Problems with artificial grass

Artificial grass is simple to install, but it can very easily go wrong when an inexperienced installer decides to install it without consulting the installation guide first. In this article, we highlight several common mistakes to avoid when installing your new artificial lawn.

At this point, you might be wondering whether you can install artificial grass yourself, which, of course, you can. The most difficult part of the installation is preparing the area. Laying the turf is the simple bit, providing you read our fitting instructions. Read our DIY installation page for a complete guide to a perfect installation.

# 1 Groundwork

Not getting the groundwork stage correct is only going to result in a poor installation as you need to lay a strong foundation for your grass. The key to getting this right is to take a good look at the area to be covered by artificial turf and confirm a few things before starting work:

What base are you using?

The perfect base is MOT1 granite stone compacted roughly to a contoured shape of the lawn. This is finished off with 6mm dust granite stone which, once wet and compacted, provides a smooth, firm base for the turf.

Does the area drain freely?

If not, then a drainage pit may need to be fitted to allow adequate drainage. This is simple enough and can be easily installed when doing the groundwork. Ensuring the area drains sufficiently will prevent pooling water, flooding, and moss growth and make sure your artificial lawn stays low-maintenance.

Do you have a preferred method to hide the edge of the artificial grass?

You need to install the edge of the artificial grass into a perimeter to create an attractive finish. This edge could be metal steel edging, paving slabs, decking, or a gravel board separating a planting border. The grass should be set approx 20mm the height of the perimeter edge for the best look.

Do you have any obstructions that may need to be modified, for example, a drain cover?

If you have any obstructions, this won’t be a problem as the groundwork can be contoured to match the required height to create an even and level surface and make installation much more convenient, for example working around a manhole where the grass can be recessed allowing future access.

Are there moles or rats in your garden?

To ensure you don’t have problems with your new artificial lawn, it’s important to consider any history of moles digging in the garden or rat burrowing causing the lawn to sink. This will need to be resolved before work starts and can be solved in various ways including installing a barrier around the lawn perimeter.

Does your garden have Japanese Knotweed?

Japanese Knotweed is a serious problem to consider before installing your lawn as it can shift and heave the turf. Also, using equipment on a lawn with Knotweed can cross-contaminate the next lawn it is used on. Japanese Knotweed can be difficult to remove but should be eliminated before beginning your lawn project.

# 2 Joint Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes when installing artificial grass is not getting the joints correct. There is no secret to jointing artificial grass, it simply requires patience and know-how. We go into more detail about how to complete a joint here. Common joint mistakes can be broken down into three main groups:

Too Much Adhesive

Be careful not to use too much adhesive on the jointing tape or near the jointing gap. This can cause the adhesive to ooze out when pressing down each section. To fix this, use a brush cleaner on a clean white rag to remove the adhesive. If the adhesive is not removed, sand and dirt will stick to it and it will show up after the installation is complete.

Using Salvage as Joint Tape

If you joint the grass using the black salvage edge of the roll, it will only guarantee a poor joint. The salvage is not designed to be used as a jointing method. If you look closely, you will see that the latex backing covers the back of the artificial grass tufts but does not extend over the salvage.

This can be an issue because as it goes through the backing plant it shrinks at a greater rate than the backed grass which, in turn, can hold ripples along the side of the artificial grass. Once this salvage is removed, the grass drops flat, giving a fault-free surface. Also, using the salvage edge means the tufts have not been cut back to provide a new clean edge, which is required to try to achieve a perfect joint.

No Clean Edges

Not cutting back the edges for a joint is tempting if the roll has no salvage. (The salvage is left on to protect the ends of the roll so has to be removed to expose a clean edge for joining).

Just as important as removing salvage is removing a few rows of tufts if the roll has no salvage. This is because the ends of the rolls can get slightly damaged during shipping and crushed when wrapped. Although this is normal, it still requires the edge to be cut back to ensure a clean line.

The procedure is simple. Firstly, roll the grass out in position and fold along the joint. Then count in 3-4 tufts and cut along the gap between the rows. Doing this on both sides will give a clean, perfect join. If on review when you stand back and it’s not 100% then take a couple more rows of tufts off and try again.

Cut back 3-4 rows of tufts to get the best joint.

#3 Folding and Fixing Over Timber Edges

Folding and fixing artificial grass to a timber frame is a common mistake for DIY installers and even so-called ‘experts’. Thankfully it does appear this incorrect practice is not as common as it once was. Fixing a timber frame can cause many problems for your new lawn, the most serious being groundwork settling while the frame stays at its original height.

