Artificial grass is surprisingly easy to install and with careful preparation and the right tools to hand you could have a new lawn in place within the space of a day. Competent DIY and gardening enthusiasts should find installing their own lawn manageable by using the following easy step-by-step guide.
The first step when installing artificial grass is to take into account what kind of surface is currently in place. This will have an impact on your initial preparation work. Concrete and asphalt surfaces only need to be cleaned of dust and debris to be ready for installation although you may also need to create a few drainage holes if there is not a natural slope to the area you are placing the artificial grass.
You should then lay a 10mm rubber sheet under the surface to act as a shock pad, and create a suitable layer for adhesive to be applied and to even out any bumps or irregularities. At this stage you can apply adhesive and lay out the artificial grass using a grass roller. Some sand-filled grass products will not require the use of adhesive.
Soil surfaces and those that already have natural grass growing on them will require extra work. Firstly, remove the top two inches of the surface of the turf and immediately use a weed killer on the freshly exposed earth to prevent the growth of weeds and moss under the new synthetic lawn. Next you will need to ensure that there is adequate drainage, which may require adding a layer of stones or gravel. Wait twelve hours before using the lawn.
Next you will need to install the edging system where there is not an edge or wall to butt the grass up against. At this stage, you can add a 10-15mm layer of dust granite stone or sharp sand and then level and compact the area for a flat surface. Once you have done this, cover the area with geotex material to discourage weeds from growing and nail down before unrolling the artificial grass and filling with sand. As with artificial grass on concrete or asphalt, wait twelve hours before using your new lawn.
It is worth noting that some artificial grass products require a sand infill to ensure that the surface remains hard-wearing and doesn’t cause you any problems down the line. A sand infill will prevent warping during hot weather, the build-up of static electricity which can cause shocks, and help to stabilise the grass without needing to fix it to a perimeter frame. This allows you much more flexibility in how you place it. Your supplier will be happy to advise you on whether or not you should use a sand infill on your new lawn though it is recommended in most instances.
Of course, you may find it easier to have your artificial grass installed by professionals instead of attempting a DIY installation. This guarantees that your synthetic lawn will be properly set up by a trained installation team who know the product inside out and have a wealth of experience of installing artificial grass in numerous different situations. They will also be able to advise you on how best to look after and care for your new lawn. If you are interested in professional installation, ask your supplier at the time of purchase as they may be able to recommend an approved installation company and might even be able to secure you a discount.
Clint Starr writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
