Tag: astroturf

Benefits of having artificial grass

Benefits of having artificial grass

In many instances, having artificial grass is a wise decision as it offers many benefits when compared to natural turf. It allows you to enjoy a clean, durable, beautiful looking lawn all year round. You also do not have to worry about the perennial problem of hose-pipe bans. If you’re still not convinced, here are some benefits of installing artificial grass.

Eliminates puddling

Before installing natural turf, the ground needs to be prepared; time must be taken to roll and smooth out lumps & bumps. Doing so helps remove valleys and grooves that would otherwise attract stagnant water. Integral to the design of artificial grass are small irrigation channels to drain excess water away, preventing pooling in low areas.

No maintenance

One positive outcome to installing artificial turf is that it requires very little maintenance – unlike living turf. The time and energy saved by not weeding and mowing regularly can be spent on more enjoyable and relaxing gardening activities.

No ruts or bare spots

Heavy foot traffic on natural grass causes bare spots and furrows in lawned areas. Imitation grass is extremely resilient, resisting constant pressure when walked upon regularly. Artificial blades of grass bounce back time and again when trampled.

No marks or stains

Children can play on synthetic grass with ease. You don’t need to worry about them getting mud or grass stains on their shoes and clothes.

Extremely safe

Pets and children can play, sit or even sleep on artificial lawn worry-free. It’s soft to the touch and cushions if they fall. Reputed artificial grass suppliers can provide artificial turf with anti-bacterial properties. Thus, it helps prevent the growth and spread of bacteria and germs.

Shade’s not an issue

Shaded areas generally don’t support healthy, natural grass growth. Hence, grasses in such areas fade and die leaving the ground barren, hard and unattractive. On the other hand, simulated turf doesn’t require any direct sunlight. Even in shady areas, synthetic lawn works amazingly as it can maintain its size and colour with/without water and sunlight.

Recreational areas

There are many recreational areas such as tennis courts, bowling greens and patios where artificial turf can be installed to great effect. It’s designed to withstand heavy and regular use. In addition, it can be cut and shaped to fit unusual spaces.

No need for harsh fertilisers

Artificial plants can look beautiful throughout the seasons; it doesn’t become patchy or overgrown. Also, it doesn’t require any regular feeding or fertilising. The turf will remain toxin-free, green and lush looking for years. On the other hand, harsh fertilisers used on natural grass can smell and may cause disastrous effects on the local environment. It leads to algae overgrowth in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

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Handy tips for artificial grass maintenance

Handy tips for artificial grass maintenancecredit

It’s a fact that laying artificial grass in your outdoor areas ensures that upkeep will be minimal. Still, you’ll need to carry out a modicum of maintenance if you want your artificial grass to be durable and look attractive for years to come.

Below, we’re going to go through some handy tips for both preparatory and post-installation maintenance.

Hire professionals to install the carpet

Dynamic companies like Perth Artificial Grass provide you with not only a range of choices but also high quality installation. They have an expert team that can advise about quantity needed, layout and fitting.

Although it may not seem a difficult task to lay artificial turf, it can often prove to be a tricky job. Engage a reputable retailer to avoid unnecessary pitfalls. If you choose to do-it-yourself and make a mistake, it can turn out to be an expensive or time-consuming decision.

3D render of artificial grass with a path running through

Prepare the ground for installation

Before you have the artificial grass laid, ensure there are no leaves, small stones or other loose material on the ground. Once this has been done, smooth and level the area building up a soft and humid base. Creating a sub-layer using a soil and limestone mixture will deter weeds and also discourage insects.

Have maintenance equipment

An artificial grass carpet doesn’t require costly cleaning tools to keep it looking good. It just needs a sweep and a wash. So you need to have some basic equipment such as a broom, scrubbing brush and bucket at the ready.

Chairs on artificial grass

Brush frequently

The ‘blades’ of synthetic grass can become flattened after being constantly walked and played upon. This means that you’ll need to brush them on a regular basis to get the surface to stand high and look fresh again. For best results, use a broom with soft, synthetic bristles.

Clean regularly

Debris such as particles of food, sticky drink spills, animal mess etc are to be expected and will need to be cleaned up. If they’re not, they will decay and begin to smell. Cleaning can be done simply & easily using a sponge & warm water with soap, mild detergent or disinfectant.