Over time, the groundwork inside the timber frame will settle, resulting in ripples along the edges and, in worst cases, causing the grass to rip along the timber edges, which would be a potential trip hazard.

Other reasons not to fix over timber battens are more for aesthetic reasons, including:

  • Folding the artificial grass over the timber will open the pile, leaving an ugly edge exposed.
  • Timber-framed artificial lawns are restricted to being square and flat as it’s difficult to curve or follow the contours of the garden.
  • Artificial grass nailed to the upright of timber edging looks very unnatural and will not do the grass justice.

#4 Not Sand Infilling

Over the years, the question of whether artificial lawns need sand infilling has been up for discussion many times. The simple answer is that almost all artificial lawns require sand infill. The common reason for DIY installers not using sand is to cut the costs of installation and reduce installation time. Sadly, there are still companies that don’t infill with sand and short-changing end users.

Benefits Of Sand Infill

  • The sand acts as a stabilising agent that holds the grass in place and allows it to follow the contours of your garden lawn, giving a real-looking result.
  • It keeps the artificial grass lawn cool during the summer and stops the expansion of the grass in the hottest months.
  • Sand infill protects the grass from sharp objects, dog claws, vandalism, and play equipment and garden furniture feet.
  • Although our artificial grass is not flammable (and has been tested to BS4790, which is the same test for household and office carpets), sand infill acts as a natural fire retardant to help reduce damage from garden accidents. However, remember that artificial grass is plastic and will melt in extreme temperatures or open flames, so we recommend informing your home insurance provider of this.

#5 Choosing the Wrong Grass

This mistake occurs before you have even stepped into the garden. When choosing which grass is right for you, don’t simply hold the samples in your hand and let only this inform your choice. For example, the softest feeling synthetic turf will not offer the same resilience as slightly hardier grass. 

One way to aid you decide to lay each sample on your current lawn, stand back (and even look out the bedroom window), to see which blends into the real grass best. What you might be surprised to find is that the grass you dismissed as too bright or too dark is a perfect match!

Also ask your installer for advice on each product, as they have experience in fitting the products and can advise the pros and cons depending on your wants and needs. View our range of premium artificial grass products here.

Artificial Grass Installation

Follow these tips to ensure you do not make the same mistakes. If you are planning to install artificial grass yourself, feel free to call our technical department with any questions you may have or read our DIY guide for step-by-step instructions on everything from completing a joint to sand infilling.

However, if learning about all the possible mistakes you can make when installing your artificial lawn has put you off the idea of doing it yourself, we can do the hard work for you. We have a network of installers across the UK who are trained to install artificial grass to the highest standard. Get in touch today for your free site survey*.

Get a Free Site Inspection

Have your potential artificial grass installer come in and inspect the space, making sure they take into account drainage of the lawn, garden access, lawn edges and any obstructions. Always ask for an itemized quote for all the steps of the installation see our artificial lawn quote example here. This way you know that the day of the installation won’t end with a nasty surprise.

Book Your Free Survey Now

Jodie Rose

Just left us a 5 star review

google

A huge thank you to Nithi and his team. Was a smooth process from start to finish , great support and information given. The team showed up at 10am and worked non stop all day! They finished around 5pm. The garden is amazing and totally unrecognisable! All my neighbours are commenting on it and considering using the company themselfs. It’s really made the world of difference for our family already. Thanks so much guys you have been amazing! Pictures of before and after

google

What fantastic service from the team. Punctual, professional, and very tidy. Fantastic installation - very pleased with the result. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of installing artificial grass

google

I have had problems with my turf for the last 4 years and been laid three times found no solution but to look at the option of astroturf. Having 5-6 different surveys, Saygrass was the most consultive understanding and understanding of my concerns having two dogs. From completing the survey I managed to receive a quote within 15 minutes. After booking installation was complete in 2 weeks. The team were friendly experienced knowledgeable and complete the job in less than half a day. There was no mess and advised me on maintenance and aftercare. Can 100% highly recommend Saygrass, fantastic service .

google

Saygrass did a great job. Nitii and team were professional , on time and friendly. Fully recommend this company. Happy with our new garden - Amazing work - 5 star

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The Saygrass team were extremely professional from start to finish, and I am very impressed by the quality of the work carried out, and the short duration it took them to accomplish this. The price was also considerably favourable.

