How to prepare boulder wall to lay artificial turf?

[Snowgum]

Hi,

I want to lay artificial turf on top of my existing boulder wall. I’m thinking I should secure the edge rocks first but am unsure what the best way is. Would digging a trench that follows the rocks and filling with concrete be the best way to proceed? Happy to hear alternatives, I’m not super handy but am up for a project 😁

[JacobZ]

Hi @Snowgum,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is great to have you with us.

Adding concrete behind the wall is just going to add to the weight pushing against the wall, for this reason I wouldn't advise this. My advice would be to contact a professional who specialises in retaining walls, as the first step for preparing for artificial turf is to add a compacted base layer. I would be concerned that this could cause movement and possibly failure of the stone retaining wall. A professional opinion on whether the retaining wall is in good condition or not would be the best place to start.

The next thing I can see is that you will need to find a way to finish the artificial turf up against the stone retaining wall. This will be difficult without a straight edge to finish the turf up against. You could look into having the stone retaining wall replaced with retaining blocks or sleepers, as these will give a nice smooth line that you can finish the turf against. Alternatively, you could add some edging along the back of the block wall to create that nice clean line.

Alternatively, Bunnings have a range of options for natural turf and grass seeds that you might like to consider.

Let me know if you have any further questions or would like any more assistance.

Jacob

[Snowgum]

Thanks Jacob, good idea! It’s a new rock wall, only 1 year old. Had problems with the builder so have had to finish some things myself. I’ll go with cortex steel edging and plant some ground cover with good roots in front. Do you think I could do that bit first then add granite and compact? If I’m careful compacting along that edge maybe?

appreciate your help.

[MitchellMc]

If you were to use a hand tamper, that would be possible @Snowgum. I certainly wouldn't use a machine as it would likely disturb the roots.

Mitchell