Ask an Expert: Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Grass
Gone are the days of mediocre ‘artificial turf’. Instead, high-quality faux grass designs now combine practicality and (realistic) style
Artificial grass may not be the first choice many of us gravitate towards when designing our dream garden, but perhaps we should consider it. Once the preserve of sports pitches, artificial grass has evolved significantly over the past few years and can now be incredibly realistic and versatile. Here, two landscapers specialising in synthetic grass delve into the practical details and benefits of installing and maintaining an artificial lawn.
Professional advice from:
Paul Newman of Paul Newman Landscapes
Rory Fox of Fox Landscape Gardening
Professional advice from:
Paul Newman of Paul Newman Landscapes
Rory Fox of Fox Landscape Gardening
Are there different styles of artificial grass?
Paul explains that each strand of grass is composed of three individual colours in order to give the lawn a natural appearance. Furthermore, there are many different styles available. ‘They come in all different ranges to suit all budgets,’ Paul says.
Rory explains that it helps to think of artificial lawns like carpet, where the pile height and the density of the fibres determines the feel of the finished product. A basic lawn will start with an 8mm blade length, but manufacturers produce grass with blade lengths up to 36mm, which is ‘a really dense grass type’ and creates ‘a more natural looking lush lawn’ that feels lovely to walk on.
Paul explains that each strand of grass is composed of three individual colours in order to give the lawn a natural appearance. Furthermore, there are many different styles available. ‘They come in all different ranges to suit all budgets,’ Paul says.
Rory explains that it helps to think of artificial lawns like carpet, where the pile height and the density of the fibres determines the feel of the finished product. A basic lawn will start with an 8mm blade length, but manufacturers produce grass with blade lengths up to 36mm, which is ‘a really dense grass type’ and creates ‘a more natural looking lush lawn’ that feels lovely to walk on.
‘All synthetic grass lawns are woven onto a hard-wearing back, and the colours are chosen to blend in,’ explains Paul. A thicker stitching on the backing will result in a denser and longer-lasting lawn.
How is an artificial lawn installed?
If the lawn is being installed onto an existing grassy area, landscapers will need to dig out the natural lawn and about 10cm down, Paul says. ‘This creates a nice level finish to work from,’ Rory adds.
Afterwards, an aggregate is added to the floor and compacted to level the surface even further. ‘A weed-proof membrane is then applied in order to stop any weeds growing through the drainage holes in the grass,’ Rory explains. Then the lawn is rolled out over the membrane like a carpet. ‘The lawns usually come in 4m or 2m-wide rolls,’ Paul says.
When joining the various rolls, Rory stresses the importance of ensuring all blades are facing in the same direction, otherwise the uniform aesthetic of the lawn would be ruined.
If the lawn is being installed onto an existing grassy area, landscapers will need to dig out the natural lawn and about 10cm down, Paul says. ‘This creates a nice level finish to work from,’ Rory adds.
Afterwards, an aggregate is added to the floor and compacted to level the surface even further. ‘A weed-proof membrane is then applied in order to stop any weeds growing through the drainage holes in the grass,’ Rory explains. Then the lawn is rolled out over the membrane like a carpet. ‘The lawns usually come in 4m or 2m-wide rolls,’ Paul says.
When joining the various rolls, Rory stresses the importance of ensuring all blades are facing in the same direction, otherwise the uniform aesthetic of the lawn would be ruined.
‘Finally, the lawn is fixed to the ground with a combination of 6in fittings and bonding glue applied evenly throughout the lawn,’ Rory explains. ‘All fittings are hidden, so you won’t know they are there.’
As a finishing touch, landscapers will ‘spread kiln-dried sand evenly over the lawn and then sweep it in against the pile to pull the grass so it stands upright. This is when it looks it’s best,’ adds Rory.
As a finishing touch, landscapers will ‘spread kiln-dried sand evenly over the lawn and then sweep it in against the pile to pull the grass so it stands upright. This is when it looks it’s best,’ adds Rory.
Can you install it anywhere?
Paul calls artificial grass ‘quite the universal product’, since it works for courtyards, small gardens, roof terraces, inside spaces and a host of other locations.
Paul calls artificial grass ‘quite the universal product’, since it works for courtyards, small gardens, roof terraces, inside spaces and a host of other locations.
If you install artificial grass on a hard surface, such as on a balcony or rooftop, as opposed to on an existing lawn, a foam pad with shock-absorbing qualities is laid underneath.
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Furthermore, artificial grass can be shaped to create mounds and dips. ‘It’s a bit more tricky,’ Rory says, ‘but it’s surprising just how natural it looks.’
