Homeowners who are tired of battling weeds and brown spots in the quest for a
greener lawn are going for the green with an artificial lawn.
Getting that year-round, perfectly green lawn requires the skills of professional installers
but the first step is to have your property assessed, says Robert Hodichak,
sales manager for AGL Artificial Grass. A visit to the property will identify
any issues that the installers might face and will allow them to prepare for
the installation so everything runs smoothly on the day of.
The new, perfectly green lawn will look like a carpet but it’s not as simple to
put down. “There are a few challenges
and a few things to look for. It’s not just like rolling out the grass and
you’re done, like a carpet,” advises Hodichak.
Before the installation begins, it is usually necessary to remove the existing sod and possibly some of the soil. The next step is to cover the area with a base
of limestone screening, similar to the base required for paving stones. Once a
proper base is created, the grass is rolled out.
Next, spikes and staples are used to hold the artificial grass in place. This
ensures that it doesn’t shift. Now it’s time to make the lawn beautiful by
brushing up the polyethylene blades of the grass. To support the blades and
keep the upright, infill is spread over the lawn. Made from recycled rubber,
the infill allows water to dissipate properly and provides a soft, cushion-like.
Edging might be required, says the sales manager. Stone, plastic or aluminum
edging creates a separation from a garden to the lawn, for example. They will
work with existing landscaping materials as much as possible to create a
cohesive look.
Hodichak stresses that although the concept of rolling out a new lawn might
sound simple, it should be done by a trained and certified installer. Correctly
finishing seams and applying the infill will guarantee the lawn lasts 25 years
instead of five. AGL artificial grass has proved its durability on sports fields
for 20 years, so a residential lawn is a walk in the park for this product.
The artificial grass is 100 per cent recyclable and the two-toned blend of
blades gives it a realistic appearance. The blades are UV protected so the
colour will not fade over time.
For more information about having artificial grass installed on your property,
visit AGL’s website at aglgrass.com
