Q&A artificial grass
putting down artificial grass
Pack away the mower and say goodbye to your garden hose – you can enjoy a lush green lawn effortlessly with a fabulous faux turf
Maintaining a lawn can be a labour of love, so it’s no surprise that artificial grass is growing in popularity*. It gives a similar sensation underfoot but you don’t have to worry about mud being tracked into the house after a downpour. The only upkeep is a monthly brush and hose down, plus biannual weedkiller treatments. See more artificial grass on p130.
Q What’s involved in installing fake grass?
Laying an artificial lawn can be a DIY project or done by a professional landscaper. Faux lawns can last for 20 years but it’s important to install them properly. Measure the area you want to cover, plus 5cm extra all the way round – the grass can be trimmed later. Remove the turf down to 5-7.5cm (ensure existing cables and water pipes are below this), plus any large stones.
Q What options of grass are available?
Artificial lawns come in different designs and shades to suit a variety of uses. For example, softer grass feels more like the real thing, while harder versions suit heavytraffic areas. Easigrass options include an ultradurable lawn, ideal for children’s play, with a shockpad base underneath or a grass suited to pets that minimises odours. Heights vary from 20mm to a deep pile 47mm, and colours range from fresh light greens to luxurious dark shades.
Q How is it laid?
While companies use different installation techniques, the basics are the same – you’re trying to achieve a stable base to stop the grass shifting and prevent weeds growing through. First, create your sturdy base, usually with sand or a similar aggregate that’s compacted to make it level. Then put down a layer of membrane to help reduce the growth of weeds. If there’s no perimeter for the grass to butt up to (eg a fence), it’s a good idea to add a timber or steel edge to frame it for a professional finish. Finally, unroll your grass, making sure the sections lie in the same direction so the blades point the same way. It can be glued or pinned into place and ruffled to disguise joins.
Q What is sand infill?
Some dense designs may not need infill (which is a layer of sand brushed on top to weigh the grass down), but for most installations, it’s a crucial finishing touch. As well as holding the lawn in place, it’ll protect against dogs clawing at the base and keep the grass cooler in summer as sand dissipates the heat.
Q How much does an artificial lawn cost?
According to Easigrass, for an average garden size of 50-60sq m, grass and supply would cost around £3,000 to £4,000, depending on the product chosen. Perfectly Green suggests £55 to
£70sq m, depending on site requirements, including excavation and waste removal. Lazylawn quotes around £25sq m for supply only or £65sq m including installation. Carpetright estimates that installing its artificial grass yourself would cost from £18-28sq m, while B&M says an average small garden using its grass would cost around £1,200 and a larger one around £2,500.
Q How long does it usually take to install?
An artificial lawn can normally be installed in one or two days. Sloped installations or those that need a groundbreaker will require more time.
Q What is the best way to care for faux grass?
Regular brushing with a broom or plastic leaf rake will remove most dirt and keep the fibres straight. If your pet uses your lawn as a toilet, wait until the poo has hardened, then remove it and spray the grass with diluted disinfectant. Sharp or heavy objects can damage the base – regularly move trampolines or playhouses to minimise indentations. Also, keep barbecues away from your lawn as heat and embers can cause permanent damage.