How to lay artificial grass

Artificial grass isn't always simple to install yourself, but if you have the know-how or a smaller garden, a DIY installation will definitely save you money.  

Often when using professionals, the service and labour can cost as much as the artificial grass itself. With that being said, using a professional service will be more cost effective for those with larger gardens. 

But before you buy, make sure you're aware of the environmental impacts of installing artificial grass, which has become increasingly controversial in recent years.

Keep scrolling for our step-by-step guide to laying artificial grass. Plus, we reveal our top tips for looking after your grass so it lasts longer. 

If you'd prefer to spruce up your garden with real grass instead, see our how to lay turf to make a lawn guide

1. Prepare the ground for artificial grass

The process of preparing your garden for artificial grass is very similar to laying grass turf. You’ll need to remove any existing turf, then create a firm, level surface topped with a 25-35mm layer of coarse sand. 

Some artificial grass manufacturers also recommend laying a weed-proof membrane, depending on how densely woven the artificial grass is. If you've had problems with tough weeds, such as brambles or ground elder, we'd recommend you use a weed-proof membrane.

There are also some simple things you can do to mitigate the environmental impact of artificial grass, such as limiting the area you intend to cover, and growing insect-friendly flowers in pots or in the remaining real soil. 

2. Cut and lay the artificial grass

For larger areas, join the rolls using special tape and adhesive. Check with the manufacturer what adhesive/tape they recommend with your lawn. 

You'll need a heavy-duty craft knife to cut the material. To make sure the edges stay in place, you'll need to butt it against a hard edge, tack it to wooden edging boards, or bury it to keep it in place. With some types, you need to brush dry sand into the pile - please check the instructions with your artificial grass. 

You then need to pin the lawn down firmly and brush it to restore the pile.

You can also lay some types of artificial grass on to a hard, even surface, such as concrete or certain types of decking, by simply gluing it.

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3. Or pay to get the artificial grass installed by a professional

Many artificial grass manufacturers offer installation, and prices vary depending on the complexity of your garden. When we checked prices in 2016, the quotes we were given for fitting a 50sq m area ranged from £1,000 to £2,700 - double the price of the artificial grass alone. This is likely to have increased since then so do shop around. 

This is a convenient option and will takes less time than doing it yourself. But if you want to keep costs down and are good with your hands, you'll be better off financially laying the grass yourself. 

If you want to hire a professional to do the job for you, visit Which? Trusted Traders to find reliable local landscape designers and gardeners near you. Each of our endorsed traders has been thoroughly vetted and their work checked to ensure you're hiring reliable tradesman. 

Alternatively, you can use our Trusted Traders search tool below.

4. Maintain the artificial grass

You certainly don’t need to cut, weed, feed, edge or scarify a fake lawn, but you will need to blow or rake off autumn leaves, and hose off dirt or animal droppings.

Otherwise, an occasional quick brush to raise the pile should keep it looking good. Artificial turf laid with sand brushed into the pile will need an annual top-up. We found that the sand acted as a seedbed for weeds, which need to be removed, either by hand or using a weed killer. Artificial lawns in shade might attract moss, but you can control this with a moss killer.

Does artificial grass need to be glued​​​​?

Yes. For the best results, use adhesive to stick down your artificial grass. However, if you're laying artificial grass in a small area, it's possible to secure it with just pins or nails. 

If you'd prefer not to use glue or pins, there are also adhesive joining tapes available. These are double sided and aren't as messy as glue. However, it might be tricky to use tape for larger gardens or those that aren't a traditional square or rectangular shape.  

How to take care of your artificial grass

We asked the experts at LazyLawn for their top maintenance advice and tips to help your artificial grass look its best and last for a long time.

• Remove leaves Use a leaf blower, a stiff brush or a rake to remove any leaves. Trim back any overhanging trees or hedges. 
• Keep on top of weeds Installing a weed membrane will enable your lawn to breathe without allowing weeds to invade. If you do see any growing, pluck them out and, if necessary, apply weed killer twice a year.
• Cleaning spillages A stiff brush and some water should be enough to sort out most spills or accidents. You can also use a light detergent to remove stubborn dirt or odours.
• Take care of animal mess Remove any animal excrement as soon as possible and, if necessary, rinse with water. There are specialist cleaners to eradicate pet urine odours, and there's also pet-friendly artificial turf designed to eliminate bad smells. 
• Shovel snow If there's a heavy covering of snow, it's best to gently shovel off the bulk of it, taking care not to snag the turf with your spade. You can then remove any remnants with a stiff brush. For ice it's best to leave it to thaw naturally and let the excess water drain freely.

Check out our reviews of leaf blowers, garden hoses and pressure washers to make cleaning and maintaining your artificial grass a breeze