With over 20 years’ experience in the artificial grass industry, it’s no surprise that we have seen a fair share of bodge-job artificial grass, either by cowboy landscapers or misinformed DIY fanatics. Whilst it’s promising to see the rising...
With over 20 years’ experience in the artificial grass industry, it’s no surprise that we have seen a fair share of bodge-job artificial grass, either by cowboy landscapers or misinformed DIY fanatics. Whilst it’s promising to see the rising popularity of artificial lawns on a global scale, we believe all good quality artificial grass installations should last 10 years if not double that, so we’ve put together this guide of common installation mistakes to avoid if you want to ensure the longevity of your investment.
Choosing The Grass
When looking for the right artificial grass for your project, it can be tempting to cut costs by opting for the cheapest products you cand find. But remember – you get what you pay for! If you want high quality, low maintenance grass that lasts for years, it’s worth investing that little bit more to ensure the longevity of your lawn. Batch matching is also crucial – the last thing you want is a patchwork patterned lawn. For a professional finish, always confirm the grasses will be batch matched before you place an order for artificial grass.
Get Equipped!
The saying goes, “a good workman never blames his tools!” So, the first step towards being a good workman is ensuring you have all the necessary tools for the job and that they are in good working condition. With regards to accessories such as glue, pins and tape, we recommend always purchasing a small excess on top of the amount you think you will need, so you have a contingency in the event of any errors.
Preparing The Site
There are several stages of preparation which must be completed before the artificial grass can be laid. Ensuring these are completed in a timely manner to a high standard crucial for creating a solid sub-base that will support your artificial grass installation for years to come. You will need to remove any existing turf, apply a weed killer and pull any visible weeds from the ground, level the area, then lay the bus-base materials. We recommend using a 6mm grano dust and 4mm hardcore, as we use these for our own installations.
Drainage Check
Check the drainage of your site! This is particularly important if you are installing pet friendly grass, or any latex grasses that are to be laid on hard surfaces. The best way to check the drainage of your site is to saturate the surface fully either with a garden hose or large watering can. If there are any areas where you notice the water pooling, instead of draining away, these will need to addressed before the installation can begin.
Patchwork Finish
Joining is not an easy fete, even for experienced landscapers, so it’s imperative you plan in advance where your joins will be situated within the final installation. Drawing yourself a diagram and labelling the joins accordingly before cutting any of the grass, often makes it easier to visualise the mechanics of your installation process. We recommend using 6inch galvanised nails to knit together the male and female edges to create a seamless finish.
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