For artificial grass to be able to perform at its best ability, you should really be looking to get professional artificial grass installation. This will greatly increase its chances of living up to its 20 year life span. This makes it cost effective in the long term and provides you with a hassle free garden. It is also easily installed on balconies and conservatories, however you won’t need a professional for this. If you happen to be a tradesman or are very DIY savvy you may feel comfortable attempting your own installation. If so, this guide will be of help.
Gather Your Materials
To begin with you will need a set of tools which you can see below. But most importantly you need the artificial grass, which you can click here to find.
- Joining Tape and adhesive specifically for artificial grass, to connect the pieces of lawn together.
- Sharp knife used to cut the lawn.
- Hose to water the sand base and also the grass after being laid.
- Wheelbarrow to remove debris.
- A shovel to disperse material for the ground surface.
- A rake to create a smooth base.
- A compactor should be hired, this machinery will flatten the ground better than any person could.
Clean up the Area
You must remove any plants, natural grass and weeds from the area where you are going to lay and install the artificial grass lawn. Next, you need to remove the subsoil by 10cm. Then flatten the ground with the compacter; you may also decide to spray weed killer on the ground to prevent any future growth.
Apply the Base
Once you have obtained a smooth surface you will then need a 35mm aggregate sand base. After this has been evenly spread with a shovel and rake, the base material should be hosed down. This helps to keep the dust to a minimum. Now that has been completed a foam underlay can be placed on top; which also acts as a shock absorber and is great for children that will be using the grass.
Put the Pieces Together
Now you can align and cut your artificial lawn to the size you desire using a sharp knife, once cut the pieces can now be connected with the joining tape and adhesive, these are designed to be weather proof. To join the lawn together cut one of the pieces close to the bead, then cut the second leaving a space for the bead. Fold the lawn back and join the edges by 30cm, spreading the glue over the tape, whilst working your way down the seam. You must make sure there are no buried or damaged tufts as this will affect the artificial lawn.
Taking Care of the Artificial Grass
Once the installation has been completed regular brushing is advised, this is to help the blades of the lawn keep their upright position, watering the lawn down will also help the permeable holes underneath pass water back into the ground. Now the lawn has been completed a timber surround can be installed, this will create a nice border around the new lawn. It would be better to install cedar or dark walnut as these woods are more susceptible to the weather and won’t rot.
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