Artificial Grass - Weed Membrane

Andybooth23

Hi all,

I've seen some articles with very differing opinions on whether the weed membrane should be underneath the sub-base of MOT type 1 and sand/granite or whether this should be laid on top directly underneath the grass... any suggestions from your own experiences? Thanks! 

FreeBear

Depends on the type of soil as to whether a membrane is really needed. On some soils types, the hardcore (MOT1) can (under certain conditions) migrate down in to the subsoil. This will happen occasionally on clay. If you are on sand, don't bother. If you are putting down an outdoor carpet artificial grass (do you really need to use plastic in the garden), it will be an effective barrier for weeds & worms, so no point in having another layer of plastic under your sand bedding layer.

wort

Not sure of logistics but have seen artificial grass with many weeds growing through .

Nobbie1967

You need to lay it directly below the artificial grass as the plastic backing of the grass has regular holes in it for drainage. If you put it below the hardcore then seeds can germinate in the sand used to weigh down the grass and then get their roots into the hardcore and grow quite happily.

Andybooth23

Nobbie1967 said:

You need to lay it directly below the artificial grass as the plastic backing of the grass has regular holes in it for drainage. If you put it below the hardcore then seeds can germinate in the sand used to weigh down the grass and then get their roots into the hardcore and grow quite happily.

Amazing, thankyou. My only worry about putting it on top was the drainage, but presumed there must be a reason behind it!