Laying Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is a viable and versatile alternative to natural grass, providing a lush appearance all year round. It’s a low-effort good looker, with low-maintenance the order of the day. No need for the endless lawn-care rigmarole of watering, mowing and feeding. As more and more people make the smart decision to enhance their outdoor spaces by installing artificial grass, the question arises: where can artificial grass be laid? In this edition of our blog, we’ll explore the suitability of various surfaces for artificial grass installation – including slopes, concrete and decking.

Can I lay artificial grass on a slope?

Unsurprisingly, as not every garden is like a bowling green, we are asked this question often. Yes, you can have artificial grass installed on a slope. In fact, it’s a popular solution for those difficult-to-mow areas and gradients which are steep, where natural grass actually struggles to grow properly. However, installing artificial grass on a slope requires careful preparation so that stability is ensured and slippage is prevented.

Installation tips:

• Prepare: Remove any existing grass, weeds and debris. Ensure the slope is smooth and the soil is compacted to create a firm base.
• Edge: Install a solid border around the perimeter to anchor the grass and stop it from shifting.
• Base: Lay a sub-base of crushed stone or gravel, compacting it thoroughly to provide a stable foundation.
• Membrane: Place a weed membrane over the sub-base to prevent weed growth.
• Install: Use U-shaped pins or galvanised stakes to secure the grass at regular intervals – especially at the top and the bottom of the slope. Apply adhesive on the edges for additional security.

Can artificial grass be laid on concrete?

Another question we are often asked – and one with an answer which surprises some people. Yes, it is possible to lay artificial grass on top of concrete. This versatility makes it a great option for transforming patios, yards, rooftops and other hard surfaces into inviting and highly usable green areas. The process of installation is relatively straightforward, but there are a few important considerations to ensure it’s a success.

Installation tips:

• Clean: Thoroughly clean the concrete to remove dirt, dust and debris.
• Drainage: Ensure that there’s adequate drainage. If water tends to pool on the concrete, then you may need to add drainage holes or a layer of sand to facilitate run-off.
• Shock-absorber: To add comfort underfoot and improve drainage lay a foam or rubber underlay over the concrete. This will act as a shock absorber and makes for a more pleasant feeling underfoot.
• Adhesive: Apply a strong adhesive to the concrete and carefully roll out the artificial grass, pressing it firmly into place.
• Trim / secure: Trim the edges to fit the area precisely and use more adhesive or tape to secure the edges.

Can artificial grass be laid on decking?

Laying artificial grass on decking is a great way to rejuvenate an old deck and make it a more inviting space. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure proper installation.

Installation tips:

• Inspect: Ensure the structure of the decking is sound and replace any damaged boards.
• Clean: Clean the decking thoroughly to remove dirt, moss and algae.
• Underlay: Place foam or rubber underlay on top of the decking to improve comfort underfoot, plus drainage.
• Adhesive: Apply adhesive or use double-sided tape to secure the underlay and the artificial grass to the decking.
• Secure: Trim the artificial grass to fit the decking area precisely. Secure the edges with adhesive or nails to prevent movement.

Artificial grass can be relatively easily installed on a variety of surfaces, from slopes to concrete and decking. However, here at Artificial Grass Derbyshire we offer a full installation service, and our recommendation is that you make sure you get the best possible grass fit you can. Give us a call!