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Fantastic job from start to finish - highly recommended!

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From start to finish the process was hassle free. Very well priced. Lads very good and very quick at their job. Very pleased.

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Amazing work highly professional workers good materials with incredible result I am recommending the company

google

I would not hesitate in recommending this company. I never do reviews but these guys more than deserve a glowing review. Process was really clear from the start. The guys worked so hard and I couldn't believe how much they got done on day one. Great value for money and super quality work. Can't wait to enjoy my new garden!

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Saygrass did a great job in my garden at a good price. Elly provided the best customer service - she was available to help throughout the entire process. I would recommend being present from start to finish to ensure things are being done exactly to your liking as there were a couple of things I wished were done a little differently - but nothing that has impinged on my enjoyment of the garden. I would use this company again.

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Good pre service , excellent work on the ground. Finish looks great

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Did a amazing job very happy

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I had my garden done in fake grass and my slabs done at my front and so happy with it

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We had our artificial grass done couple of years ago. It was great, they did a great job at a competitive price. We had maintenance service afterwards, again it was well done and efficient, at a reasonable price. 5 star and trustworthy. Thank you!

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So pleased with our new grass. The work and preparation put in before they laid the grass was amazing. The guys worked really hard throughout. Highly recommended.

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Extremely grateful for the service we have had from you has been impeccable from receiving the free samples right through to your help and advice with installation.Excellent customer service, we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Will most definitely recommend you.Thanks ones again for all your help.

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Genuinely I cannot make one single complain about this company. Genuine, honest, and professional people from start to the end. The quality of the grass is just outstanding, and the customer service went far and beyond to ensure I got what I asked for, I cannot recommend you enough. Amazing work, thank you so much Neeru for your hospitality throughout. Very helpful !

google

Elly came round and done some measurements and explained everything with great detail. I'm a very visual person and elly took her time to help me understand what could be done and the potential my garden has. I had absolutely no knowledge in landscape,patios and artificial grass but now I feel so comfortable with garden being handed over to say grass :)

google

Very friendly and professional

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A M
5.0

This company is amazing. They go above and beyond your expectations. They are just too good.They laid my grass very very nicely and properly levelled the ground and everything else connected with the job was done to a very high standard. After completion they swept my garden and left everything very neatly. They are very polite and explain everything in detail. Owner and his team are genuine nice people.

google

I've only used the service for a free quote for a start and I very certainly will recommend it. I chanced on to the site while I was surfing the net for an artisan service. Now, I can gauge if I'm offered value for my money. More people need to know about this type of service. And also, the rep that came over to guage the job was very professional and represented well. Good job 👏 👍🏾 👌

google

Turned my nightmare mess of a garden into a dream garden! I can’t stop looking at it!

google

Had a maintenance clean for my artificial lawn. The guys were very thorough, patient and professional. They didn’t complain or rush the job even though the work took longer than anticipated as I hadn’t had a maintenance service for a long while. I will use SayGrass annually going forward.

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At a little loss for words, spoke with a lovely person call Neeru. The initial conversation was positive, great phone etiquette. Was given an immediate price point as a reference. Upon searching around, they were the cheaper deal by at least 1k! I needed a quick turnaround too, Neeru was able to organise and get everything sorted within a week! Honestly shocked at the incredible speed of service, the people who came to complete the job were cordial, laid floor covers down to protect my floors and even swept up after they were done. Some things are expected, but this whole process has shown me that there are just some bits of class and customer service you can’t put a price on. Will be using them for every bit of Garden work from here on out!

google

Amazing service received from SayGrass will definitely recommend to friends and love one's. Try them u will never regret it 👍

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Very professional service, completed driveway on time and to a good standard. Will definitely use their services again.

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Saygrass provided me with garden fencing and clearance. I was told that it would take two days and they kept their word. I am pleased and happy with the outcome and would gladly use them again as well as recommend them to family and friends.

google

These guys were incredible! They did the whole job in a day, were very communicative and reliable. They have got to be the go-to company for artificial turf. With over 7 years in the industry they know what they are doing.

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I would really recommend this service. Friendly staff .Very helpful. I will definitely use this company again :)

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The team were attentive to detail, friendly, and efficient. The installation was completed by day 2 and the team was very proficient. I am very pleased with the end outcome, and the soft grass that was chosen looks excellent. I would like to thank Saygrass for transforming the garden and to give them the highest recommendation. Overall, it was a great experience with top service and installation.