A Green Carpet All Year Round: How to Lay Artificial Grass

The Upsides of Going Artificial

Artificial grass has soared in popularity over recent years. Not only does it provide a lush, green landscape that requires minimal maintenance and lasts all year round, but it also brings numerous other benefits that make it a worthy investment. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the process of laying artificial grass on both soft and hard surfaces, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of this evergreen solution in your outdoor spaces.

Before delving into the how-to, let's look at why more and more homeowners are going the artificial route. Artificial grass is an excellent option if you crave a low-maintenance lawn. It doesn't require watering, mowing, or fertilising, making it ideal for those with a busy lifestyle or less of a green thumb. It's also a great choice for areas where natural grass struggles to grow or if water conservation is a priority. Moreover, artificial grass provides a safer playing surface for children and pets as it reduces the likelihood of mud and mess, particularly during wet weather. And the cherry on top? It's a visually appealing choice that offers a consistently neat and vibrant look, regardless of the season.

Laying Artificial Grass on Soft Surfaces

Installing artificial grass on a soft surface such as soil or natural grass involves more steps compared to laying it on a hard surface, but don't let this discourage you. With a bit of preparation and the right tools, it's a manageable DIY project.

1. Clearing the Area: The first step in your artificial grass journey is to clear the area. This involves removing any existing grass, weeds, or other plant life from the area where you'll install your artificial lawn. To do this, you can use a spade or turf cutter to dig down to a depth of around 2 to 3 inches. This will create space for the layers of materials that will sit beneath your artificial grass and provide a solid base for your new lawn.
2. Laying Weed Membrane: After you've cleared the area, it's time to lay down a weed membrane. This geotextile barrier prevents pesky weeds from growing up through your artificial grass, saving you from future maintenance. Simply unroll the weed membrane across the cleared area, cutting it to size and securing it with garden staples or U-pins. Ensure that the entire area is covered, overlapping the membrane at the edges by around 100mm to create a fully weed-proof barrier.
3. Creating an Aggregate Layer: The next stage involves creating a sub-base layer for drainage using an aggregate, such as crushed stone or gravel. Aim to spread this material evenly across the area to a thickness of about 2 inches. Once spread, compact it using a plate compactor or a simple hand tamper for smaller areas. This step is crucial in ensuring good drainage and a firm, stable base for your artificial grass.
4. Adding Sand Layer: After your aggregate layer, it's time to add a layer of sharp sand. This layer, spread to an even thickness of approximately 1 inch, will provide a smooth surface for your grass to sit on. It's essential to level off the sand layer carefully; any bumps or dips could show through your finished lawn. Once spread, compact the sand just like you did with the aggregate layer to ensure a firm base.
5. Installing Artificial Grass: Finally, the moment you've been waiting for - it's time to roll out your artificial grass. Starting from one side of the area, unroll the grass over the sand layer. If you have multiple rolls, make sure the pile direction matches to keep the grass looking consistent. Trim the edges with a sharp knife to fit your area precisely and secure it with landscaping nails or adhesive, ensuring it's taut and smooth.
6. Finishing Touches: Once your grass is installed, there are a few finishing touches to make it look even more natural. Use a stiff-bristle broom to brush the artificial grass. This will help the individual blades stand upright for a more authentic look. You can also consider adding kiln-dried sand to weigh down the grass and help the fibres stand up, particularly if you've installed a longer pile grass.

Laying Artificial Grass on Hard Surfaces

When it comes to installing artificial grass on hard surfaces, such as concrete, patio, or decking, the process is simpler as it needs no digging or layering of materials.

1. Preparation: Start by thoroughly cleaning the hard surface. Sweep and wash the area to remove debris, moss, or algae that could prevent the adhesive from bonding properly. If the surface has any cracks or uneven spots, fill them in to ensure a smooth base for your grass.
2. Applying Adhesive: Once your hard surface is clean and dry, it's time to apply an outdoor, waterproof adhesive. You can spread this using a notched trowel for even coverage. Remember, it's important to only apply as much adhesive as you can lay the grass on within a few minutes to prevent it from drying out.
3. Installing Artificial Grass: As with soft surfaces, you'll unroll your artificial grass, cut it to fit the area, and secure it. However, unlike soft surfaces where you might use nails, on hard surfaces, you'll be relying mostly on the adhesive to hold the grass in place.
4. Finishing Touches: Once your grass is installed, brush it with a stiff-bristle broom to give it a natural look. If your hard surface is completely flat with no drainage points, you might want to add a layer of kiln-dried sand to weigh down the grass and aid in drainage. This is particularly useful for preventing water pooling on the surface during heavy rainfall.

Maintaining Your Artificial Lawn

Once you've successfully laid your artificial grass, the bulk of the hard work is over. But, as with any landscaping element, a bit of maintenance goes a long way to keep it in top-notch condition. Thankfully, when it comes to artificial grass, this maintenance is minimal. Regularly remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, using a plastic rake or leaf blower. Avoid using metal rakes or tools, which could potentially damage the grass fibres. For small areas, a simple brush or dustpan and brush will do the trick. Regular brushing with a stiff brush helps keep the grass fibres upright and looking their best. It's especially important for longer pile grass and high-traffic areas. Rinsing your artificial grass occasionally can help keep it clean, particularly if you have pets. If you need to do a deeper clean, you can use a mild detergent diluted with warm water.

Conclusion

Laying artificial grass can be a straightforward DIY project, whether you're working with a soft or hard surface. With careful preparation, the right materials, and a bit of patience, you can transform your outdoor space into a lush, evergreen oasis that requires minimal maintenance and provides enjoyment all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can artificial grass be laid on any surface? Yes, artificial grass is highly versatile and can be installed on a variety of surfaces. These include soil, sand, concrete, tarmac, paving and decking. However, it's essential that the surface is properly prepared to ensure a smooth, even installation.
2. Do I need to prepare the surface before laying artificial grass? Yes, preparation is key when installing artificial grass. For soft surfaces like soil or sand, you'll need to remove any existing grass or weeds, install a weed membrane, and create a base using crushed stone or gravel and sharp sand. For hard surfaces like concrete, cleaning and smoothing the surface are crucial before applying adhesive and laying the grass.
3. What kind of maintenance does artificial grass require? Artificial grass requires minimal maintenance compared to natural grass. This includes regularly removing leaves or debris, rinsing the grass to keep it clean, and brushing it to keep the fibers upright and maintain its natural appearance. It's also recommended to occasionally refresh the infill material if used.
4. Can pets damage artificial grass? High-quality artificial grass is typically resistant to damage from pets. Dogs, for instance, can play and run on it without tearing or damaging the surface. However, it's important to clean up pet waste promptly to prevent odors and maintain cleanliness.
5. Is artificial grass safe for children and pets? Yes, artificial grass is safe for both children and pets. It doesn't require the use of fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals that can pose health risks. It also provides a softer and more even surface compared to natural grass, reducing the risk of injuries from falls. For pets, it offers a comfortable and clean space to play or rest.

Remember, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when installing and maintaining artificial grass for optimal results and longevity.