Are you looking forward to getting a mesmerizing garden? Well, nothing is impossible, but a perfect garden does need hard work. Do you find it a tedious task to water the plants and remove weeds? If you are tired of lawn maintenance, then artificial grass installation is your perfect refuge.
You will be able to save up on your time and money when you choose artificial grass. You will not have to dread about high water bills when you opt for artificial grass. However, it is essential to have a birdâs eye view of this type of grass. As a result, you will be able to make a smart choice at the end of the day.
What is artificial grass?
Artificial grass gets made using man-made fiber. The exciting aspect of artificial grass is that it looks real. The grass blades are green and you can get them in different pile heights. Usually, the artificial grass gets constructed like a carpet.
The grass blades get stitched on a solid backing. There are times when you think out of the box and want an artistic appeal to the grass. Well, in this case, you can get a brown thatch weaved along with the grass blades. The brown thatch tends to mimic dead grass.
History of artificial grass
Artificial grass got used in a sports stadium way back in 1966. The reason was that the management was unable to plant real grass way back in 1965. Initially, artificial grass was used in the soccer fields and baseball fields.
However, this grass now gets used in the residential and commercial landscape also.
How to choose artificial grass?
Identify the objective behind the usage of artificial grass
Before choosing artificial grass, you need to identify its main objective. What you need to keep in mind is that artificial grass gets designed depending upon its use. If we have to classify the usage of artificial grass, then we come up with the following categories.
- There are times when you want grass for party lawns. Now, here you need grass that does not get spoiled by spillage
- Sometimes you look for a pet-friendly lawn that can bear excretions
- Often you require artificial grass for a family lawn that has extensive usage throughout the year
All the above categories require distinctive qualities in your chosen grass. There are two essential factors to keep in mind when choosing artificial grass:
- Pile Density
- Pile Height
If your lawn gets used extensively, then you need to go for grass with high pile density. For example, the pile density should be about 16500 stitches for every square meter. The best part is that when you go for high pile density, then you acquire grass with a lush look.
On the contrary, low pile density does not look appealing to the eye. The reason is that the grass looks thin. If your lawn does not get heavily used, then you can go for grass with low pile density. Low pile density is a more cost-effective option also.
When you choose artificial grass, then you need to focus on the pile height also. If you want your lawn to give a natural look, then the grass height should be about 30 to 38mm. If the grass is longer than the mentioned height, then it may fall flat on the ground.
The shorter piles do last better than longer piles if the grass manufacturing material is polypropylene.
Focusing on the viewing angles
When you opt for artificial grass, then you need to focus on the viewing angle also. When you look at the grass from the right angle, then even thin grass gives the illusion of thick grass. However, if you choose the grass for a balcony garden, then remember the grass will get viewed from above. You will need thick grass in this situation.
Checking the quality of the artificial grass
When you want to check the quality of the artificial grass, then you need to look at its backing. The backing of artificial grass has two layers. One is the primary layer and the other is the second layer.
The primary layer has plastic fiber and the grass gets stitched to this layer. The manufacturing material for the second layer is latex. It acts like a glue that holds the grass together. If the latex quality is not good, then the grass can get separated.
You must be wondering how you need to judge the quality of the backing. You should try to pull the layers apart. If you can achieve this with ease, then this means grass quality is bad.
Picking the right colour
You will get an extensive variety of colours in artificial grass. The best approach is to ask the manufacturer for a colour sample. The benefit of this practice is that you can choose the right colour for the grass.
Keep in mind that the lighting condition will have an effect on the colour of the grass. Ideally, you should place the sample where the turf gets laid. Now, you get an idea of how the grass will look.
You can place multiple samples next to the real grass. As a result, you will get a chance to compare how the grass will look. There are times when your garden receives little sunlight. Go for light coloured grass in this situation. It will help to brighten up your garden.
Focusing on the material
The material will also have a crucial impact on the quality of the artificial grass. Three different types of plastic get used for manufacturing artificial grass. These materials are as follows:
- Nylon
- Polypropylene
- Polyethylene
When we talk about quality material, then Polyethylene leads the race. It lasts well for most gardens. However, when it comes to strength, then Nylon material is the strongest. It is about 33% stronger than Polyethylene.
Though nylon is hard-wearing it is more abrasive in comparison to Polyethylene and Polypropylene. Secondly, nylon is more expensive in comparison to the other materials. If your garden does not get used excessively, then you can go for Polypropylene and Polyethylene material for grass.
