How to Ensure a Smooth, Long-Lasting Artificial Lawn with the Right Base

The Key to a Stable and Durable Artificial Lawn

By Matt CookPublished 10 months ago • 5 min read

How to Ensure a Smooth, Long-Lasting Artificial Lawn with the Right Base

Spending effort and money on a beautiful artificial grass roll just to have it shift, sink, or wrinkle after a few months is the worst thing ever. The key to a long-lasting, smooth lawn? The base is the main focus! Proper drainage and durability are ensured by a well-prepared foundation, which also keeps artificial turf appearing lush and natural. If you miss this key step, you might face bumpy ground, water spots, and grass that just feels off when you step on it. But no stress—I'm here to help! In this article, I'll show you all you need to know about picking the right base, dodging usual slip-ups, and getting a perfect look that will last for a long time. Let's begin!

The Significance of the Base:

It would be disastrous to try to install carpet over a floor that has many dips and bumps, wouldn't it? The same is true for artificial grass. The foundation is essential to:

✔ A Smooth Finish: No rough spots, raises, or lines to mess up your clean yard.

✔ Adequate Drainage: So your garden won’t become a wet mess when it rains hard.

✔ Durability: An adequately prepared base will ensure that your artificial grass lasts for many years.

✔ Comfort Underfoot: Since no one enjoys walking on an intensely rough, uneven terrain.

Disaster is inevitable if the base is neglected. It's worth the time to do it well, I promise.

Step 1: Clean the Area – Out with the Old!

Clean up first by taking out all the old grass, weeds, or junk. Although it may seem like a chore, this is necessary. Over time, artificial grass will break down and provide an uneven surface if it is laid on top of natural grass. Not the best!

Pro-Tip: To stop weeds from growing through your artificial grass, spray the area with a weed killer a few days before excavating.

Take out about 50-75 mm (2-3 inches) of dirt once the ground is clean. This allows you to make a firm, compacted base.

Step 2: Selecting the Proper Base: What Goes Under Fake Grass?

This is where many folks make a mistake. It is not enough to just lay turf over bare ground and hope for the best. Layers that offer drainage and stability must make up the base.

The Preferable Base Layers:

1. MOT Type 1 or crushed stone (50-75mm layer):

This is your strong base. Over time, it produces a stable surface that won't shift or sink.

2. Granite Dust or Sharp Sand (15–25 mm layer):

Better drainage is made possible by this layer, which also smooths out the surface.

3. Weed Membrane:

Keeps weeds from coming up through your fake grass and turning your yard into a wild mess.

Pro-Tip: Don't use just sand for the base—it moves too much and can make lumps as time goes by. For optimal results, always use a combination of sand and crushed stone.

Step 3: Compacting the Base- Nobody Enjoys a Bumpy Lawn:

It's time to condense your basic layers after you've laid them. This is an important step! Your lawn will eventually get wrinkles and dips if your base isn't adequately compacted.

Make sure to firmly press everything down with a wacker plate (compactor). It's well worth the money to hire one from your neighbourhood do-it-yourself store for a day if you don't already have one!

Pro-Tip: Before compacting, softly water the base to aid in settling and to further harden the surface.

Step 4: Installing the Weed Membrane- Keep Out Unwanted Visitors:

This is a straightforward yet crucial step. To stop weeds from sprouting through your fake grass, spread a weed membrane over the compacted foundation.

To ensure it doesn't move when your turf is installed, secure it using landscaping pins.

Pro-Tip: To guarantee thorough covering, overlap the weed membrane's edges by at least 10 cm.

Step 5: Rolling Out Fake Grass:

The exciting phase is about to begin: installing your artificial grass roll! Allow it to rest and settle for a few hours after unfolding it over the base. This aids in the removal of wrinkles.

To make the grass suit your area precisely, trim the edges and shape it with a sharp utility knife.

Pro-Tip: To keep a uniform appearance, always lay the grass in the same direction. Nobody likes a patchwork lawn with mismatched blades!

Step 6: Protecting the Grass:

After the grass is in its ideal location, fasten it with glue or galvanized nails (if it's on concrete). Nails should be spaced every 30 cm along the seams and around the perimeter.

Use joining tape and strong turf adhesive to connect grass pieces for a seamless appearance. To make the seams blend in, firmly press them together.

Pro-Tip: To elevate the blades and give the grass a more natural appearance, use a stiff broom to brush it after installation.

Step 7: The Key to a Natural Feel-Adding the Infill:

Finally, cover the grass with a layer of silica sand infill. This is beneficial:

-For a rich appearance, keep the blades erect.

-Enhance drainage.

-To keep the grass in place, weigh it down.

Sand should be properly brushed into the grass using a hard broom.

Pro-Tip: Don't use ordinary sand because it will eventually absorb moisture and produce offensive odours. For optimal results, always use silica sand.

FAQs:

1. Is it possible to put artificial grass straight onto soil?

No! Putting fake grass straight on dirt can cause bumpy surfaces, bad water flow, and weeds might grow. Always make a strong base with broken stone and sand for a flat and lasting lawn.

2. Is silica sand infill truly necessary?

Yes! Even though you don't always need it, using silica sand helps hold the blades up, makes water flow better, and stops your grass from moving. It makes your lawn look more real, too.

3. After installation, how should my fake grass be maintained?

Fake grass needs little care, yet it's not care-free. Brush it often, clear away leaves and stuff, and give it a water wash from time to time to keep it looking new. If you have pets, using water mixed with mild soap can help stop smells.