The best post for artificial grass install tips
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 with 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 tips on how to install artificial grass. If you have any additional questions or would like specific advice, please call our specialist team on 01625 860 601. Let’s have a look at some tips on how to install artificial grass!
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 the grass must be joined side by side and not end to end. In addition, always make sure that you point the pile of 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 grass 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, or you can dig it off by hand. Once all the organic matter has been removed you need to treat the site with a good-quality herbicide. This will prevent pesky weeds and unwanted organisms from surfacing underneath your new artificial grass.
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. Some other methods use concrete, but we don’t recommend this as standard unless it is necessary. 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 for achieving a quality finish with 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, 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 it to your edging with staples.
6. Cutting to size
Lay the grass over the desired area and then neatly cut the grass 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, clean up after yourself. Use a brush to give the new artificial lawn its plumped-up look and voilà, a successful artificial grass installation.
Want to watch all the stages in action? Check out the ‘How to Install Artificial Grass‘ video below.
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