So, you’ve decided to invest in a lawn fit for a lord. If you plan to replace that muddy, patchy, worn-out grass in your garden with a broad swathe of Superior Grass, we’re here to help you out with the 7 easy steps for a super installation, DIY style.
The old adage, ‘prior planning prevents poor performance’ is never truer than when you’re laying an artificial lawn. When it comes to laying grass yourself, any expert will tell you that proper preparation pays off handsomely. Taking the time for a little TLC (that’s Tender Lawn Care) will ensure a result that you can be proud of.
You will need:
- A shovel
- A weed membrane
- Fine dust or aggregate for the base
- A compactor or compressor
- Artificial grass pegs
- A very sharp knife
- Joining tape
- Artificial grass adhesive
STEP 1: Preparing the area
So that your new artificial grass looks great, you must lay it on a foundation that’s fit for a king. You need to strip the area of all existing vegetation – any grass or weeds that are already growing. Grade out the soil to approximate levels and firm thoroughly – use a shovel to pat it down and into place. If there are any large or protruding stones or debris, remove these.
STEP 2: Fit the surrounding edge
Superior Grass is made infinitely superior when installed with a neat, sturdy edge around it. Not only does this provide a tidier aesthetic, it will help make your grass last longer, so it’ll look great for years to come. Many people line their lawns with materials such as concrete, brick, metal or timber, so it’s worth doing some research to see which you like the look of.
Remember, Superior Grass is available in various pile heights, so lay the height of your edge accordingly. Too low, and the edge won’t do its job. Too high and you’ll create a trip hazard in your garden.
STEP 3: Laying the base for your grass
When you’re happy with your edge, it’s time to cover the entire area with a layer of fine aggregate. We recommend particles are no bigger than 5mm – your local builder’s merchant will be able to advise. If you take your measurements along, plus the depth, they’ll be able to calculate the quantity. While you’re there, see about hiring a compacter.
This will help you compress the materials underneath your grass and provide a firm base. Ideally you want to add aggregate and compress, add and compress. Keep compacting until the layer is between 40-60mm. It’s good to keep the base layer about 20mm below the top of your edging – but this will depend on the length of the pile you have chosen. Forming a slight camber so that the base gently slopes towards the edges will help to accommodate any long-term settlement.
Top tip: Spray the area with water – this will keep the dust down and help the aggregate to bind. Try to get it ever-so-slightly damp – not wet or sodden.
STEP 4: Getting your grass laid
When the base is ready, it’s time to get your grass down. Just before you lay it, cover the base layer with a weed membrane, pinning this as close to the edges as possible. Roll out your Superior Grass, overlapping the edges slightly. Ensuring you have a little extra to trim will give a close, neat finish.
If you’re joining two or more pieces together, and chances are you will be, roll these out and ensure the pile is running the same way.
STEP 5: Joining edges together
When you’re happy with the pile direction, fold back the edges of one length and find the third and fourth rows of stitching. Use a very sharp knife to cut through the latex between the rows – but don’t cut the blades of grass. Do the same with the second lot of grass.
Then, line up the two cut lengths. Fold back both edges, holding them back along the length of the join. Roll out your joining tape with the shiny side down, on the ground between the two lengths. Using a cartridge gun, evenly apply the adhesive along the tape.
Starting at one end, fold the two lengths back over so that they stick to the tape, being very careful not to get grass fibres stuck in the glue. Once both are folded, walk gently along the joint to firm it into place.
Top tip: If you can see the join anywhere, make small adjustments until it disappears. Do this before you walk on it!
Leave the glue to harden for at least two hours. If it’s below freezing (if you’re mad enough to lay your new turf in minus degrees) it’ll need a day or so.
STEP 6: Finishing it all off
When you’re happy with how the surface looks, it’s time to trim the edges. Carefully cut any overlapping areas so that they fit snugly up to your border. To finish it all off with a final flourish, we recommend you spread it with an even layer of kiln-dried sand – approximately 5 kilos per square metre. Once you’ve spread the sand, give the grass a little brush to lift the pile and settle it in. This will help to stabilise your grass, making it more durable and even-longer lasting.
Step 7:
Sit back, and admire your handiwork. That handsome new lawn is now yours to enjoy. Crack open a beer and get on Gumtree – after all, you’ve got a lawnmower to sell.