Artificial turf-everything you need to know, cost and laying artificial turf

2021-12-13 22:22:15 By : Mr. Marc King

Maintaining lawns can be a labor of love, so it's no surprise that artificial grasses that look more and more realistic are becoming more and more popular. Since many homeowners want to choose this low-maintenance lawn, Grass Direct’s sample requirements have increased by 289% year-on-year, and sales have increased by nearly 50%.

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Although it gives a feeling similar to real grass under the feet, fake grass is suitable for both families and pets. In addition, you don't have to worry about mud entering the house after a heavy rain. The only maintenance required most is to brush and rinse once a month, plus the herbicide treatment once every two years.

"Artificial grass is simple and easy to clean. In fact, it saves time and effort than caring for real grass," explains Jessica Fox of Grass Direct. "As long as you maintain your grass regularly and make sure you clean it after sprinkling, pets, and handling weeds before installing your fake grass, there will be no problems with its appearance, texture or smell."

If you are interested in abandoning traditional turf and using artificial turf, we are here to provide you with answers to all frequently asked questions.

Artificial grass has different designs, thicknesses and tones to suit various purposes-there is no "one grass, one wood". For example, softer grass feels more like the real thing, while harder materials are suitable for areas with heavy traffic. Convenient if the kids like your lawn doubles as a mini Old Trafford.

Artificial grass can be purchased in rolls or cut to a certain size. It is priced to suit different budgets, and has a variety of designs and "pile" lengths to choose from. If you want to connect different lengths to cover a larger area, you need to purchase a connection kit.

Most synthetic turf consists of three layers: a drainage layer, jute, plastic or polyester, and a multilayer backing of nylon or polypropylene "grass" blades. Some man-made products are filled with granular fillers, similar to natural turf.

“Pile type, also known as yarn shape, plays an important role in the overall appearance,” explains Jessica Fox of Grass Direct. The'C shape allows the grass to rebound after experiencing the flow of people. The diamond-shaped yarn gives a smart and uniform "new tailoring" appearance. The L-shape is the softest to the touch and can provide a natural finish. The multi-shape combines four yarn shapes to produce the most realistic grass.

'Pile height refers to the total length of the artificial grass from the backing to the tip of the blade, which plays an important role in the overall appearance and feel of the artificial grass. If you want a clean and tidy appearance and a freshly cut appearance, then a shorter turf (16-27 mm) is the most suitable choice," Jessica suggested. "It is also very suitable for families with pets and children, as well as Those who are passionate about sports. "

"For a fuller, more luxurious appearance, we recommend choosing a pile height of 30-37 mm."

"Pile density refers to the number of fibers sewn on the artificial grass backing and how close they are together," Jessica explained. 'Medium density fluff is usually between 15000-18000 stitches per square meter. This type of packing density is very suitable for your typical needs, such as children, pets and families who spend a lot of time in the garden.

Easigrass' options include ultra-durable lawns suitable for children to play with a cushion base underneath, and lawns suitable for pets, which have soft claws and minimize odors. Dark velvet with a height ranging from 20 mm to 47 mm, and the color ranges from light green to luxurious dark tones.

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If you prefer to do it yourself, Carpetright offers a capsule series of polypropylene and polyester UV and anti-fouling artificial grass for only £12 per square meter, and an online installation guide.

Grass Direct is the largest supplier of artificial turf in the UK, offering a wide range of high-quality products to suit all budgets.

LazyLawn has the largest installation network in the UK, so it is very possible to find an expert at your doorstep. It also offers a variety of colors, textures and pile heights.

Easigrass has won six RHS awards for products and design, and supplies and installs artificial grass globally. It even developed artificial grass with neatly trimmed stripes to get a pro-cut appearance.

We strongly recommend that you order samples before buying, instead of buying the first artificial grass you like right away. This will allow you to compare color, length, softness and quality to get a true representation of the grass. Consider buying grass in exactly the same way as buying carpets-try before buying.

Artificial turf can be used for up to 20 years, but it is important to install them correctly. In order to keep your artificial grass in its best condition, be sure to remove debris that shouldn't be there. This will prevent any avoidable damage and make your grass look new and new; extend lifespan.

According to Easigrass, for an average garden area of ​​50-60 square meters, the cost of grass and supplies is approximately £3,000 to £4,000, depending on the product selected. Perfectly Green recommends between £55 and £70 per square meter, depending on site requirements, including excavation and waste removal.

LazyLawn is quoting approximately £25 per square meter, for supply only, at £65 per square meter, including installation. Carpetright estimates that the cost of installing your own lawn is 18-28 pounds per square meter, while B&M recommends that the cost of an ordinary small garden with this lawn is about 1,200 pounds, and the larger garden is about 2,500 pounds.

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Laying artificial grass can be a DIY project, or it can be done by a professional gardener, depending on the complexity of the project. "Installing artificial grass yourself is a great way to save money," said Jessica Fox of Grass Direct.

'For those who are not confident about DIY accessories, you can hire a local lawn fitter to help you install it. Spend some time looking around for the best prices and comparison offers, as well as those with positive reviews.

If you take the DIY route, measure the area you want to cover and add an extra 5cm-the grass can be trimmed later. You will also need to remove the turf to about 5-7.5 cm (make sure the cables and water pipes are under it) and any large rocks. Make sure your grass is installed in the correct way so that the turf drains properly. A blocked system can cause water to stagnate. Testing the drainage system before and after installation will avoid this problem.

"If you choose to do this yourself, remember that the orientation of the pile plays an important role in giving your grass a realistic, natural appearance," Grass Direct said. 'In order to get the best visual effect, please turn the grass blades towards your vantage point. Align your lawn rolls, placing them in the same direction on each roll of lawn to maintain consistency and make the connection less obvious.

Although the company uses different installation techniques, the basic principles are the same-what you are trying to achieve is a stable foundation to stop the grass from moving and prevent weeds from growing.

Most people reduce weeds by initially laying a layer of film. If the grass does not have a perimeter (such as a fence) that can be docked, it is best to add wood or steel edges to frame it-this will provide a clear, professional finish.

Next, you need to create a sturdy base, usually compacted with sand or similar aggregate to make it level.

Finally, you can unfold your grass-make sure the rolls are placed in the same direction so that the blades point in the same direction. It can be fixed in place with glue or pins, and the connection can be concealed by folds.

Some dense designs may not require fillers-brush a layer of sand on the top to keep the grass down. But for most installations, this is a key finishing touch and will give a professional look. In addition to fixing the grass in place, it can also protect it from dogs scratching at the bottom. It also keeps the grass cool in summer because the sand can give off heat.

Depending on how much preparation is required for your project, artificial turf can usually be installed in a day or two. Inclined installation or installation that requires a breaker will require more time.

Yes, you can. Regular brushing with a soft-tipped broom or rubber leaf rake can remove most of the leaves and dirt and keep the fibers straight. If your pet goes to the toilet on your lawn, wait until any mess hardens. Then remove and spray with diluted disinfectant.

Invest in a professional cleaning process, apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions, and rinse it off after use. Do not rub the grass or use excessive force when cleaning, otherwise it may cause accidental damage. "To remove liquid stains on the grass, please use a damp cloth or paper towel to directly absorb the stains, and then use a cleaning agent to treat them" Grass Direct recommends.

Sharp or heavy objects can damage the base-move the trampoline or playroom regularly to minimize dents. In addition, keep the grill away from the grass, as the heat and embers can cause permanent damage.

The Grass Direct data is based on the statistics of February 2020 and February 2021.