fully protect the area from chipmunk intrusion.
Geotextiles and Trees
When selecting a geotextile for use around trees, it's important to consider the specific needs of the trees and the surrounding soil. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
1. Root Growth: Trees have expansive root systems that can be affected by the presence of a geotextile. Choose a geotextile that allows for root growth and does not inhibit the tree's natural development.
2. Water Permeability: The geotextile should allow for water penetration to reach the tree's roots. Look for a geotextile with good water permeability to ensure proper drainage and moisture management.
3. Strength and Durability: Select a geotextile that is strong and durable enough to withstand the weight of soil and any potential root growth pressure. This will help prevent tearing and damage over time.
4. Root Protection: Some geotextiles come with root protection properties, which can be beneficial in preventing roots from penetrating undesired areas, such as pavements or structures.
5. Biodegradability: If you prefer a more environmentally friendly option, consider a biodegradable geotextile that will break down over time, allowing roots to grow through it.
6. Installation Ease: Choose a geotextile that is easy to install and can be cut or shaped to fit around the tree's roots and base.
Overall, a geotextile that balances water permeability, strength, root protection, and environmental considerations would be ideal for use around trees.
Aggregates
Last Section and I honestly need to add this to the Base section as well.
Soil mechanics involves comprehending the physical properties and behaviors of soils, including their deformation, compaction, and flow under various stresses and conditions. This field is critical in designing foundations, earthworks, and retaining structures, as well as in evaluating soil stability and contamination.
Aggregates used for synthetic turf bases can vary based on the specific requirements of the project, but some common types include:
1. Crushed Stone: Crushed stone is a popular choice for synthetic turf bases due to its durability and ability to provide good drainage.
2. Crushed Gravel: Similar to crushed stone, crushed gravel is often used for its drainage properties and ability to create a stable base.
3. Crushed Concrete: Recycled crushed concrete can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates. It offers good drainage and stability.
4. Aggregate Base Course (ABC): This is a mixture of crushed rock, gravel, and stone dust that is compacted to create a stable base for synthetic turf.
5. Silica Sand: While not technically an aggregate, silica sand is often used in conjunction with aggregates to improve drainage and provide a stable base.
The choice of aggregate will depend on factors such as the specific requirements of the project, the local climate, and the budget. It's important to consult with a professional to determine the best aggregate for your synthetic turf base.
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