Comprehensive step by step guide detailing how to lay artificial grass.
Manufactured from synthetic fibres, artificial grass is a surface made to look like natural grass. Artificial grass was first used at the end of the 1960s in the Houston Astrodome, the first covered sports stadium in the USA. This first generation of artificial grass was made from Polyamide (Nylon) and did not resemble natural grass in any way at all. In the 1980s a less expensive type of artificial grass was made from polypropylene (PP) yarn with a 90% sand infill was introduced. Unfortunately, with the main objective to create sports playing fields as functional as possible, it made surfaces not suitable for football as sand acted like sandpaper on the skin when players had to make a sliding tackle. At the end of the 1990s, the third generation of Polyethylene (PE) with an infill consisting of granulated rubber artificial grass playing surfaces was developed.
Since then, the use of artificial grass has moved rapidly beyond sports fields to residential and commercial landscaping. Artificial grass has become more popular than ever. No wonder! This is the best way to enjoy your garden more without worrying about digging up the weeds, mowing the lawn and children getting muddy. Not only artificial grass looks just like real turf but is extremely practical for everyone. It’s sure to create that “Wow Factor” making all the neighbours wonder how you manage to keep your lawn so green and tidy.
Laying artificial grass can be a sizeable project to take on. Property owners very often wonder when and how to lay artificial grass. Well, when it comes to timing the project of laying artificial grass it is worth taking into consideration that there are seasons considered better to prepare the ground for the installation. The ground becomes harder to dig when it is frozen, so it makes sense to prepare the ground when the temperatures outside are above 0℃.
Here’s our guide on how to lay artificial grass in a few short steps.
1. Prepare the ground Correct ground preparation is the first step which can’t be overlooked. To do this the following tools are needed:
rake,
spade,
precision scissors,
turf cutter
the wacker plate (also known as a vibrating plate);
To correctly embark on your project of laying artificial grass your existing lawn and anything preventing the creation of a flat base for your new artificial grass, must be properly removed. Please note that when the ground is too dry the lawn becomes harder to roll up, and it’s easier to remove natural grass when damp.
Safety tip:
Please make sure you take all the necessary health & safety precautions before undertaking the use of industrial equipment during the whole process of installing artificial grass.
2. Level the surface
Now you need to correct level and compact the ground using the wacker plate (these can usually be hired from equipment hire centres). To achieve a more natural look, you can retain the odd dip or bump in the lawn, but the surface should be level overall.
3. Add a drainage layer
Spread sharp and compacted sand or stone (i.e. dust granite stone compound)evenly across your project area to a depth of between 20mm and 40mm.
4. Prevent weeds
Now, when your base has been compacted, you need to add a weed-killing membrane. This will reduce the likeliness of weeds growing through the artificial grass and allow vital drainage. Adding a weed-suppressing membrane ensures that the lawn stays even and flat.
When it comes to the order of laying artificial grass, sometimes steps 2 and 3 are reversed – the sand is laid on top of the weed membrane, rather than the other way around. Do not worry, either way will provide the same end result.
5. Place grass edging down
If the whole area for your project of installing artificial grass hasn’t got a natural border, it is essential to put a pressure treated timber (often marketed under the trademark 'Tanalised') one in place.
6. Roll out your grass
Be careful and do not damage the weed-killing membrane, as this will cause damage to the levelling work on the base layer. Please note that your grass has a directional pile, so it all needs to face the same way if you have any joins. To prevent creasing and wrinkling, let the freshly installed artificial grass settle for a minimum period of 3 hours.
7. Finishing up
Fix the artificial grass into place. Simply pin it down using securing pins or flat-headed galvanised nails. If your area needs multiple pieces of artificial grass you will need to join the grass along the seams. It can be done using either outdoor joining tape or galvanised securing pegs.
Brush the newly installed artificial grass and enjoy your new artificial lawn!
Once your artificial grass is laid properly, it can withstand all weather and will look stunning all-year-round.
Please note this is purely a guide prepared by Yew Tree Landscapes and we would strongly recommend employing a reputable landscape contractor like us with knowledge and experience when it comes to questioning how to lay artificial grass.
All the above tips on how to lay Artificial Grass to make the perfect synthetic lawn sounds easy to us here at yew Tree Landscapes, but we are aware that it might not be to someone. If you are thinking about having an artificial lawn, but still unsure how to lay artificial grass, please do get in touch. We are your local artificial grass installation company serving Hampshire and Surrey. Due to our installation methods and the high quality of products we use artificial grass installed by Yew tree Landscapes looks & feels real. Check out our Facebook page to see our artificial grass installation projects.
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