How to install artificial grass?

FreeBear

SameOldRoundabout said: We dug down the soul and flattened it, added a layer of stone dust, flattened it, added a layer of sharp sand, flattened it, then the grass. 2 edges are pinned with sleeper flower beds and the other 2 are pinned using the special U shaped grass pins. Kids love it out there and so far so do we. 

It IS bad for the environment, and cheap stuff always looks tacky and fake but it doesn’t have to be that way, and for our small 3x4m shaded patch it works perfectly. 

Pretty much the standard sub base for a patio - If laying slabs, the recommended depth to dig out is ~150-200mm to allow for 75-100mm of hardcore (MOT1 or crusher run), 25mm of sharp sand, then final surface. Disposing of the soil dug out can be problematic, and you may be surprised at the amount that needs removing.

Do a proper job on the sub base, and when you tire of a carpet artificial grass, putting down slabs will be fairly straightforward.

kimwp

I realise it was a spelling mistake and it was a sensible solution for sameoldroundabout, but digging out the soul of the garden to lay artificial grass seems an apt phrase.

_Sam_

We had artificial grass in the old house and will be laying part of the new house garden with it again. Our reason is dogs, multiple, in the winter when they play outside no lawn can survive. Artificial grass keeps them clean also, as there is no mud. Good quality grass looks good too. We also had trees and bits and small leaves falling on the grass here and there made the "lawn" look very natural! Brushed it from time to time, and spayed vinegar solution few times a year that's all. 

However we didn't install it professionally just put some sand underneath and artificial grass on top. What this helped with (I think!) is the smell wasn't a problem, due to myraid of earth worms living underneath the grass. Because there was no gravel just sand and soil underneath, I think that kept worms happy and they helped "process" the dogs' liquid waste. 

jondseymour

In work with a company that supply artificial grass. I'm not promoting them, just think that this guide that they wrote might be useful: www.thegrassfactory.co.uk/how-to-install