Artificial grass offers a sleek, low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass, giving homeowners a beautiful lawn that stays lush and green year-round. However, achieving a perfect artificial lawn is not a simple task—it requires expertise, precision, and experience. Professional artificial grass fitters are trained to ensure that your installation is seamless, durable, and visually stunning. In this article, we’ll take a look at how these experts handle the installation process to guarantee a perfect result.
1. Comprehensive Site Assessment
Before any turf is laid, the first step in achieving a perfect artificial lawn is a thorough site assessment. Professional fitters will visit your property to assess the area and determine the specific needs for your lawn.
- Measuring and Evaluating the Area: Fitters will measure the size and shape of your garden to accurately estimate the amount of turf needed. They’ll also take note of any obstacles, such as trees, slopes, or garden structures, to ensure a seamless installation around these features.
- Identifying Drainage Issues: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water buildup beneath the artificial grass, which can lead to damage or unpleasant odors. Fitters will assess the site’s drainage capacity and, if necessary, implement solutions like a perforated base or drainage membrane to ensure water flows freely.
2. Expert Ground Preparation
The foundation of any successful artificial grass installation is proper ground preparation. This step is critical to ensure the turf is laid on a smooth, level surface that will remain stable over time. Here’s how fitters get it right:
- Clearing the Area: The existing lawn, weeds, and debris are completely removed. This includes digging up any natural grass, roots, and stones that could affect the new turf’s stability.
- Leveling the Ground: The ground must be leveled and smoothed to create a flat, even base. Fitters will use professional tools, such as a compacting machine, to make sure the surface is stable and free from any dips or bumps.
- Adding a Suitable Base: A base layer of crushed stone, sand, or a combination of both is often laid down to create a solid foundation for the turf. This helps with drainage and ensures the grass stays level and secure.
- Weed Barrier: Fitters will often install a weed-resistant membrane to prevent unwanted growth from beneath the turf, ensuring that weeds don’t disrupt the aesthetic or longevity of the grass.
3. Accurate Turf Measurement and Cutting
The installation of artificial grass requires precise measurements and cutting to ensure the turf fits perfectly and looks natural. Professional fitters are trained to do this with great attention to detail:
- Fitting Around Edges and Obstacles: Fitters take extra care when cutting the turf to fit around edges, corners, and any obstacles in your garden, such as trees, fences, or garden beds. This creates a neat, seamless look and eliminates the need for excessive trimming post-installation.
- Joining Seams Seamlessly: Artificial grass is typically installed in large sections that need to be joined at seams. Fitters expertly align the seams to avoid visible lines or gaps, creating a uniform, realistic appearance. Specialized adhesives or turf joining tape is used to bond the pieces together securely.
4. Correct Securing and Fixing of the Turf
Once the artificial grass is cut and shaped to fit the area, the next crucial step is securing the turf in place. Professional fitters use the correct techniques to make sure the turf stays stable and doesn’t shift over time:
- Nailing or Gluing the Turf: Depending on the surface, fitters will use appropriate fixing methods. For hard surfaces like concrete or decking, adhesive may be applied, while for soil or sand-based installations, nails or pegs are used to secure the turf.
- Avoiding Stretching: Fitters ensure that the turf is not overstretched or pulled too tight, as this can cause unsightly wrinkles or bunching. The turf should lay naturally, allowing for flexibility and expansion in warmer weather.
5. Final Touches for a Realistic Appearance
Once the turf is laid and secured, professional artificial grass fitters pay close attention to the final details to ensure the lawn looks as natural as possible:
- Brushing the Turf: The grass fibers are brushed to ensure they stand upright and mimic the natural appearance of real grass. Brushing also helps to remove any creases or wrinkles that may have formed during the installation process.
- Adding Sand Infill: In many cases, a layer of sand or other infill material is spread across the turf. This helps weigh the grass down, prevents shifting, and gives the grass blades a more realistic texture. The sand also helps with durability and enhances the turf’s ability to withstand wear and tear.
- Edging for a Clean Finish: Fitters will trim the edges of the artificial grass to fit neatly against borders, walls, or fences. This ensures the turf is flush against any surrounding areas and gives the installation a polished, professional look.
6. Thorough Inspection and Quality Control
Once the installation is complete, fitters perform a thorough inspection to ensure every detail meets the highest standards. This step helps catch any issues before the job is finalized:
- Checking for Lumps or Bumps: Fitters will check for any areas where the turf may have shifted or developed lumps. They will correct any imperfections by adjusting the turf or base layers as needed.
- Ensuring Proper Drainage: Fitters verify that the turf is installed with the proper slope for drainage, ensuring that water doesn’t pool on the surface or underneath the grass.
- Final Cleanup: The area will be cleaned of any leftover materials, tools, or debris. Fitters will ensure that your garden is left looking neat and tidy, ready to be enjoyed.
7. Post-Installation Care and Maintenance Advice
While artificial grass requires minimal maintenance compared to natural lawns, it still benefits from occasional care to keep it looking its best. After installation, professional fitters typically offer advice on how to maintain your new lawn:
- Cleaning Tips: Fitters recommend brushing the grass occasionally to keep it upright and clean. If you have pets or heavy foot traffic, you may need to rinse the turf to remove debris and keep it smelling fresh.
- Regular Inspections: Fitters may also suggest periodic inspections to ensure the turf is holding up well, especially if it’s in a high-traffic area. This helps detect any issues early and prevents long-term damage.
Conclusion
Professional artificial grass fitters play a crucial role in ensuring a flawless lawn installation. From the initial site survey and ground preparation to the precise laying of turf and final finishing touches, their expertise guarantees a lawn that looks natural, functions well, and lasts for years. By investing in skilled fitters, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn without the stress of handling the installation yourself. Whether you’re upgrading your backyard or replacing an old, worn-out lawn, hiring experts ensures that your artificial grass installation is done right the first time.
