To enjoy the full benefits of artificial grass, the right installation is very important. Whereas the quality of the grass and landscape design both contribute to a great end result, the right installation ensures that minimum maintenance will be required and pools of water will be prevented.
Here are the 5 key elements of an artificial grass installation –
1. The surface
Artificial grass needs to be installed on a clear, stable and well-draining base. Little things that make the base uneven, like stones, will stand out.
2. The base
Various combinations of sand and crushed rock are good base materials to create a free draining base for artificial grass installations. Generally, a total thickness of 10 centimeters will suffice, depending on soil and overall drainage conditions. If the surface is impermeable like cement or tiles, a slight slope is advised to aid run off of water to a drain point.
3. Drainage
A well draining base is a requirement for good and long lasting artificial grass installations. Therefore, drainage needs to be well-planned. Artificial grass is permeable, so when using a well-draining base, the water will be able to drain out fast and water flooding will be avoided.
4. Border / edges
Finishing the artificial grass nicely along borders and edges is important from a design perspective and for safety reasons. The best result is obtained when a border is installed that encloses the grass. This keeps the base from eroding over time. Edges need to be firm and strong enough to hold over a longer period of time. Materials like stone, concrete, hardwood, aluminum or metal can be used.
5. Installation techniques
It is important to have experience with various installation techniques to deliver the best result for each installation. Many aspects need to be considered like how to install the grass pieces and where and how to join them together. These decisions, combined with judging the base situation and choosing the right edging options, make every artificial grass installation a unique job.
Royal Grass® Australia considers the installation of artificial grass a specialist job. It requires precision, experience and critical decision-making. If you have any questions about installing artificial grass in your next landscaping project, feel free to ask us for advice at sales@royalgrass-sa.com.au.