Artificial Lawns – FAQs
How easy is it to fit an artificial grass lawn if I want to do it myself?
It’s not rocket science but it can be fiddly and labour-intensive if you want a perfect finish (that will last!). Artificial turf needs to be laid onto a solid, level base; we use a heavily compacted mixture of type 1 MOT and sharp sand to guarantee our bases don’t slip and slide over time. You should also remember to install a weed membrane below first. The artificial turf will then need to be secured at the edges, either fixed into the timber frame or by pinning (depending on existing ground attributes). You will probably require some specialist machinery and tools such as sharp blades, a turf cutter, heavy duty compactor, tape and glue if you’re doing seam joins, and almost certainly a small skip to dispose of your waste materials….and a couple of pairs of strong hands! Our professional team are able to provide a fully guaranteed artificial lawn installation service, so why not let us do the hard work for you?
I played football on astroturf years ago, isn't synthetic grass a bit rough for gardens?
As with all things in life synthetic grass manufacture has evolved hugely in the last decade. The products that we supply are, we believe, the best in the industry and unrecognisable from the old astroturf sports pitches of yesterday. Feeling is believing though and we’d recommend ordering some samples, or we may be able to arrange for you to visit to one of our synthetic grass installations.
Is it safe for kids to play on?
Absolutely! Artificial grass is now much softer and more realistic than first generation astroturf pitches. The soft fibres feel comfortable to touch and make the perfect surface for kids to play on safely and cleanly – all year round. We are also able to supply shock pad in various depths, which is laid beneath your artificial lawn and offers further protection from falls – this is often used where artificial grass is laid around climbing frames and other play equipment.
How long is it guaranteed for?
At Blades we believe in offering only the best quality products and all of our artificial grass surfaces are supplied by TigerTurf, the UK’s largest manufacturer of artificial grass. All products come with a full 8 year manufacturers’ guarantee giving you peace of mind that our products will stand the test of time. All of our artificial lawns come with an additional guarantee for the ground works we undertake.
Do all artificial grass lawns need to filled in with sand?
Generally speaking, our premium products are manufactured with a combination of fibres, which are designed to support each other and provide a lush, dense surface. That said we always tend dress all our installations with plenty of sand. You won’t see the sand and it certainly won’t be picked up on your feet or shoes. It just provides an additional level of support to prevent flattening over time and use.
Is artificial turf environmentally friendly?
Artificial grass is a manufactured product so it is not carbon neutral. Blades are committed to being as environmentally friendly as possible, which is why we are supporters of the Sussex Wildlife Trust and will be offering all our customers the option to match our own pledge to plant a m2 of trees for every 10m2 of artificial grass we install.
We usually only recommend artificial grass that is UK-manufactured (with exception of a couple of specialist products from Holland). Many of the larger, cheaper artificial grasses you may come across in the UK are shipped in from China, where manufacturing processes are not as tightly regulated as ours, and the transportation miles are much longer.
As obvious as it sounds you don’t need to water artificial lawns to keep them lush, nor will you ever need to use harsh chemicals to keep them weed free.
I've got dogs so how easy is to clean up after them?
All our artificial turf products are perfect for dogs and many other pets such as cats and rabbits. Pet waste is easy to clean up and wash away and won’t make turn the area brown as often happens with natural grass. Simply wash the area down to remove the waste and your lawn will stay green all year round!
Where is your grass made?
Most of the artificial grass products we recommend are manufactured by TigerTurf in their Kidderminster factory. Like many of clients we love buying British, supporting our manufacturing industries where possible.
We also offer one landscaping product and various coloured grasses made in Holland, where manufacturing processes also meet high European standards.
Can it be laid on gardens with slopes or gradients?
Artificial grass can be laid almost anywhere – from garden areas to flat roof spaces and paved areas. The grass can be laid onto sloped areas and gradients but will require fixing at the edges to prevent movement and slipping.
Don't weeds and plants grow through the artificial lawn?
When we install your artificial lawn we use a ‘geotextile’ weed membrane, which prevents future weed growth from developing. Should you wish to carry out the installation yourself, we will be happy to provide details of your local stockists.
Can you put artificial turf on hard surfaces?
Definitely. Artificial grass can be laid on to a variety of surfaces including soil, tarmac, paved areas, balconies – the possibilities are endless. Contact us today where we will be happy to advise on the suitability of our products for your space.
Is it suitable for indoor areas?
Yes. The uses for artificial turf are becoming more imaginative by the day. It can be fixed to most surfaces indoors, outdoors, walls and furniture. Call us today for advice on your intended use.
How long does it take to install?
Our in-house installation team work quickly and efficiently to cause as little disruption as possible. Dependent upon the size of the area, simple installations can usually be completed in a single day. We will be happy to provide clear advice on this and lead times when providing our quotation.
How hard-wearing is it in high use areas?
Blades recommend a range of artificial grasses to suit all applications and each product comes with an 8 year manufacturers’ guarantee. Products are tested for the highest wear to ensure their durability and UV stability. Dependent upon the level of wear they receive, some of these products could last up to 20 years.
Do you have a minimum order value or size?
No. We understand that your space is as individual as you are and we’re pleased to offer our supply and installation services regardless of your garden or project size. It’s worth considering that most projects under around 8m2 should be fairly manageable for a DIY enthusiast.
Grass must also be bought in multiples of a metre (that’s how we have to buy it too!) so you will need to round up to the nearest nearest metre. The rolls are available as either 2m or 4m widths – we don’t recommend mixing your roll widths for larger areas as they grass can be manufactured from slightly different dye batches.
What locations do you cover?
We’re based in Brighton but our artificial grass installation team cover London and the Southern Counties. That’s not to say we can’t travel further and we can also recommend other specialists in your area, so do call us where ever you are.
My kids suffer from hayfever, is there any evidence to suggest this might help?
Blades obviously can’t offer you medical advice, but we have heard some positive stories from hayfever sufferers that are now able to sit on (and enjoy) their artificial lawns.
