How to Install Artificial Grass In Essex

 

Artificial grass has grown in popularity throughout Essex and the rest of the UK at rapidly increasing rate.

With today’s technology, artificial grass has come along way since the stuff you used to see covering the shelves at your local greengrocers.

Its now very difficult to tell the difference between real and fake grass.

There’s also a long list of benefits that having an artificial lawn brings. Its low maintenance, it looks amazing, there’s no mud or mess and its perfect for garden parties, football matches and your furry friend.

But how exactly is artificial grass installed?

A quick Google search will tell you that there are several different methods that can be used to install artificial grass.

The vast majority of our fake grass installations in Essex tend to be replacing an existing garden lawn.

However, artificial grass can also be installed in other applications such as on top of existing concrete or decking, on balconies and terraces and believe it or not, indoor applications such as in offices and children’s bedrooms.

Clearly there will be different installation methods used for each application.

Many people are surprised to learn just how much ground preparation is involved with installing artificial grass. Unfortunately it is not just a case of rolling it out on top of existing turf or soil.

The key to a long lasting artificial lawn is largely down to the installation. You can have the very best artificial turf that money can buy but if the installation is not carried out properly  – you are wasting your money.

We now have several years experience in installing artificial grass for a wide range of applications and uses.

In this article we’re going to look at the step-by-step process we undertake when installing an artificial lawn to replace an existing, real garden lawn.

This method has been perfected over several years.

Lets begin with a picture of how the existing lawn looked before work commenced.

As you can see, it’s certainly nice and green but our client became tired of having to regularly mow the lawn so decided to take the plunge and have her very own synthetic lawn installed.

So lets take a look at the step-by-step process we took to install this artificial lawn from start to finish.

 

 

Step 1 – Site Clearance & Excavation

 

The first task is to clear the site and excavate the existing grass to approximately 75mm below the finished height. As this lawn was 50m2, approximately 3.75m3 of soil and turf was removed from the site during this phase.

To get this step done as efficiently as possible, we use a turf cutter that cuts the existing sod in to easy to remove rolls.

 

 

 

Step 2 – Edging & Sub Base Installation

 

Once the excavations were complete, the next phase was to install the first layer of weed membrane followed by a 50mm layer comprising of 10-12 granite chippings.

We generally prefer to use granite chippings over MOT Type 1 as it’s a completely permeable sub base preventing any water sitting on the surface of the finished lawn.

At this stage we also install an edging to retain the sub bases. In this instance a treated timber edge restraint was installed, but brick, sleepers, plastic or metal edging can also be used as an edging.

 

 

 

Step 3 – Laying Course Installation

 

Next we install a 25mm laying course, consisting of 0-6mm granite dust (Grano). Granite Dust provides a far better laying course than sharp sand does.

This is because sharp sand tends to move around underfoot and will wash away over time.

As granite is much coarser, it holds together much better, ensuring the longevity of the grass and also provides a much better finished, without any lumps or bumps

 

 

 

Step 4 – Additional Weed Membrane

 

The next step is to install a further weed membrane.

Although we installed a weed membrane underneath the sub base, we also install another layer on top of the laying course.

This is for two reasons, firstly as an additional protection from weeds and secondly as it helps to protect the latex backing on the artificial grass from any possible damage over time caused by friction between the granite dust and the latex backing.

 

 

 

Step 5 – Cutting in Artificial Grass

 

Once the groundworks are complete, we can then cut the grass to shape, secure any joints if necessary and secure the lawn perimeter.

In this instance, galvanised nails were fixed into the timber edging.

The grass is then brushed with a mechanical brush and handed over to the customer ready for them to enjoy.

This particular project took us two days to complete.

Hopefully you’ve found this article useful in learning how to install artificial grass and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below as we would love to hear from you.

 

What you should do now

 

If you are tired of owning a dull, patchy lawn and you would like us to transform your existing grass into a low maintenance, lush green artificial lawn then give us a call on 01245 697 688 or fill out this form and we’ll gladly arrange a free site visit and show you some samples supplied by our preferred supplier NeoGrass.

We install artificial grass throughout Essex, including Chelmsford, Wickford, Basildon, Brentwood, Southend and Rayleigh, so why not get in contact with us today.