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8 Top Tips on How to Install Artificial Grass

5November

By: Martha Williams

At Cheshire Artificial Grass we work with landscapers across the country, supplying them with high quality artificial grass that looks just like the real deal. Not only do we provide a wide range of artificial grass, but we also take the time to share our knowledge and wisdom from some of the experts in our company. We are here to help support landscapers in their mission to install artificial grass. Within this blog we will share our 8 top tips on how to install artificial grass. If you have questions or would like specific advice, then please call our specialist team on 01625 860 601 or join our Artificial Grass Fitters Forum.

How to Install Artificial Grass

1. Plan

Good planning is important, failing to map out the garden and where the grass will lie at the start could cost you at the end of the installation. Here at Cheshire Artificial Grass our grasses come in two and four metre wide and cut to length. Know your sizes as it is crucial that the grass is joined side by side and not end to end. In addition, always make sure that you point the pile of the grass towards the house. That way, people looking out at the garden from the house will get the most ‘realistic’ view.

2. Prepare the Site

Once you have mapped out the artificial turf area, you can start preparing the site. Usually, homeowners want to replace nuisance natural turf with artificial grass. If this is the case, then take off the top layer of grass using a turf cutter. Once all the organic matter has been removed you need to treat the site with a quality herbicide. This will prevent pesky weeds and unwanted organisms from surfacing underneath your new artificial grass. Make sure you use a herbicide that you trust and make sure you pay particularly close attention to the edges.

Removing Grass

3. Edging the area

You need to have edging all around the perimeter of your artificial grass zone. This can be done with composite or timber edging. When choosing timber, you need to make sure that it has been pressure treated and rated Class-4, for use in ground contact. Once chosen, cut longer lengths to form the perimeter and shorter stakes to use as pegs. Set the edging 10mm down from the desired height you want the artificial grass to finish at.

4. It’s all down to the base-work

Good base-work is essential if you are going to achieve a quality finish with most importantly a flat surface. If the ground surface is soft, use MOT to stabilise the surface and build up the base. On top of this you should layer a thin depth of crushed granite or limestone. Many people would recommend using grit sand, but at Cheshire Artificial Grass we believe that the quality of grit sand can vary too widely. Using crushed granite or limestone is the most suitable option.

Artificial Grass Install

5. It’s membrane time

Once you have your flat base layer, lay a permeable weed-proof membrane on top of it. This will prevent weeds and creepy crawlies from breaking through your new artificial lawn. We supply these membranes to all our landscapers, as well as extra fixtures and fittings. The membrane should overlap the edge of your artificial grass perimeter by at least 200mm. Once in place, pin it to the foundation to prevent the membrane from slipping around during installation and secure to your edging with staples.

Artificial Grass Install Prep

6. Cutting to size

Lay the grass over the desired area and then work around the perimeter carefully cutting the grass back to the edge of the desired fit. Work in small sections and make sure that you undercut instead of over-cutting. Then fit the grass down to the surface using green decking screws.

7. Joining the artificial grass together

This is one of the trickiest parts of artificial grass installation. Screwing it up at this stage can ruin a project. Mix the glue and hardener carefully. Once mixed, apply it over the joining tape using a ribbed trowel. If the glue is laid too thick then it will be felt underfoot when people walk over the artificial grass. Gently work the turf into the glue without touching the individual grass fibres. Use a carpet kicker to make fine adjustments.

Install Glue Joint

8. Finishing touches on your artificial grass installation

Finally, if you have made a mess, make sure you clean up after yourself. Use a brush to give the new artificial lawn it’s plumped up look and voilà, a successful artificial grass installation.

If you enjoyed the tips shared in this post don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more!

Artificial Grass In New Build Properties

4September

By: Jordan Rimmer

New build properties are at a rise now, with new housing estates being build all over the UK. Who doesn’t want to move into a beautiful newly built, modern home.? It seems like that property developers are throwing these houses up in no time and due to this the garden area is suffering.

Most buyers are being left with a garden that consists of muddy clay, or tonnes of soil, however sometimes the developers are laying turf over the area but due to the poor conditions underneath, the turf is dying. The homeowner is spending hundreds laying new turf every few months and for what, for it to die again.

In some cases, the garden area doesn’t come in with the price of the house and the homeowners are being left to deal with the garden area after they have moved in.

Most new builds have rather bad drainage problems. This is normally down to the soggy clay like soil that is left behind after the house is built. This isn’t a good enough base for real turf to take to, which again is causing nothing but problems.

We have been inundated with customers wanting artificial grass over the last few months. People who have already moved in, and even homeowners who are waiting to complete.

We have also found that if you are buying the house before the house/garden area is built you may be able to ask for the garden to be left with MOT stone, this will save money on the house sale and will be easier for Cheshire Artificial Grass to handle the installation. Not only will this save money on your house sale, but it will also make your artificial grass installation cheaper. If the area has been left with tonnes of soil, we would have to add extra manpower and days to get the soil dug off and put in a skip. If the area is left as it is, or with MOT installed this will make your installation cheaper and it also won’t take as long.

