FAQ

How does artificial grass stand up against roots and moles

Roots are unable to penetrate the turf’s matting and the Geotex membrane below also prevents weeds or plant life from growing. Moles are attracted by food that they would normally find in top soil, the compacted sand base isn’t the ideal environment for these food sources and so moles are rarely a problem. Where we are installing synthetic grass to an area known to have a mole problem, we use a hard core/aggregate base that prevents the moles from tunnelling. In any event moles cannot come through the grass backing and will stay beneath the product’s surface.

Is synthetic grass pet friendly?

One thing that has become apparent with every new lawn we’ve laid is that pets love it! Pets aren’t usually the driving factor behind having artificial grass installed, but they certainly make the most of it once it’s there. Unlike real grass, synthetic turf can’t be dug up and it’s much easier to keep clean, so pets and lawn can live in perfect harmony. Any little accidents can soon be dealt with and the whole area hosed to make sure it’s clean. Also bear in mind that artificial grass is generally not attractive to insects - they can’t eat it! Ticks and fleas tend to stay away.

Can I use my BBQ on artificial grass?

Whilst you will not be able to set the grass on fire, you could scorch the turf if hot coals fall unexpectedly onto its surface. It’s always best practice to position the BBQ on a paved surface to avoid all risks. We would be happy to design a BBQ base either within or near the lawn area.

Can I install the artificial grass you provide, myself?

Whilst it is true that there are some artificial lawn products that can be installed by the DIY enthusiast, normally specialist installation skills are required. Our aim is not just to provide you with the most realistic looking grass that you can find; it's also to ensure that it is installed correctly, by people who are equipped with the right knowledge and machinery to do the job. See ‘Lawn Installation’ for more details.

What about maintenance?

Artificial grass is largely maintenance free, you just need to periodically remove debris and fallen leaves to maintain and enjoy a beautiful garden for many years. Cleaning can be achieved with a hard brush or leaf blower. If we have used kiln dried sand as a finish to your lawn occasionally seeds may take root on the surface of the grass, if left these will normally die. These surface weeds can easily be lifted from the surface as the roots do not penetrate the latex backing of the grass.

Artificial Lawns and the Environment

Traditional grass does of course absorb some greenhouse gases, like any living plant, but far less than the trees that make up so much of our landscape - and even less when it is mown down to an inch long!

What about the electricity - or even petrol - that goes into that weekly mowing... the chemicals that nearly all of us put on to kill pests and weeds... the fuel used by council garden waste collections (around 80% of which is grass) and of course the ever-more precious commodity of mains water we hose it with regularly.

Just compare that with artificial grass. Once it's manufactured and installed, you have an estimate 10 to 15 years of energy-free, chemical-free and altogether hassle-free lawn.

Does artificial grass cause less hay fever?

Traditional lawns harbour all kinds of pollen, dust and moulds, which become airborne when disturbed, particularly when mown. After installing our synthetic turf, the hay fever will not disappear totally of course, but people who are sensitive for it, will be able to sit and relax outside on their own lawn without experiencing the usual problems. See www.asthma.org.uk

Can artificial turf lose its colour?

As you would expect our product range has been rigorously tested for UV stability and colour fastness. The grasses are guaranteed for 5 years, although life expectancy is upwards of fifteen years.

How does water affect the grass?

The synthetic grass has drainage holes to allow water to drain away quickly and effectively. Even after the heaviest downpour, rainwater drains off almost immediately, thanks to the porous nature of the special membrane and the natural absorbsion of the compacted sand base. Where water logging has been a particular problem, we can include extra drainage provision when we carry out the site survey.

Can you fit the grass to irregular shaped lawns and around objects such as trees, slabs and manhole covers?

Of course! We have fitted synthetic grass to vastly different shaped and size lawns. It looks fabulous cut around trees, shrubs and ornamental stonework. Please view our regularly updated gallery for examples of installations.

How long does the installation take?

In order to minimise the time and disturbance wherever possible we carry out the installation within a day. To achieve this we will carefully plan the installation, a detailed survey is carried out and all aspects of access, delivery times and space restrictions are recorded. Prior to the installation we will contact you with a timetable so that you know when the materials and our team will be arriving. Obviously if we are laying a large lawn timescales will vary but in all cases when you place your order we are able to calculate a timescale.

Where can artificial grass be installed?

Our artificial grass can be installed in virtually any location where the look and feel of natural grass is desired but difficult to cut or maintain. Whilst the installation method might differ slightly for certain locations, our range of grasses can be installed in:

domestic gardens as ornamental lawns
commercial office gardens (exterior and interior)
pathways
roof terraces
play areas
shops / showrooms / hotels / exhibition stands
verges, medians and roundabouts
holiday homes
pool / hot tub surrounds
pet exercise lawns
Office receptions (see gallery)

Does installing synthetic grass have ecological consequences?

Everyone is concerned about the environment and we are all trying to do everything in our powers to minimise the adverse effect we have on the planet. We all think of grass in the wild as a positive contributor to the environment. But when you look at the very unnatural things we humans do with our lawns, what is the real environmental impact of that patch of green? Traditional grass does of course absorb some greenhouse gases, like any living plant, but far less than the trees that make up so much of our landscape - and even less when it is mown down to an inch long! What about the electricity - or even petrol - that goes into that weekly mowing... the chemicals that nearly all of us put on to kill pests and weeds... the fuel used by council garden waste collections (around 80% of which is grass) and of course the ever-more precious commodity of mains water we hose it with regularly.
Just compare that with artificial grass. Once it's manufactured and installed, you have an estimate 15 years of energy-free, chemical-free and altogether hassle-free lawn.

We are currently carrying out a life cycle assessment to compare the carbon footprint of synthetic turf with a conventional grass lawn. So that we can prove unequivocally that our grass is certainly greener!

How long will my artificial grass last?

Our grass is basically unaffected by the elements. Our grass is UV stabilized, water-resistant and guaranteed for five years, although in reality life expectancy is upwards of fifteen years.

Does your synthetic turf feel like real grass?

The best thing to do is request a sample or come and see one of our show lawns and feel the grass yourself. Due to the unique construction of our grasses, they truly look and feel underfoot like a perfect lawn.

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