Are you considering installing artificial grass in your yard but worried about pesky gophers ruining your investment? Look no further than gopher wire.
While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, gopher wire can provide peace of mind and long-term durability for your artificial grass installation. Not only does it prevent sinkholes and bumps caused by tunneling critters, but it also eliminates the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of installing gopher wire under your artificial grass and why it’s worth the investment.
Do You Need Gopher Wire Under Artificial Grass
The short answer is yes, you do need gopher wire under artificial grass. Gophers can cause significant damage to natural grass lawns by digging tunnels underground and pushing up mounds of dirt. This can ruin the appearance of your lawn and make it difficult to walk or play on. In addition to destroying your lawn, gophers can also damage underground pipes and cables, and even the foundations of buildings.
Installing artificial grass with a protective gopher wire underlayment is a simple and effective solution to this problem. The protective gopher wire is made of a galvanized steel mesh that gophers cannot burrow through and is placed underground before the artificial grass subbase is installed. This process not only prevents gophers from tunneling but also eliminates the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Artificial grass is a type of synthetic turf that looks and feels like real grass but doesn’t require any maintenance or watering. It’s also much more durable than natural grass and can withstand heavy foot traffic and weather conditions. The protective gopher wire is installed over the native soil and nailed down prior to the aggregate subbase being installed. Once the gopher wire, perimeter frames, and subbase are installed, the artificial grass is then laid out and secured in place.
The benefits of installing artificial grass with protective gopher wire are numerous. Not only does it solve the problem of gophers destroying natural grass lawns, but it also eliminates the need for watering, fertilizing, and mowing. It provides a safe, durable, and beautiful surface for children and pets to play on. Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly option that doesn’t harm wildlife or the ecosystem.
The Problem With Gophers And Artificial Grass
Gophers can be a real problem for natural grass lawns. They dig tunnels underground and push up mounds of dirt, which can ruin the appearance of your lawn and make it difficult to walk or play on. In addition to destroying your lawn, gophers can also damage underground pipes and cables, and even the foundations of buildings. One solution to this problem is to replace your natural grass lawn with artificial grass.
While artificial grass does not guarantee an end to your gopher problem, it does make your lawn area a less desirable spot for tunneling. However, there is a negative to laying artificial grass to stop gophers digging holes in your lawn. Whilst it removes the main grass diet of gophers, it will also remove other aspects of the backyard’s ecosystem. You will find that the biodiversity of your yard is dramatically reduced, as you no longer have a material that wildlife can thrive in.
To prevent gophers from damaging your artificial grass installation, it is essential to install a protective layer of gopher wire underneath. The gopher wire is made of a galvanized steel mesh that gophers cannot burrow through and is placed underground before the artificial grass subbase is installed. This process not only prevents gophers from tunneling but also eliminates the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Installing artificial grass with protective gopher wire has numerous benefits. It solves the problem of gophers destroying natural grass lawns, eliminates the need for watering, fertilizing, and mowing, provides a safe and durable surface for children and pets to play on, and is an environmentally friendly option that doesn’t harm wildlife or the ecosystem.
What Is Gopher Wire And How Does It Work?
Gopher wire is a type of metal mesh that is specifically designed to prevent gophers from burrowing underground and damaging your lawn or plants. The wire is typically made from 20-gauge wire and has a hexagonal shape with a diameter of 3/4 inch. It is double-galvanized to resist rust and corrosion, making it durable and long-lasting.
The gopher wire is installed underground, a few inches below the soil surface, to create a barrier that gophers cannot penetrate. When installed under grass, a layer of dirt is placed on top of the mesh before the sod or seed is laid. This ensures that the wire is not visible and does not interfere with the appearance of your lawn.
Gopher wire can also be used to protect individual plants by placing wire baskets around their roots. These baskets are made from the same durable metal mesh as the rolls and can be reused and stored flatly for future use.
While gopher wire does not harm or kill gophers, it effectively prevents them from accessing your lawn or garden. This eliminates the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it an eco-friendly solution to gopher intrusion.
The Benefits Of Using Gopher Wire Under Artificial Grass
There are several benefits to using gopher wire under artificial grass. Firstly, it prevents gophers from tunneling and causing damage to your lawn. This means that your lawn will remain smooth and even, without any bumps or dips caused by gopher tunnels. Additionally, the protective gopher wire eliminates the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals that can harm the environment.
Secondly, artificial grass with gopher wire is a low-maintenance option. Unlike natural grass, it doesn’t require watering, fertilizing, or mowing. This not only saves you time and money but also reduces your carbon footprint by conserving water resources.
Thirdly, artificial grass is much more durable than natural grass and can withstand heavy foot traffic and weather conditions. This means that your lawn will remain beautiful and green all year round without any yellowing or bald spots caused by foot traffic.
Lastly, installing artificial grass with gopher wire provides a safe surface for children and pets to play on. The protective gopher wire ensures that there are no holes or tunnels that could pose a tripping hazard or cause injury to your loved ones.
How To Install Gopher Wire Under Your Artificial Grass
Installing gopher wire under your artificial grass is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Prepare the area: Before installing the gopher wire, clear the area of any debris or rocks. Make sure the soil is level and compacted.
2. Cut the gopher wire: Measure the area where you want to install the gopher wire and cut the wire mesh to size. Leave a few extra inches on each side to make sure you have enough to cover the entire area.
3. Lay out the gopher wire: Place the gopher wire over the prepared area, making sure it covers the entire surface. Use stakes or staples to secure it in place.
4. Secure the edges: Fold the edges of the gopher wire up along the perimeter of the area and secure them with stakes or staples. This will prevent gophers from burrowing under the edges.
5. Add subbase: Once you have secured the gopher wire, add a layer of subbase material over it. The subbase should be at least 2-3 inches deep and consist of crushed rock or gravel.
6. Compact subbase: Use a plate compactor to compact the subbase material, making sure it is level and even.
7. Add artificial grass: Once you have compacted the subbase, you can lay out your artificial grass over it. Secure it in place using stakes or staples.
8. Infill: Spread infill material evenly over your artificial grass until it settles into the base of the turf.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your artificial grass installation is protected from gophers and will last for years to come.
Other Tips For Keeping Gophers Away From Your Yard
While installing gopher wire under artificial grass is the most effective way to keep gophers away from your yard, there are a few other tips you can follow to further prevent these pesky rodents from causing damage. Here are some additional tips:
1. Plant gopher-resistant plants: Certain plants are less attractive to gophers, such as lavender, rosemary, and mint. Consider planting these around the perimeter of your yard to deter gophers from entering.
2. Use natural repellents: There are natural repellents that can be applied to your yard to keep gophers away. Some options include castor oil and garlic spray.
3. Keep your yard clean: Gophers are attracted to cluttered and messy yards, as they provide good hiding spots. Keep your yard clean and free of debris to make it less appealing to gophers.
4. Install motion-activated sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers can scare away gophers and other pests by spraying water when they detect movement.
By following these tips in addition to installing gopher wire under your artificial grass, you can effectively keep gophers away from your yard and protect your lawn from damage.