Artificial grass offers a low maintenance, modern, fresh looking garden that can be utilised all year round. It offers children the ability to play in the garden even in the rain, it also offers dog owners the ease of not having to clean up muddy paw prints every time they go outside.

Artificial grass is a long lasting, durable and low maintenance product, that can bring so much joy to new homeowners. Many people find that the garden is just as important as the inside of the house so why not let your garden look immaculate as your new house, with a fraction of the work.

PU backed Artificial Grass VS Latex backed Artificial Grass

5August

By: Jordan Rimmer

There are so many different articles online debating whether PU backed, Artificial Grass is better for your pet than latex backed, artificial grass, so Cheshire Artificial Grass took to gathering some information from our manufacturers.

Artificial grass is becoming more popular due to its many advantages, offering a low maintenance garden, especially for dog owners. Many homes who have a resident dog(s) find that their lawn suffers from the urine and ends up with patchy, dead areas.

Artificial grass can come with two backings, which is either the trustworthy favourite latex, or the newfound glory PU backed. The backing of the artificial grass which will be black in colour is the area we are talking about this is what keeps the strands of grass in place and what you fix to the timber or composite edging.

What is latex?
Natural latex is a milky white liquid that is extracted from the Hevea-Brasilienis tree, better known as the rubber tree. Rubber trees are native to South America and were spread around the world in the 19^th century because of their great value. Rubber trees are tapped through a method that is very similar to maple trees being tapped for their maple syrup.

What is synthetic latex?
Synthetic latex is a synthetically produced compound that mimics the properties of natural latex. Rather than being harvested from rubber tress it is produced from petrochemicals. Several types of synthetic latex exist but SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the most common type of synthetic latex used in the production of synthetic latex foam.

What is Polyurethane?
Polyurethane was developed during world war ll. It was initially developed in order to replace rubber and was extremely difficult and expensive to obtain. Today it is used as a coating for various objects such as footwear, fridge freezers, steel railway carriages, wooden furniture and as well as gaskets for cars. Polyurethanes are polymers and best thought of, as chain of three-dimensional structures made up of long, repeating smaller units called monomers. Other well-known polymers include nylon, silicon, polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.

PU Artificial Grass — The PU backed artificial grass is shiny in colour whereas the latex backed artificial grass is dull in colour.

Why in artificial grass?

It may sound silly, but research proves that dogs can be allergic to latex as well as us humans. The latex can affect dogs by causing a skin reaction such as redness, dry/scaly skin and hair loss. Constant scratching, chewing and licking can be a behaviour shown.

Pet urine is a big contributing factor when it comes to people choosing artificial grass. One of our most frequently asked questions is “Does pet urine stain or damage the artificial grass?”. The answer is no! It doesn’t stain, damage or burn the artificial grass whether it is PU backed or latex backed.
However, using a latex backed grass can cause an awful odour after the artificial grass has been installed for some time and if it has not been cleaned properly. If the latex backed artificial grass is not cleaned and washed through regularly this can cause the urine to crystallise and this can give you the bad smelling garden.

PU backed artificial grass doesn’t absorb moisture, liquids and therefore, urine. This is handy for dog owners as it greatly reduces the hygiene and odour issue associated with dogs. However, we do still advise you wash the area through regularly with water and if needed use a diluted disinfectant for hygiene reasons.

Unlike latex backed artificial grass, PU backed artificial grass is very weather resistant and corrosion resistant. Latex backed artificial grass can expand and contract in extreme temperature variations, which may result in your garden having air bubbles and wrinkles during very hot days. Don’t panic, this will contract when the weather starts to get colder leaving you with your normal artificial lawn.

Studies from our manufacturers show that PU backed artificial grass is very temperature stable and doesn’t expand in heat.

If you would like anymore information on the artificial grass which we have available here at Cheshire Artificial Grass, or wish to book a free site survey, please feel free to contact the team on 01625 860 601, www.cheshireartificialgrass.co.uk

Are Artificial Lawns the Answer to the Pain in Your Grass?

24January

By: Jordan Rimmer

This year we’ve had the good fortune of experiencing the hottest summer in ages, with dry spells, roasting temperatures and humid heatwaves. A memorable Summer indulging in bucket loads of ice cream, being layered in sunscreen and rocking cool sunglasses. As nostalgia sets in we’re quickly reminded of the unpleasant after effects, the scorching summer has been detrimental to our cherished gardens. With weeks of baking heat, little rain and an essential hosepipe ban, many have been left with brown and lifeless lawns affecting the overall appearance of their homes.

As a result, there’s been a noteworthy rise in the number of people opting for prominent, lively-green, natural-looking artificial lawns. Eradicating the need for the mower, these require minimal care and look beautiful all-year-round. CAG has seen a significant surge in enquiries and sales in contrast to previous years. We put this down to two key reasons; 2017’s dreadful winter weather had injured lawns; the ground had been left with poor drainage and muddy spots instead of natural grass. Having experienced a terrible winter this was followed by a sweltering summer, leaving the ground parched with cracked mud, over-cooked grass and bare patches. As the grasses required TLC, heaps of time, expensive grass seed and fertiliser with slow results, CAG were flooded with as many as 34 enquiries in a day!

