A step-by-step guide on how to install artificial grass

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Here, LazyLawn gives a step-by-step guide on how to install artificial grass.

1. Plan your area

Before starting your project, plan out the area to be covered. Ensure that cables and water pipes are below the digging depth. Remove the turf to a depth of 2" using a turf cutter or spade and remove any large stones, bricks or other obstructions. Lay down a type one stone if the area has drainage problems.

2. Create an edge

If there are no perimeters for the product to butt up against, install an edging system. Knock the edging into the soil with a hammer and piece of wood: leave around 3cm exposed. Chamfer the outer perimeters to a drop of 40mm from the edging height to allow for a more natural look.

3. Lay the base

Apply around 6mm of granite dust, or sharp sand where granite is not an option. Use a piece of timber to drag the sand or dust across the application area to provide a smooth surface. If using sand, the depth should not be more than 20mm, use hardcore to level out larger imperfections (i.e. over 20mm) before applying sand.

4. Apply weed membrane

Once the base is compacted, apply weed membrane to the area. This will prevent weed growth whilst allowing water drainage. Trim off any waste membrane from the edges. If any joining is needed, overlap the edges then attach them with gaffer tape.

5. Fit the artificial lawn

Unroll the artificial turf over the area, being careful to not move the weed membrane. Running the product toward the house will give the best look from the windows of the house. Once positioned, trim the excess artificial grass. We recommend changing blades every 3 to 5m to ensure the blade stays sharp enough.

6. Finishing touches

To finish, apply kiln sand to the turf. This can be done using a blower and stiff brush or a lawn fertiliser spreader. We recommend 6 to 8kg of sand per square metre of product. This step is vital to ensure the most natural looking finish. For the best results, we recommend brushing the pile before, during and after. This sand dressing should be done on a dry day and the same day as the lawn installation.

How to complete a join

If a join in the turf is required, butt both of the surfaces together ensuring the pile is running in the same direction. Fold back 30 to 40cm on each side along the length of the join and trim 20 to 30mm from each edge, cutting between tufts.

Unroll join tape shiny side down along the entire length of the join. Apply the adhesive along each edge of the backing in two lines. Fold one side of the turf onto the join tape. Then slowly fold over the other side of the join. A gap of 2 to 3mm between the sections generally gives the best results. Once joined, laying weighted planks along the join is a good idea to ensure an invisible joint. Allow two to three hours to dry.

Further information....

www.lazylawn.co.uk