This article explores installing artificial grass on your property. From preparation to installation, explore the step-by-step process to achieve a lush, hassle-free lawn that enhances your property's appeal.
What is artificial grass?
Artificial grass is a surface made from synthetic fibres, designed to look like natural grass. It's often used in sports arenas for sports that were traditionally played on grass. However, more recently, it's also become a popular choice for residential properties.
When you're installing artificial grass on your property, you're making a smart choice for lawn care. Opting for this durable and low-maintenance alternative means no more watering or mowing tasks, freeing up your time greatly. This is a superb solution particularly for those in areas where maintaining a natural lawn can be a challenging task due to inclement weather or stringent water restrictions.
Artificial grass stays green all year round, delivering a lush and attractive setting regardless of the season. This can really elevate the aesthetic appeal of your property, proving it to be a remarkable addition. A fantastic long-term investment, artificial grass can enhance your outdoors like no other.
Artificial grass comprises three predominant components. Firstly, the backing, which contributes stability, ensuring the grass retains its shape. Secondly, the yard fibres that mould into green blades, providing the aesthetically pleasing appearance of genuine grass.
Lastly, the infill, this supports the turf, enhancing its durability and shape retention. The installation of artificial grass consists of multiple stages. Initially, the ground is thoroughly prepared to create an even base. This is followed by the unrolling of the artificial grass onto the prepared area. It is then carefully secured in place, ensuring it sits flush with the surroundings.
Finally, the finishing touches are added, these can include trimming edges and adding infill, all aim to provide a natural and authentic grass look. Ultimately, the ambitious goal is to replicate real grass as closely as possible, whilst also ensuring longevity and low maintenance.
Pros & Cons of Artificial Grass
Upgrading your outdoor space with artificial grass brings several significant advantages, but it's essential to consider a few potential drawbacks. The chief advantage of artificial grass is its low maintenance.
Unlike natural grass, it doesn't require watering, mowing, or fertilising. This saves you not just a tremendous amount of time but also reduces costs significantly over the years it lasts.
Another significant advantage is that artificial grass is supremely customisable. This means you have the choice to tailor the colour, length, texture, and even the pattern of the grass to match the aesthetics of your property. This capability to personalise is a great way of enhancing the appeal of your outdoor space.
For pet owners, artificial grass is a particularly appealing option. It resists becoming mucky, ensuring your pets won't trail dirt into the house following their outdoor adventures. This again helps in maintaining cleanliness within your property. However, it's also important to acknowledge that installing artificial grass can be quite pricey. Despite the considerable initial expenditure, it's worth considering that the absence of ongoing maintenance costs and the longevity of the product often compensate for the upfront expense. Over the long run, investing in artificial grass can prove to be a cost-effective, as well as a visually striking addition to your property.
Should I DIY it or hire a professional to install artificial grass?
While it's entirely possible to fit artificial grass yourself, hiring a professional is often the preferred choice. Laying artificial grass isn't simply a matter of rolling it out on your lawn. It involves various stages including levelling, joining and securing. If these stages aren't correctly executed, this can lead to issues such as poor drainage, an uneven surface and a shorter lifespan of the grass.
A professional installer will not only ensure a level base but will take care to join the grass seamlessly, giving it a natural, flawless look. Moreover, they will make sure that the pile is arranged in the correct direction, adding to the overall aesthetics of your property. They'll also pay extra attention to the outer edges, securing them properly to prevent any potential problems in the future. By ensuring a high level of precision on all these fronts, our professionals will help you avoid issues and extend the durability of your artificial grass.
How much does artificial grass cost?
The cost implication of artificial grass is variable, taking into account several factors. These factors primarily include the quality and type of the artificial grass you prefer, and the actual quantity needed for your intended area.
However, it's key to note that the overall expenditure isn't confined to just purchasing the turf. The installation process has its accompanying costs too.
This includes labour costs for the installation team, essential materials to ensure a job well-done and last-longing result, like weed membrane and sand.
And lastly, the equipment needed for the installation process, which in some cases might require hiring. To avoid unexpected expenses, it's always a wise idea to request a thoroughly detailed quote from your chosen installer, preferably one from a reputable company like Gaskells Groundworks. The quote should cover every little detail of the job to give a true picture of the overall cost. Doing so not only helps you plan your budget effectively but also prevents you from possible exploitation.
What to consider when getting artificial grass installed
Before installing artificial grass on your property, consider these factors:
Quality
Investing in high-quality grass might be more costly at the outset, but the benefits are worth it. Not only does it have a longer lifespan, but it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space with its natural appearance. Its resilience to wear and tear and lower maintenance needs can save you money in the long run.
Warranty
Make sure to verify if there's a warranty on both the artificial grass and its installation process. It's essential as it protects you against any potential issues in the future. It's always a smart move when dealing with any installation company, as it guarantees long-term customer satisfaction and excellent service.
Drainage
It's crucial that your installer plans extensively for correct drainage to avoid any water accumulation. A well-designed system can prevent potential damage to your property. Make sure to discuss this vital aspect with your installer.
Landscape
Consider how the artificial grass will harmonise with the rest of your landscape. You should think about texture, colour, and style. Look at how your garden and house exterior appear and match the artificial grass accordingly.
Maintenance
Surprisingly, even artificial grass requires a bit of upkeep. It's important you're well-informed about the necessary care involved. Brushing off debris, hosing it down occasionally, and protecting it against harsh weather all help to maintain its natural look. Ensuring proper drainage is also paramount for the longevity of your artificial grass.
Purpose
When selecting grass for your lawn or field, it's critical to consider what purpose it will serve. Distinct grass types are required for differing situations such as sports, pet use, or general landscape design. The unique requirements of these situations demand careful selection of grasses to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Undeniably, the decision to install artificial grass on your property can offer a multitude of benefits. Not only does it provide you with a low-maintenance solution, saving you from frequent lawn maintenance, but it's visually appealing look can also bring an aesthetically pleasing feel to your outdoor space.
Where natural grass requires regular upkeep and can be susceptible to weather conditions, artificial turf remains lush and green, irrespective of the climate, adding year-round beauty to your property. Hence, choosing the type of artificial turf wisely becomes crucial. Furthermore, it's advisable to hire a professional who has expertise in this area. A professional installation ensures perfect fitting, longevity and ultimately the best possible result, making your investment worthwhile.
At Gaskells Groundworks, we're not just a landscaping business - we're a family run team of garden enthusiasts dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces. We work passionately, applying our knowledge to create your dream landscape. Whether you're considering a complete garden makeover or just need some advice, we're here to help!
