8 Top Tips on How to Install Artificial Grass

At Cheshire Artificial Grass we work with landscapers across the country, supplying them with high quality artificial grass that looks just like the real deal. Not only do we provide a wide range of artificial grass, but we also take the time to share our knowledge and wisdom from some of the experts in our company. We are here to help support landscapers in their mission to install artificial grass. Within this blog we will share our 8 top tips on how to install artificial grass. If you have questions or would like specific advice, then please call our specialist team on 01625 860 601 or join our Artificial Grass Fitters Forum.

How to Install Artificial Grass

1. Plan

Good planning is important, failing to map out the garden and where the grass will lie at the start could cost you at the end of the installation. Here at Cheshire Artificial Grass our grasses come in two and four metre wide and cut to length. Know your sizes as it is crucial that the grass is joined side by side and not end to end. In addition, always make sure that you point the pile of the grass towards the house. That way, people looking out at the garden from the house will get the most ‘realistic’ view.

2. Prepare the Site

Once you have mapped out the artificial turf area, you can start preparing the site. Usually, homeowners want to replace nuisance natural turf with artificial grass. If this is the case, then take off the top layer of grass using a turf cutter. Once all the organic matter has been removed you need to treat the site with a quality herbicide. This will prevent pesky weeds and unwanted organisms from surfacing underneath your new artificial grass. Make sure you use a herbicide that you trust and make sure you pay particularly close attention to the edges.

3. Edging the area

You need to have edging all around the perimeter of your artificial grass zone. This can be done with composite or timber edging. When choosing timber, you need to make sure that it has been pressure treated and rated Class-4, for use in ground contact. Once chosen, cut longer lengths to form the perimeter and shorter stakes to use as pegs. Set the edging 10mm down from the desired height you want the artificial grass to finish at.

4. It’s all down to the base-work

Good base-work is essential if you are going to achieve a quality finish with most importantly a flat surface. If the ground surface is soft, use MOT to stabilise the surface and build up the base. On top of this you should layer a thin depth of crushed granite or limestone. Many people would recommend using grit sand, but at Cheshire Artificial Grass we believe that the quality of grit sand can vary too widely. Using crushed granite or limestone is the most suitable option.

5. It’s membrane time

Once you have your flat base layer, lay a permeable weed-proof membrane on top of it. This will prevent weeds and creepy crawlies from breaking through your new artificial lawn. We supply these membranes to all our landscapers, as well as extra fixtures and fittings. The membrane should overlap the edge of your artificial grass perimeter by at least 200mm. Once in place, pin it to the foundation to prevent the membrane from slipping around during installation and secure to your edging with staples.

6. Cutting to size

Lay the grass over the desired area and then work around the perimeter carefully cutting the grass back to the edge of the desired fit.  Work in small sections and make sure that you undercut instead of over-cutting. Then fit the grass down to the surface using green decking screws.

7. Joining the artificial grass together

This is one of the trickiest parts of artificial grass installation. Screwing it up at this stage can ruin a project. Mix the glue and hardener carefully. Once mixed, apply it over the joining tape using a ribbed trowel. If the glue is laid too thick then it will be felt underfoot when people walk over the artificial grass. Gently work the turf into the glue without touching the individual grass fibres. Use a carpet kicker to make fine adjustments.

8. Finishing touches on your artificial grass installation

Finally, if you have made a mess, make sure you clean up after yourself. Use a brush to give the new artificial lawn it’s plumped up look and voilà, a successful artificial grass installation.

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