Method for installing synthetic ground cover with infill

Abstract

A synthetic ground cover method includes placing a synthetic grass atop the ground, the synthetic grass including a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns. The synthetic ground cover method also includes applying an infill ballast to the synthetic grass by spreading the infill ballast over and onto the synthetic grass from a moving vehicle. The infill ballast can be sand, soil, or a binding infill (such as cementitious materials).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of covering ground for erosion control and/or site closure, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing a synthetic grass atop the ground, the synthetic grass having a backing and synthetic grass blades extending therefrom; and   applying a dry infill ballast to the synthetic grass by mechanically spreading the dry infill ballast onto the synthetic grass.   
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the dry infill ballast is spread from a vehicle over and onto the synthetic grass. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the dry infill ballast is blown from the vehicle over and onto the synthetic grass. 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the dry infill ballast is conveyed from the vehicle over and onto the synthetic grass using a high-speed conveyor. 
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the dry infill ballast is broadcast from the vehicle over and onto the synthetic grass. 
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the dry infill ballast includes sand. 
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the dry infill ballast includes soil. 
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the dry infill ballast includes cement. 
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the dry infill ballast is organic. 
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the dry infill ballast is inorganic. 
     
     
         11 . A synthetic ground cover system to be placed atop the ground, comprising:
 a synthetic grass having a backing and synthetic grass blade-like elements secured thereto and extending therefrom; and   an infill ballast applied to the synthetic grass atop the backing, the infill ballast applied by mechanically spreading the ballast over and onto the synthetic grass.   
     
     
         12 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the dry infill ballast includes sand. 
     
     
         13 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the dry infill ballast includes soil. 
     
     
         14 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the dry infill ballast includes cement. 
     
     
         15 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the dry infill ballast is inorganic. 
     
     
         16 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the dry infill ballast is organic. 
     
     
         17 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the dry infill ballast is spread from a moving vehicle over and onto the synthetic grass. 
     
     
         18 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the dry infill ballast is blown from a moving vehicle over and onto the synthetic grass. 
     
     
         19 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the binding agent is applied as an emulsion in water. 
     
     
         20 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the binding agent comprises lime. 
     
     
         21 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  further comprising at least one filter fabric positioned below the synthetic grass. 
     
     
         22 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the binding agent comprises a cementitious material which is subsequently cured with water. 
     
     
         23 . A synthetic ground cover system as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the infill is filled to a depth of between about ½ inch and about 2 inches.