Paul adds, ‘It can go on any area as long as the base prep is OK, because you don’t want the lawn sinking.’ The surface should be sound, with no big cracks or gaps, and it shouldn’t have excessive undulations and ridges for the best effect.
Paul adds, ‘It can go on any area as long as the base prep is OK, because you don’t want the lawn sinking.’ The surface should be sound, with no big cracks or gaps, and it shouldn’t have excessive undulations and ridges for the best effect.
How much does it cost?
Naturally, the price of different lawns will vary from company to company, and according to what type of lawn you choose to install. ‘The price depends on the base preparation and the site,’ explains Paul.
Rory says a basic 8mm lawn, including installation, would start at about £50 per sq m. A mid-height 26mm lawn would be priced at around £61 per sq m, while the most luxurious lawns, standing at 36mm, would start at £70 per sq m.
Naturally, the price of different lawns will vary from company to company, and according to what type of lawn you choose to install. ‘The price depends on the base preparation and the site,’ explains Paul.
Rory says a basic 8mm lawn, including installation, would start at about £50 per sq m. A mid-height 26mm lawn would be priced at around £61 per sq m, while the most luxurious lawns, standing at 36mm, would start at £70 per sq m.
Is it safe?
Artificial lawns are non-toxic and a practical solution for any pups who are a bit too enthusiastic about digging. ‘A dog can’t eat [the grass] and dig through it as they could a normal lawn,’ Paul says. ‘And if your pet messes on it, you can just pick it up.’
Any spills or accidents can simply be hosed off – the lawn is porous and features drainage holes that allow water to pass through and keep the grass clean and dry. ‘It’s not damaging to local ecology,’ Rory says, since the soil underneath the lawn is not affected.
Artificial lawns are non-toxic and a practical solution for any pups who are a bit too enthusiastic about digging. ‘A dog can’t eat [the grass] and dig through it as they could a normal lawn,’ Paul says. ‘And if your pet messes on it, you can just pick it up.’
Any spills or accidents can simply be hosed off – the lawn is porous and features drainage holes that allow water to pass through and keep the grass clean and dry. ‘It’s not damaging to local ecology,’ Rory says, since the soil underneath the lawn is not affected.
An artificial lawn is also a good solution for a child-friendly space, since it ensures a soft, clean and neat surface on which children can play.
It’s also fire retardant and UV-resistant, which means there’s no danger of it catching fire or changing colour due to sun exposure.
Discover how to create a child-friendly space in your garden
It’s also fire retardant and UV-resistant, which means there’s no danger of it catching fire or changing colour due to sun exposure.
Discover how to create a child-friendly space in your garden
How are people using it today?
Rory reveals that many offices have begun requesting artificial grass for inside picnic spaces. ‘You can create some really cool working areas,’ he says. Furthermore, he’s had lawns requested for various exhibitions and functions. ‘It can even be hired out for trade shows.’
Rory reveals that many offices have begun requesting artificial grass for inside picnic spaces. ‘You can create some really cool working areas,’ he says. Furthermore, he’s had lawns requested for various exhibitions and functions. ‘It can even be hired out for trade shows.’
‘Manufacturers make coloured lawns as well,’ says Paul. ‘You can get purple or yellow ones. These are obviously for children’s areas.’
While a multi-coloured lawn may not be the first choice for most homeowners, Paul has noticed growing interest in a product that used to be scorned. ‘We want clean-looking, modern things,’ he says, and the versatility, convenience and durability of artificial grass make it an attractive option for hectic lifestyles. ‘It looks clean, it looks fresh, there’s minimal maintenance, and it’s there for a long time.’
TELL US…
Do you have artificial grass installed in your garden, or are you considering it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments below.
While a multi-coloured lawn may not be the first choice for most homeowners, Paul has noticed growing interest in a product that used to be scorned. ‘We want clean-looking, modern things,’ he says, and the versatility, convenience and durability of artificial grass make it an attractive option for hectic lifestyles. ‘It looks clean, it looks fresh, there’s minimal maintenance, and it’s there for a long time.’
TELL US…
Do you have artificial grass installed in your garden, or are you considering it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments below.
Artificial grass is undeniably hassle-free. It requires minimum maintenance, stays green all year round and can’t be dug up or destroyed by your pets.
Paul Newman explains that a natural lawn will get soggy and muddy, and frost over or dry out during changing weather conditions, but this is something artificial lawn owners never need to worry about.
Rory Fox adds that an artificial lawn is perfectly suited to most people’s busy lifestyles. ‘There’s no more lawn mowing required,’ he says, which is particularly beneficial for homeowners with disabilities or time-consuming lifestyles.
Furthermore, well-crafted artificial lawns last for a very long time, usually for about 20 years or more.