Artificial grass is an increasingly popular choice for those looking to quickly and effectively transform any outdoor space, from gardens to patios and decks. Its easy maintenance, versatility and natural appearance make it the ideal alternative to natural grass, especially in areas where the climate or use does not allow for maintaining a live lawn in good condition.
If you wonder How to lay artificial grass on the ground If you want to achieve a professional and long-lasting finish, it's essential to follow a series of steps to ensure a flawless and time-tested result. Below, we provide a complete and detailed guide to installing artificial turf on land, incorporating the most up-to-date tips and recommendations.
Why choose artificial grass over dirt?
Installing artificial turf on soil offers numerous advantages. It does not require watering, fertilizing, or frequent cutting., which means great savings in time and money. It's also resistant to intense use, perfect for children's play areas, pet areas, or walkways. Synthetic grass maintains its color and texture year-round, regardless of the weather, and is ideal for people with pollen allergies or those looking to reduce the use of chemicals in the garden.
Materials and tools needed
Before starting the installation, it is important to have all the recommended materials and tools on hand:
- Artificial Turf (choose the variety and quantity appropriate for your area)
- Anti-weed mesh or geotextile (to prevent weed growth)
- Rake, wheelbarrow and tiller to prepare and level the ground
- Ruler, tape measure and cutter to measure and cut the grass
- Protective gloves and hammer
- Nails, staples or pegs clamping
- Joint tape y two-component adhesive (to join together)
- Silica sand y hard bristle or electric brush for final finishing (optional but recommended)
- Long-acting herbicide (optional, to avoid weeds under the mesh)
Thorough ground preparation
The correct soil preparation It is the most important step to ensure that artificial grass looks perfect and lasts for many years.
- Complete cleaning and clearing: Carefully remove all stones, roots, plant remains and objects of the land. If there are weeds, it is advisable to apply a long-lasting herbicide to prevent vegetation from sprouting under the lawn.
- Removal and leveling: Use a tiller or hoe to turn the soil. The goal is loosen the soil and facilitate the removal of stones and deep roots. Try to leave the surface as smooth and even as possible.
- Creating a solid foundation: To improve stability, add a 3-5 cm layer of sand or fine gravel. Spread and compact the layer with a roller or tamper, ensuring the surface is flat and firm, without any irregularities. This step is essential to prevent sinkholes or puddles from forming under the grass later.
- Light watering and final compaction: Lightly moisten the base and compact it again. This will prevent the substrate from shifting when the grass is stepped on.
Placing the anti-weed mesh
This step is one of the most important differences compared to installation on hard surfaces. Weed control mesh is key to preventing artificial grass from growing weeds or retaining too much moisture..
- Spread the weed control mesh completely covering the treated area, overlapping the strips by about 10 cm where necessary.
- Fix the mesh to the ground using nails or staples every meter, paying special attention to the edges so that it does not rise over time.
- At the ends, you can fold them towards the ground to reinforce the hold.
This step not only prevents weed growth, but also improves drainage and helps maintain the firmness of the soil beneath the artificial turf.
Exact calculation of the meters of artificial turf needed
It is essential to calculate precisely the amount of artificial grass to avoid waste or falling short. Use a measuring tape and documents the measures to purchase the right amount.
- For square areas: multiply the side by the side (example: 8×8 meters = 64 m²).
- In rectangular areas: length by width.
- Circular zones: Use the formula pi x radius squared (example: radius of 4 meters = 3.1415 x (4×4) = 50,26 m²).
Do not forget add extra margin (5 to 10%) for the cuts and adjustments that will be necessary, especially if the surface has irregular shapes, curves or corners.
Considerations with trees and plants
If there are trees or shrubs in your garden, leaves at least one meter free from the trunk up to the beginning of the artificial turf to avoid damaging the roots or hindering soil transpiration. This space will also prevent moisture buildup, which could facilitate the growth of fungi and diseases at the base of the plants.
If you don't find it aesthetically pleasing to leave bare soil around, you can decorate with small plants such as carnations, bulbous or mini roses no problem, or use decorative gravel.
Expert selection of the type and color of artificial grass
There are models on the market with different heights, textures and colors. The choice of grass depends on the use you are going to give to the surface. and the look you want to achieve:
- Grass for gardens, roofs, terraces and patios: Height between 40 and 60 mm, ideal for moderate use.
- Decorative grass: Height of 25 to 40 mm, designed for areas where it will be stepped on frequently.
- Grass for children: Height between 30 and 50 mm, maximum resistance to intensive use.
- Colors and mixtures: Although green is the most common, there are models in white, red, yellow and combinations to achieve original decorative effects or delimit areas (for example, paths).
Preparation and placement of artificial turf
- Do a pre-unroll: Place the rolls in full sunlight a few hours before installation. This way, The fibers will loosen and the turf will lose its curl memory., facilitating a perfect fit.
- Place and adjust the rolls on the mesh. Make sure that all pieces have the grain oriented in the same direction, because this way the result will be homogeneous and professional.
- Measure, adjust and cut the grass with a sharp cutter, wear gloves to avoid hurting yourself.
- Join the joints using joint tape and two-component adhesive, especially in large areas. The joint should be clean, with no overlaps or visible gaps.
- Fix the perimeter and joints with staples or nails, placing a fixing approximately every meter, both on the edges and at the joints between pieces.
- cut the leftovers on the edges to perfectly adapt the grass to the shape of the terrain.
Professional finish: silica sand and brushing
For a more natural, safe and long-lasting finish, it is recommended spread a thin layer of silica sand over the lawn Once installed, this sand helps keep the fibers vertical, adds weight and stability to the structure, and improves the feel of the surface.
- Usa between 3 and 5 kg per square meter, distributing evenly with the help of a manual spreader.
- uses a hard bristle or electric brush to “comb” the grass against the grain and distribute the sand, creating a very natural and soft appearance.
- As an ecological alternative, there is Fill in Grass, a topdressing that reduces the temperature of the lawn in the warmer months and, if watered, can keep it cool for hours.
Additionally, there are Special cleaners and disinfectants for artificial grass that eliminate bacteria and provide the aroma of freshly cut grass.
Maintenance of artificial grass on land
One of the main reasons to choose artificial grass is its low maintenance, although there are some recommendations to keep it perfect for years:
- Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum leaves and surface debris regularly. Occasional cleaning with water helps maintain its color.
- Repair of sunken areas: If you notice compaction due to use, lift that part and fill the base with sand.
- Disinfection: Use specific products if you have children or pets to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
- Silica sand renewal: With intensive use, add a thin new layer every so often.
Is weed control mesh essential?
Place the anti-weed mesh under the artificial grass It is highly recommended, in as much as provides an effective barrier against weed growth and contributes to water drainageAlthough synthetic turf limits the growth of weeds due to the lack of sunlight, the mesh provides added security, facilitates maintenance, and prolongs the lifespan of the installation.
Common mistakes you should avoid
- Not compacting the soil well: May cause subsidence or puddles over time.
- Skip the weed control mesh: Increases the risk of weed growth, especially in wet areas or areas with persistent roots.
- Poor fiber orientation: The lawn will have a “patchy” appearance.
- Insufficient fixation: It can cause dangerous shifting or wrinkling, especially if used in play areas.
With these expert tips, tools, and steps, you can install artificial grass on in-ground land and enjoy a clean, comfortable, and green space year-round, combining functionality, aesthetics, and low maintenance. Whether you're looking to renovate your family garden or enhance a playground or relaxation area, artificial grass on in-ground land is a smart, versatile, and cost-effective choice.