If your lawn gets used excessively, then go for nylon grass.
Fiber thickness
When you choose artificial grass, then you need to focus on fiber thickness also. When the grass has thin fibers, then it will lie flat on the ground. You should opt for upright fibers. You should break the fibers from different grass samples. Compare their thickness and then make your pick.
If the fiber is thick it will perform better.
There are some other aspects also which you need to consider when choosing artificial grass. It is essential that the grass should be fire-resistant. The benefit of this practice is that fire will not get spread through the lawn.
The manufacturer should have the necessary accreditations in this regard. You must also ensure that the grass does not have any harmful substances. For example, lead can be harmful to your pet animals.
Make sure that the manufacturer has grass safety certificates to ensure that the grass is safe. You should also pay attention to the warranty. The warranty should cover fire loss and cover against UV stability.
The longer the warranty the more reliable is the grass.
How to install artificial grass
Step 1: The first step is that you should measure the area. You have to consider both the width and length of the area. There are times when you need to have some joins. You need to consider this aspect also when measuring the area.
Step 2: Now, you need to get hold of all the materials that you may require for the turf. For example, you need to have glue, tape, turf cutter, weed killer, and a knife.
Step 3: Keep in mind that when you have to install the artificial grass, then you will have to remove the existing surface. If the area is small, then you can remove the surface using your hands. If the area is large, then you will need to make use of a turf cutter.
Step 4: Next, you will need to go for the soil compaction process. Stress gets applied to the soil during this process. As a result, the soil experiences densification. In the end, the air gets displaced from the soil grains. You will need a roller or vibrating plate to perform this process.
Step 5: You have to prepare your sand base now. Place 40 mm of compacted sand. There are times when the sand is dry. You should try to adjust this by adding wet sand.
Step 6: You need to go for the soil compaction process again.
Step 7: Initially, you will need to roll out the grass underlay. You will roll out your artificial grass on top of your grass underlay. Make sure that you do not disturb the underlay for weed killing during this process. When you place the artificial grass, the pile should be leaning towards the house. The benefit of this practice is that the grass will look more natural.
Step 8: Now, you should let the grass settle for about three hours. The best approach is to allow the grass to settle overnight. When you allowing the settling process, then the grass will not wrinkle.
Step 9: You will also need to compose the grass joins. Use good quality tape or glue for this purpose. Apply glue before you pull the grass edges together. Make sure that you apply some weight to the grass edges too.
Step 10: Once the grass gets settled, you should trim the edges using a Stanley knife. Ideally, the grass should be cut neatly around the edges.
Step 11: When you make use of artificial turf, then remember to pin it down by making use of landscape pins.
Step 12: The fiber of the grass may be flat because of being rolled. You should try brushing against the pile. As a result, the grass fibers will attain an upright position.
There are times when you want to lay the grass on paying stone. For that, you will first need to measure the area. You must ensure that you clear the area. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to assess if the surface level is appropriate for artificial grass.
When you want to lay the artificial grass on the concrete surface, then use performance pads. They help to cushion the area. You should roll out the performance pad on the surface. Join it by using tape and glue.
Next, you will need to roll out the turf. You should let the fake turf settle for about three hours. Make the joins. Trim the edges of your fake turf. The best approach is to loose-lay your grass now for giving a decorative look. You can also put adhesive on the base or the back of the artificial grass.
Maintaining artificial grass
Once you invest in good quality artificial grass, it is also essential to take care of it. You should ensure that you brush your new lawn on a regular basis. You can perform this activity once a week. Do not use a lot of force in this process.
The reason is you may end up misshaping the turf. You should use a soft bristle brush for this purpose. Always brush the grass in the opposite direction.
It is also vital to remove leaves from the artificial grass. You can use a leaf blower for this process. The benefit of this practice is that you will get rid of the leaves from the turf. Remember, it is easier to remove dry leaves in comparison to the wet leaves.
Make use of an artificial turf spray to remove the pet excretions. If there is a spillage on the grass, then soak up a liquid with necessary cleaning agents. You should try to work the solution around and between the edges of the grass.
If you want to place a table in the garden, then use a caster under the legs. The benefit is the artificial grass will not get damaged.
If you want a lush green garden all around the year, then make sure you follow this guide.