There’s a common misconception among the public that artificial grass lawns are for youngsters with little time to tend to gardens, and adults with minimal knowledge and interest in gardening. This is a myth, we have installed and transformed many gardens for the older generation too. These people have previously devoted precious time to weeding, mowing and feeding their lawns, and had been left disheartened by the effort that they had put into their gardens yet, when the weather struck all their hard work was undone.

In comparison, artificial lawns deliver impeccably groomed grass that looks freshly cut and well-looked after day after day. Ideal for keen children to indulge in football games outside, in rain or shine, without the worry of damage to the grass and associated muddy chaos. Energetic dogs can explore outside, short of the owners having to fear their safety due to our pet-friendly grass option and the odour of dog urine affecting the lawns.

At CAG we believe artificial grass lawns are the future. As climate changes are inevitable, we can expect many more roasting and dry days in the summer, flooding and colder days in the winter vastly affecting our gardens. Statistics show that well-kept gardens add as much as a 20% value to house prices. Affordable and hard-wearing artificial lawns are the answer; with gardens looking immaculate and groomed every day. The artificial grass laid is so luxurious and natural looking it would be difficult to tell the difference from real grass. The top choice for nurseries and schools, artificial grass offers better drainage and less muddy-mess, allowing children to spend more time actively playing outdoors.

The Daily Mile Track

7January

By: Jordan Rimmer

What is a Daily Mile Track?

The childhood obesity epidemic has developed into a serious public health concern, with one in ten children thought to be obese and a third of children who leave school believed to be overweight.

The daily mile track delivers an elected outdoor trail for all children to jog, run or walk the length of a mile, which takes roughly 15 minutes. Different from cross-country racing, the daily mile track isn’t intended to be competitive. It is there to motivate children of all abilities to move at their own pace and enjoy physical activity. As an alternative to concentrating on winning the race, the emphasis is on being fit for life. The daily mile track offers a specific zone for children to get active and healthy, at the same time as contributing to their mental and emotional wellbeing too.

The daily mile track is a mood enhancer for school children and can be used before, during and after school. It is recognised as improving attentiveness and behaviour in class. Once installed, the daily mile track requires no additional training for staff, or supplementary equipment and can be used frequently in all- weather, all-year-round.

Benefits of an Artificial Grass Daily Mile Track

There are several great reasons to incorporate an artificial grass, daily mile track into your school outdoor play area. It can be a welcome addition to the school field, blending well with its neighbouring grass. or idle outside space can be transformed into a pathway.

The daily mile track inspires children to exercise daily, whilst boosting their Vitamin D levels from being outside. However, if the chosen route is made of concrete or tarmac, this runs the risk of scrapes, grazes and falls on a hard surface.

If natural grass were to be used, this would not be able to endure the rigours of daily use and would result in damage to natural grass, muddy chaos, expensive maintenance and dirty uniforms. Simply put, the daily mile track would be out-of-use most of the time due to the common and predictable British rainy weather.

An attractive and visually-inspiring daily mile track made from high quality, durable artificial grass provides a fun and safe allocated pathway for children to complete their daily mile initiative, regardless of the weather. With the look and feel of natural grass, children can benefit from a softer surface landing, should they suffer from an unlucky tumble. It’s strong quality means that it can survive recurrent use, short of the risk of flooding and muddy-mess. A low maintenance, artificial grass, daily mile track offers a simple yet effective, striking addition to otherwise vacant school outdoor play areas.

CAG aim to deliver excellent, tailor-made artificial grass, daily mile tracks to suit school budgets and space. All our daily mile tracks are installed with the intention to advance physical fitness and emotional in wellbeing in children, by offering an elected and safe pathway which can be accessed all-year-round.

If you are looking to include a daily mile track into your school outdoor area, please get in touch with us for free expert advice and consultation.

RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre Donation

3January

By: Jordan Rimmer

Founded in 1994, RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre is a large charitable establishment which offers a home to 6500 wild, domestic and exotic wounded animals annually. They also place an additional 250 abandoned cats into the cattery.

The Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre delivers exceptional attention and care to animals so that they can live free from pain and suffering. They aim to release its wildlife back to the wild and find new homes for all its domestic and exotic admissions.

Cheshire Artificial Grass previously supported the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in 2015. Lee Stewart, the Centre Manager contacted us again a few months ago and we were thrilled to help them in any way we could, to continue their extraordinary work.

Cheshire Artificial Grass donated artificial grass that is imperative to the well-being of; goslings, ducks, seals, geese and swans, as it helps to prevent bumblefoot injuries. The artificial grass has been used in duckling housing, around a large duck pond and on bird of prey perches. Our donated grass has a short pile to make it easier for staff to clean it on a daily-basis. Rode Artificial Grass.

We hope the animals enjoy their soft and safe surroundings which closely resemble and feel like real grass, short of the danger of infections and wounds.

Written by Kay Hamid.

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8 Top Tips on How to Install Artificial Grass