How to prepare garden artificial grass

So, you’ve finally decided to get artificial lawn installed in your garden and it’s now merrily on it’s way to you (if you haven’t purchased your grass yet, browse our range of artificial grass here). But how do you prepare your garden for the grass? Our step-by-step guide below will help you to get ready for installation to make the process as seamless as possible. It’s easier than you think!

1. Remove old grass from the garden

If you currently have natural grass in your garden it’s important to remember to remove any old turf before the installation process. Depending on how big the area is, you may be able to get away with using a spade. A bigger garden may mean you’ll need to get hold of a turf cutter. Remember to dig the soil out to around 40mm – 50mm to account for the height of your new synthetic lawn.

2. Clear up!

To make things as easy as possible for installers, it would be good to clip back any overgrown bushes and remove any long shards of real grass left behind to make sure the designated area where your new lawn is being fitted is clear. Toys, rubbish, rocks etc should also be cleared away beforehand and any plants or flowerpots should be stored away appropriately.

3. Edging and base layer

The next step is to insert your timber edging and add your first base layer. The timber edging is needed to secure your artificial lawn once it has been laid. For standard perimeter edged we recommend 19mm x 38mm (2” x 1”) and for flower bed edged 19mm x 97mm (4” x 1”). Once this is completed you’ll need to add the type 1 crushed limestone base. This assists with drainage and helps to form a firm base.

4. Lay your sharp sand

Once your old turf is removed, the area has been cleared, a timber edge added and your first base laid – the next part of the process is to lay out a batch of sharp sand. This effectively acts as the base for your artificial grass. Make sure it’s levelled by using a heavy hammer, builder’s plank or whacker plate – so it’s compacted and smooth. The smoother the better so the rolls of artificial grass will lay better.

For best results, the sand sub-base should be laid to 10/15mm in thickness.

Note: 1 cubic bulk bag of sand should cover between 20/25 square metres.

5. Add a protective layer

Before you lay your new lawn it’s vital it is protected against any weeds and other plants, which may grow up from beneath it. Adding a protective layer of the membrane will stop against any wildflowers growing up through the new turf and damaging it.

6. Installation!

You’re now ready to install your grass! You can find out how to install your artificial grass here!

Back to FAQ topics