Picking The Right Artificial Grass

Do Your Research.

Before you have an artificial lawn installed, do your research and get a good understanding on what makes a good artificial grass installation. Talk to the contractor and ask them questions about their grass ranges and installation method.

Artificial Grass Purpose.

Consider the foot traffic, activities happening on top of the artificial grass, its location, and warranty available on the artificial grass. All these effect the choice available to you regarding which type of artificial grass you should be selecting. For example, is the artificial grass for young children playing or maybe just for aesthetic reasons on top of a roof. Obviously a roof will have much less foot traffic.

Difference in Artificial Grass.

Try to understand the differences between the different types of Artificial Grass and the different densities and pile thickness. These all play a part in the performance of your artificial grass installation long term.

Beware of so called perfectionist that offer cheap prices. Especially if compared to the majority of professional suppliers. For example, you could be offered a 40mm grass by two different suppliers. One supplier being cheaper than the other but in reality, one 40mm grass may only have half the material per square meter compared to the more expensive suppliers 40mm grass. Other factors that effect the price of artificial grass maybe because they have unknown origin. They may have lead or cadmium traces within the grass. Some may have sub grade polymers used in the production of the grass which limits there UV Resistance.

You usually get what you pay for when it comes to synthetic grass. The denser and heavier an artificial grass is, the more expensive it will be. Especially if its European as opposed to a non European range of grass.

Securing of Artificial Grass.

When securing artificial grass to the ground, some artificial grass installers depend solely on sanding of the grass to weigh down the grass. Lighter, low density, cheaper grasses require sanding. Of course sanding of artificial grass is important in particular hot climates, locations, heavy use situations or low density grass. Fixing of the grass is crucial especially with the stormy climate that we have in Ireland at times. Sanding alone is not enough when fixing artificial grass.

All artificial grasses should be fixed down permanently on the boundaries using permanent fixings. Along with permanent boundary fixings, sanding is the secondary recommended option for cheaper less dense artificial grass. Some artificial grasses manufactured are classed as non-infill grass by the manufacturers themselves. Again depending on the use of the grass, a professional installer will advise you on this.

Artificial Grass Installation

A solid sub-base should have minimum depth of 100mm. Geotextile membrane is used by most professional installers.

Ultimately the feel and look of the artificial grass samples will give you a good indication of the quality of the grass. Do your research and be comfortable that the grass and installation method you are getting is a reflection of the price you are paying.