Super Grass
Make artificial grass work for you! Installing an all-year-round faux lawn that is family and pet friendly takes the mowing, mess and stress out of your garden.
Maintaining a lawn can be a real labour of love, so it is not really a surprise that artificial grass continues to grow in popularity. It gives a similar sensation under your feet but you don’t have to worry about dirt etc. being trampled into the house after a downpour. The only real upkeep is a monthly brush and hose down and maybe some bi-annual weedkiller treatments.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN INSTALLING
FAKE GRASS?
Laying an artificial lawn can be done as a DIY project or by a professional. Faux lawns can last for up to 20 years as long as they are installed properly. Measure the area that 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 plus any large stones.
WHAT OPTONS 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 heavy-traffic areas. Heights vary from 20mm to a deep pile of around 47mm, and colours range from fresh light greens to beautiful dark shades.
HOW IS IT LAID?
Companies use different installation techniques although the basics are the same - you are trying to achieve a stable base to stop the grass moving and prevent weeds growing through. First, create a sturdy base, ideally with sand or a similar aggregate that’s compacted to make it level. Then put down a membrane to help reduce the growth of weeds. It’s also a good idea to add a timber or steel edge to make 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 a bit to disguise joins.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL?
An artificial lawn can normally be installed in one or two days. Sloped installations or those that need a ground-breaker will require more time.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR ARTIFICIAL GRASS?
Regular brushing with a broom or plastic leaf rake will remove most dirt and keep the fibres straight. If your pet uses the lawn as a toilet, wait until the poo has gone hard, remove it and then spray the grass with diluted disinfectant. Keep BBQ’s away from the lawn as heat and embers can cause permanent damage.
Regularly move trampolines to minimise indentations.
Contact www.pegasussiting.co.uk - your local landscaping and artificial grass specialist for a competitive quote - see their advert in the magazine.
“beautiful looking grass all year round”