If you don’t know how to lay artificial grass, Homebuilding and Renovating has put together this guide with an expert in the sector.
Artificial turf is a surface of synthetic fibres made to look like natural grass and has been in widespread use since the 1960s. It is popular among homebuilders and those transforming theirgarden designbecause it is low-maintenance, hardy, pet-friendly, and cost-effective.
But environmental campaigners say artificial lawns have a number of detrimental effects, and the government could be about to step in toprevent fake grassbeing used in new housing schemes.
How to lay artificial grass: Step-by-step
Sarah Hooper, Grass Buyer atCarpetrightsays it is essential that the ground is smooth, clean and level before starting.
It is worth checking your garden for areas with poor drainage as additional excavation or infill may be needed.
She adds: “A thin layer of sand can be applied to level out the ground but you may have to consider inputting additional drainpipes, catch basins, connectors or a drainage rock.
“Ensure any weeds and unwanted plants are removed below the roots so they don’t try to grow back through the artificial grass.
“As a rule if there are any water pools on your lawn, which stay for a long time after rainfall, you should consider seeking professional advice before you begin.”
We also spoke to Sam Baylis at the Kent-basedArtificial Lawn Company, who gave us this step-by-step guide:
1.计划你的人造草坪First decide where you want to install the artificial grass in your garden, measure up and buy your materials
2. Remove turfYou can remove the existing lawn by hand for small gardens or with a larger area it is a good idea to hire or buy a turf cutter to speed up the job
3.添加你的底基层Here crushed granite has been used, which has been levelled and compacted with a wacker plate, There are however different types of subbase material that you can use, see more discussion on this below
4. Add geotextile weed membrane You need to roll out some weed membrane to suppress any weed grown and make sure it doesn't grow through your artificial lawn once installed
5. Add the artificial grassRoll out the artificial grass over the subbase before cutting it to size and shaping it
6. Brush in the sandSpread infill sand, ideally kiln-dried silica sand, and finish with a mechanical rotary brush. The sand is good for absorbing shock as well as making it more durable and deterring bacteria from growing on the fake grass strands
7. Enjoy your grassThe artificial lawn will need maintaining at least once a year, which includes stretching and reshaping as well as cleaning the grass with a specialartificial grass cleaner product like this 'Pro Pooch one on Amazon
Can you glue artificial grass?
Artificial grass can be glued around the edges to a concrete fillet if that edging option is used. The grass is also glued to a special jointing tape when joining multiple pieces together. You can find these products on websites like Amazon. likethis artificial grass glue and tape package deal, or with your artificial grass installation company, if you are using one.
Sam adds: “We recommend our jointing adhesive which can be used using a normal mastic gun. Alternatively, most polyurethane weatherproof adhesives will do the job but check with the supplier.
“When laying onto concrete or decking we recommend the use an underlay to allow for drainage, the grass can be glued around the edges to this underlay.”
What should you put down before laying artificial grass?
Crushed granite or limestone (whatever the local stone is) is the best subbase for artificial grass. The Artificial Lawn Company uses a special mix of 0-6mm crushed granite which includes fines allowing for a firm compaction and long lasting subbase.
A 25mm layer is the minimum but more may be required to further improve the drainage. For poor drainage or high usage areas, type 1 stone should also be installed, Sam adds.
Do you need drainage under artificial grass?
The crushed granite stone and type 1 will be more than adequate drainage for most gardens. Extra drainage may be required for gardens that prior to starting an artificial grass installation don’t drain, particularly with clay soil or on steep inclines, concrete, patios etc.
In most cases, artificial grass vastly improves the drainage as the crushed stone basically creates a large soakaway across the lawn area. The grass itself is fully porous as well as it has drainage holes punched in to the backing during the manufacturing process.
