If you are looking to install artificial grass in your garden or outdoor space, then you may have questions before you make a purchase. We have added our top ten most frequently asked questions to our blog below, so you can make an informed decision on what works best for you and your household.
If you have any other questions that are not listed here, then please see our FAQS on our website (https://www.grass-direct.co.uk/faqs) or please contact one of our friendly customer service team, who are always on hand to answer any of your queries. You can find our contact information here. https://www.grass-direct.co.uk/contact
1. What are the advantages of artificial grass vs real grass?
Artificial grass requires minimal maintenance, making mowing, watering, and weeding a thing of the past. If you no longer have the physical ability or the time to spend in your garden, then it is a great option.
If you are considering installing artificial grass to reduce your maintenance, then there are so many options to choose from, from colour to grass length, from softness to thickness, you can even get striped lawns for that “just mowed” effect, so you can choose the artificial grass that works for your garden. Longer, dark green artificial grass can look more natural, bright green offers the appearance of a vibrant lawn throughout the seasons, or you can even get sports grass if you or your household regularly use your outside area to play in. It is also cost-effective, available for all budgets and has a durability that means it will last years.
2. Where can I install artificial grass?
Your artificial grass can be laid on hard surfaces and can be easily installed to replace your existing lawn. Hard surfaces that are common for laying artificial grass can include roof terraces, play areas, outside offices, around caravans, pathways, driveways, balconies, and commercial areas; if drainage is good.
You can install grass over decking as long as the surface is level. If you have a slope in your garden then artificial grass can still be installed, please contact us for more advice.
3. Is artificial grass suitable for children and pets?
If you are thinking about purchasing artificial grass, then you may have concerns over its suitability and safety if you have children or pets.
Artificial grass is entirely safe to play on, either for small children or your furry friends. In fact, it is so safe that it is extensively used for sports grounds and pet centres and is an ideal alternative to natural turf.
Here at Grass Direct we are so sure that all our artificial grasses are safe for children to play on just as if it were a normal garden, that we even offer artificial grasses for public or commercial use, especially in areas that cater for children, such as play centres. As long as your artificial turf has the correct underlay installed, our grasses provide a safe base for play, whether that is for children or pets.
Artificial grass is also non-allergenic, which means it doesn’t contain any allergenic materials, meaning your children and pets can enjoy relaxing and playing all year round, plus, thanks to the synthetic nature of artificial grass, it is entirely safe for children, dogs, cats, and any other pets such as rabbits. By installing artificial turf, you avoid the need for harmful chemicals such as weed killer and pesticides, making it a suitable and safe environment for the whole family to enjoy.
4. How long does artificial grass last?
Artificial grass is considered long lasting and not only do we offer extended warranties on our grass products, so that you are safe in the knowledge that your new grass will stand the test of time, our artificial grass offers UV protection so you can be sure you are getting a high-quality product that maintains its fresh green colour that won't fade after being exposed to direct sunlight, keeping your grass looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.
5. How do I clean and maintain my artificial grass?
Grass Direct artificial grass is very easy to maintain. Nothing more than a quick brush to remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and seeds; and your artificial grass will continue to look fantastic all year round. Not only that but brushing also helps to keep that natural looking grass pile without the hassle of mowing, weeding, and watering.
Cleaning your artificial grass from Grass Direct is as simple as a quick rinse. We recommend the use of our specially formulated artificial grass cleaners in order to clean thoroughly and get rid of stubborn stains when combined with a garden hose or even a good rainfall.
6. Will weeds grow through my new artificial lawn?
If you take steps to prevent weeds before installation, then they shouldn’t be a problem with your new lawn. We recommend that you apply weed killer to the area prior to fitting our weed suppressant membrane. This combination should provide you with the perfect defence against weeds.
7. Can I install artificial grass myself?
Artificial grass is quite simple to lay and this can be a very cost-effective solution compared with hiring a local landscaper. If you are at all unsure, then feel free to contact us for further advice, or check out our DIY installation guide which gives you a step by step guide to fitting an artificial lawn on almost any suitable surface.
8. What happens when it rains, will my garden flood?
Artificial grass is designed to let water drain through into the ground underneath. The majority of our products here at Grass Direct have porous backing to help with drainage, however, if you live in an area with poor ground drainage, then it is a good idea to install a drainage layer below your levelling layer before installing your new lawn.
9. How much artificial grass do I need?
The best way to work out how much artificial grass you need, is to draw an accurate plan on squared graph paper if you have some available. Simply measure the width and length of your area, at the largest point, taking into account any extra areas you may need to cover if your garden isn’t square or rectangular in size.
If worked out accurately, you may then be able to calculate exactly how much artificial grass you would need to cover your garden area, but if in doubt, the simplest method is to multiply those two largest dimensions to get your covering area. Always try to work in metres rather than feet and inches, but for reference the majority of products available from Grass Direct are found in 2m (6ft 6’’) & 4m (13ft) widths.
Please bear in mind that based on these widths, you may need two or more cuts in order to cover your desired area with artificial grass. Should you need two or more cuts, feel free to check our DIY installation guide for further detail on how to successfully join the two pieces for a seamless finish. You should also note that if you have more than one cut in multiple widths, you may experience slight colour variation - because of this, for the best results we recommend you stick to the same widths, even if it means slightly more wastage.
10. Do you offer a fitting service?
Grass Direct have recently launched our new fitting service.
You can either find and choose one of our recommended floor fitters by using our “Find a fitter service” on our website, or you can let us find an independent fitter that is most convenient for you by getting in touch using our contact page or via your local store. We take all the hard work out of the process by arranging the dates and you just pay the fitter once work has been completed.