Bright green artificial turf

Avoid fire, heavy and sharp items

Discarded matches and cigarette butts will likely melt and burn your artificial grass, leaving unattractive black spots. Heavy objects such as vehicles or can press your grass down and damage it permanently. Additionally, sharp items such as stiletto heels and some garden tools can pierce, cut, slash and damage your carpet for good.

Remove leaves and other garden material

Fallen leaves, especially in the autumn months, can accumulate on the ground in no time. Once it rains, they get soggy, turn to mush and will quickly rot on the surface of your artificial grass. Avoid this happening by clearing them up frequently.

Pull up weeds

Weeds can establish themselves on even the thinnest layer of soil that may settle on the surface of your artificial grass. Be vigilant, inspect your turf regularly and remove any unwanted shoots as soon as you see them emerge.

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DIY: how to install artificial grass in your garden

DIY: how to install artificial grass in your garden | H is for Home

Want to keep your garden green all year ’round but could do without the added expense of hiring workmen so soon after Christmas? What if we told you that you could have a lush landscape in under two days? No workmen required! Installing artificial grass is one of the quickest and easiest home DIY projects and it leaves you with a beautiful garden whatever the weather. Find out how to lay artificial grass in six simple steps with this handy guide from Artificial Grass Direct.

Small area laid with artificial grass lawn

What you’ll need:

  • Artificial grass (enough to cover your desired area)
  • Sand (enough to cover your desired area in a 35mm layer)
  • A shovel or builder’s plank to compact sand (or a vibrating plate compactor for larger gardens)
  • Weed membrane (enough to cover your desired area)
  • Fibreglass backing tape
  • Multi-purpose adhesive
  • Craft knife

Paved path running through artificial grass lawn

Step one: Measurements

Work out the size of the area you want to cover with artificial grass in square meters and remember to leave space for features like ponds, so you don’t end up with too much artificial turf. Make sure you allow some extra lawn length for a small amount of wastage depending on the design of your garden and how the rolls are laid.

Lawn laid with artificial grass with Wendy house and slide at the bottom of the garden

Step two: Preparation

Never lay your artificial grass on top of natural grass as this can cause rot and leave you with an unsightly and uneven artificial lawn! For best results, we advise laying your artificial grass on a layer of compacted sharp sand. In smaller gardens, sand can easily be compacted with the back of a shovel or a builder’s plank. For larger areas you try using a vibrating plate compactor (available to rent at most garden equipment hire centres).

Lawn and roof with artificial grass installed

Step three: Weed membrane

Next up, you’ll want to lay a layer of weed membrane over the sand to stop any pesky seeds finding their way in whilst you continue your installation. This will prevent any new vegetation growing underneath your artificial grass and ruining your garden. Overlap the weed membrane by at least 100mm and take it right to the edge of the area to ensure full coverage.

pair of swings with orange seats over artificial grass

Step four: Let it settle

This next step is super simple. Just lay your artificial grass on top of the membrane and leave it overnight. You’ll want to allow 50mm of artificial grass on all sides to trim for the perfect edge. Letting the artificial turf settle helps avoid creasing and wrinkling.

Walled garden with raised beds and artificial grass lawn

Step five: Joining

Now your artificial grass has had a chance to settle, make sure you’re satisfied the lay by butting any edges together for the perfect fit. Next, peel the grass back and lay the fibreglass backing tape under the join. Apply the adhesive to the tape using a spreader before folding the grass back into place. Take care not to be too heavy handed so as not to squeeze the adhesive up on to the grass strands.

Split level lawn laid with artificial grass

Step six: Trimming & fixing

The last step is trimming and fixing the edges for the perfect garden. Using a sharp craft knife, cut and trim your artificial grass, making sure there are no gaps between the walls and grass. A sharp blade is a safe blade so make sure you change your blades regularly as blunt blades can cause accidents. Once you’ve trimmed your grass, secure the perimeter using ground pins. Nail these into the ground at an angle, spaced out at intervals of roughly 200mm.

AUTHORS NOTES:
By Ieuan Nicholls, Marketing Manager at Artificial Grass

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