PREPARATION
STRIP
Mark-out a perimeter at least 150mm less than the material size (Eg. Artificial grass size 10m x 6m – Perimeter markings set at 9.85m x 5.85m).
Strip all existing grass, weeds and vegetation.
Grade out soil to approximate levels and firm thoroughly.
Remove any large and protruding stones.
FIXINGS
It is better to leave higher than the final level and then cut off later. Make a fixing frame to all of the stakes at the correct level using 50x25mm tanalised timber, and upvc plastic can be used for curved areas.
Lay a geotex or woven fabric membrane. Pour in loose 20mm stone. Rake out, and wacker.
Spread a thin layer of sharp sand to blind over the stone Screed out to final levels and consolidate.
FITTING
GEOTEX MEMBRANE
This keeps the backing of the grass clean from sand, and prevents any risk of weed growth from possible breaks or seams in the underlying membrane.
ROLL OUT THE TURF
Start the fixing of the grass to the timber, or plastic perimeter, across the edge of the grass, with the pile smooth side towards you. Then pull tight from the opposite edge and fix. Repeat this to the opposite sides in the width.
Roll out the artificial grass. Ensure grass carpet is positioned to minimize cuts, joins and wastage. If joining, make sure that the grass is laid with the pile running in the same direction on each piece.
Apply a small amount of kiln dried sand to hold grass in position.
TRIMMING & JOINING
When joining the turf strips ensure the pile runs in the same direction. Cut off manufacturing edge strip (if present) and butt two edges together.
Fold back edges and position jointing tape (smooth side down) so that the edges of carpet meet down the centre of tape when joined.
Apply adhesive in a zig-zag motion to the rougher side of the tape allowing one cartridge for approx 3 metres. Press carpet into wet adhesive. Weight the seam to ensure good contact with the glue until cured.
The more care taken over this operation the neater and less visible the join will be.
FINISHING TOUCHES
SPREADING SAND
Do not apply all of the sand in one application.
BRUSHING
Brush vigorously against the lay of the pile of carpet to encourage the tufts to stand upright. A stiff broom should be used.
Additional fixing may be used at the edge of the carpet using broad headed, 4” or 6” galvanized nails.
Alternatively the grass can be fixed to wooden pegs or timber edging boards before sand filling the grass.
MAINTENANCE
REGULAR BRUSHING WITH STIFF BROOM
Wash off to remove dust using a standard hose. Do not jet or pressure wash as this will remove the infill (if present).
We recommend that occasionally the sand is lightly loosened with a spring rake and topped up as required.
Do not use a powered scarifier as this may damage the grass fibre.
DO's & DON'Ts
Avoid placing or moving heavy objects on the surface, which may cause rutting of the underlying soil.
Snow should be left to melt and chemical de-icers should not be used on the surface.
In damp areas it may be necessary to treat the surface with a moss-killer once per year. We recommend you use a liquid form containing Dichlorophen.
DOG OWNERS
If necessary, hose down and lightly brush the local area.
We would recommend that during dry periods the whole lawn is sprayed by hose to flush out residues.
Unlike natural turf, disinfectant can be applied to artificial grass.