FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
About Installing Artificial Grass on Top of Natural Grass
The answer to this question is yes you can lay a synthetic turf over an existing lawn. However, at the same time, this doesn’t mean it is the best idea or you may not be completely satisfied when it comes to the outcome.
This is a possibility. However, if you are going to walk over your artificial turf, then the slope has to be under 15%. It may also be a better idea to select the grass which does not require sand infill. This has to do with the sand moving downwards off the slope. For a slope, it is best to use pins in order to secure your artificial turf down.
If the existing surface where you plan to install your artificial grass is already structurally sound, there are usually no issues with installing the grass over it. However, one of the golden rules when it comes to installing artificial turf over decking, paving, or concrete is to make sure you use the right foam underlay made for artificial grass.
Artificial grass should on average last for around 20 years of a maintenance-free life, yet this will depend on how much traffic the area is subjected to. Fake grass will not flatten or fade, and it is also UV stabilised which means it will retain integrity and colour from one season to the next.
If the existing surface where you plan to install your artificial grass is already structurally sound, there are usually no issues with installing the grass over it. However, one of the golden rules when it comes to installing artificial turf over decking, paving, or concrete is to make sure you use the right foam underlay made for artificial grass.
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
Artificial grass should on average last for around 20 years of a maintenance-free life, yet this will depend on how much traffic the area is subjected to. Fake grass will not flatten or fade, and it is also UV stabilised which means it will retain integrity and colour from one season to the next.
Can I Lay Artificial Grass Directly Over Soil?
Yes, here’s how
For optimal results, it is best to lay your artificial grass over a 35mm layer made up of sharp compacted sand. In order to maintain levels, you may need to remove the same amount of your topsoil. It is best to remove any vegetative materials from under the new grass because it will rot away unevenly. The sand or ground needs to be compacted. For a small area, this is possible with the use of builders’ planks or using the back part of your shovel. For a large area, it is best to invest in a vibrating-plate compactor which is easy to hire from a variety of different equipment hire facilities.
– Weed Membrane
This layer should be laid directly under the turf to prevent seeds from getting into the soil or sand where they might germinate. The membrane should overlap by a minimum of 100mm and cover the edges of the desired area.
Acclimatising
The artificial turf should be installed over this membrane. Allow for around 50mm of the artificial grass so that you can trim it off in order to create a perfect edge. It is best to leave your grass for 1 or 2 days to settle. This will prevent any wrinkling or creasing.
Joining
The next step involves butting the edges of the grass together. Once you are happy with your results, peel your artificial grass back followed by laying our fiberglass backing-tape under each join. Use a spreader for applying our Aqua Bond mastic adhesive. You can also choose to use a multi-purpose adhesive for the tape. Now fold your grass back gently making sure you avoid squeezing any of the adhesive onto the strands of grass. You can find out more about the way to join your artificial turf here.
Trimming
Trim and cut the artificial turf with a craft knife that has a sharp blade. Ensure that you do not leave any gaps between the grass and your walls. The blade must be sharp and you should change it when necessary. In some cases, the grass will feature a material-trim on one edge which arises from the production process. This will need to be cut off before you lay your grass. This trim should not be used to join the edges. Instead, you should rather use adhesive and joining tape for every join.
Fixing
Use the ground pins that we supply by nailing each one at a slight angle into the soil or ground every 200mm in order to secure your perimeter. You can also choose to create your own small concrete-haunch to bury or glue to the treated timber length to tack to or nail to.
You should be brushing your artificial grass at least once a week in order to remove light build-ups of dirt, and dust. You should also be giving the turf a more thorough clean once a month to ensure it remains inviting and green. Here are the steps to follow:
Step One: Brush Your Grass
– Use either a rake made from plastic or a broom to brush your grass (anything metal will damage the turf) to maintain the fresh and springy effect of the grass. If a heavy item has left behind marks on your turf, brush against-the-grain of the grass to spruce it up. Start from one corner and the work to the other side, tackling the turf in even strips, similar to how you would mow the grass.
Step Two: Remove Any Leaves
It is best to use a blower to remove debris and leaves. Blow everything into one corner making it easier to pick up. You can either use a brush and dustpan or pick it up by hand. It is important to remove this debris on a regular basis to stop any weeds from growing inside your turf.
Step Three: Remove Weeds
Killing moss and weeds needs t to occur as required. It is important to only use water-based weed and moss killers that feature a pH balance maximum of 8. Once the moss and weeds die off, remove them in addition to any other loose debris and leaves.
Step Four: Fill In The Turf With Sand
Scatter a layer of silica sand over the lawn. Now use a brush to distribute the sand evenly across the turf. Make sure you wait for at least 2 hours before you walk on the turf again.
Many of the latest artificial turfs feature protection from UV rays. In the process of manufacture, the product is UV stabilised. This helps to protect your grass from fading. Artificial turf also undergoes rigorous testing when it comes to UV resistance and colour fastness.
The artificial grass specialist or installer that you have chosen should also provide you with a guarantee that the turf will not discolour or fade over time. Once the time-frame for the guarantee expires, there is a possibility that the product may start to fade.
However, there are caveats to this. Certain artificial grass brands are UV-stabilised which resists fading caused by direct exposure to sunlight. Even though we are not able to promise this once the guarantee expires, when it comes to the climate that we live in, the chances are good that the turf will remain green over its lifespan.
It stands up very well. In fact, it is a far better option over natural grass for many reasons. Dogs cannot dig the grass up, or get muddy, or cause any other type of significant damages once correctly installed.
Weeds are unable to grow through artificial turf as long as you have a weed-killing membrane or geotextile laid before you lay the turf. The backing materials that we have used for our product is very durable and will stop any roots from growing into the soil.
Your decking shouldn’t rot provided it was treated correctly before the installation. It is suggested that treated hardboard has been laid over your decking in order to prevent decking grooves that could damage the grass.
Our brand of artificial turf is springy and soft and offers even more bounce when compared to natural grass. On days that are extremely hot, this grass will feel warm underfoot.
You need to use glue and fiberglass tape, which will be supplied with your order. You apply this glue to your tape. The edges of your artificial turf are then pressed over it.
If you want to use a barbeque over your turf you need to place the barbeque on slabs above the turf.