General Guide to Artificial Grass

Become an artificial grass expert in just 10 minutes.

In this artificial grass guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of artificial turf and walk you through the entire purchasing process from start to completion of installation to give you peace of mind. We will also, more importantly, help you choose the best type of Artificial Grass for your specific needs. 

Firstly, let’s discuss our landscaping Fairway Range.

What does Fairway mean? What is a Fairway?

A Fairway, with reference to golf, refers to the area of short grass between the tee (the place where you first hit the ball) and the green (the place where the ball should enter a hole), hence our fairway range branding theme for landscaping artificial grass.

Our fairway range is suited for all landscaping applications such as lawns, block and turf designs, perfect for around the pool areas and playgrounds. This range has been manufactured using four different shades of green per product high-density grass that has polyethylene U-shaped monofilament yarns with a thatch zone inspired by nature to mimic real grass. 

We’ve had many clients ask the question “Which product is the most popular?” and the answer is truthfully “client preference”. 

Samples don’t always do justice because, under different lighting and on larger areas, the product looks different, much like tiles. Always ask for images to have a better idea of a full-scale installation which you can get by requesting our catalogue here. 

What is Artificial Grass made of?

In order to become an artificial grass expert, you need to know that artificial grass is essentially made up of three parts:

1. The artificial grass fibre (fibres are also referred to as yarns or blades) 

The fibres or blades are made from polypropylene and are either manufactured into monofilament or fibrillated (also known as slit-film) structures.

Monofilament blades are extruded through a spinneret where the die hole of the spinneret regulates the cross-section of the blade whereas fibrillated blades are produced by foil extrusion. 

The design of the turf blade plays an important role in the performance characteristics of the synthetic turf pitch. The fibres are responsible for the comfort and safety of the player, durability, soft feel and natural grass-like appearance.

Ideal fibres should reduce skin friction, skin abrasion and offer superior durability, high resilience, and temperature stability.

2. Thatch Layer

This is the curly yarn which gives added support and cushioning to the artificial lawn.

3. Backing

Artificial grass backings are comprised of a primary backing and a secondary backing. They work together to provide dimensional stability to the entire system.

The primary backing is comprised of woven polypropylene materials that allow the artificial turf fibres to be tufted into the material in rows and facilitate seaming between artificial turf panels.

The secondary backing is often referred to as the ‘latex coating’ or ‘polyurethane coating’ and is applied to the reverse side of the primary backing in order to permanently lock the tufted fibres in place.

Some backings are non-permeable, others rely on punched drainage holes and are currently evolving into complete porous backings using waterproof, recyclable material.

What are the Pros and Cons of artificial grass?

The pros of installing an artificial lawn far outweigh the cons. However, this synthetic grass guide would not be complete without noting the advantages and disadvantages of installing an artificial turf.

Pros’ 

• Evergreen lawn all year round
• No dead patches or sandy/muddy bald spots 
• No need for watering
• No maintenance  
• No need for mowing/garden services which all adds up in the end
• Installing an artificial lawn would mean you can now spend extra time and money on your flowerbeds or growing herbs and veggies instead
• More playtime without the concern of dirt, mud, insects and grass stains
• Increases property value
• Weather, pest and pet resistant
• Ideal for both small and large areas

Cons’

• Although most artificial grass surfaces are installed using a geotextile membrane which is simply a 75% weed protecting barrier that prevents weeds from growing through the synthetic lawn. 

You might possibly have to pluck some weeds after a period of heavy rainfall or alternatively contact your installer to have it removed for you. Nothing a power-brush (artificial grass grooming) cannot fix.

• Moles can become a serious problem if you do not take precautions. However, what if you were unaware that they were there in the first place. Unfortunately, most artificial grass companies are aware of these sneaky moles and have protected themselves in the fine print leaving it up to the consumer to pay for the fix. 

It is probably best to ensure that your area is mole free before installation – problem solved.

• Artificial grass tends to get quite hot when under direct sunlight for a length of time, although it does cool off quickly, quicker than paving on a hot summer day when the temperature drops late afternoon. 

Artificial grass companies have made a scientific breakthrough in that silica sand infill helps keep the artificial grass temperature down on hot days. Some companies even offer a cooling irrigation system to help with the high heat temperatures.

• And lastly, pet urine. All artificial grass is pet-friendly until you forget to clean the area. Forget about what you’ve been told by sales representatives, the stench will linger if the area is not thoroughly hosed down with an artificial grass cleaning solution, there are going to be bad odours.

Notice how every con comes to a solution – and these solutions should be taken as a guideline to consider when purchasing artificial grass. 

The following steps will help you choose the correct type of artificial grass for your application and explain the entire purchasing process:

Step 1: Ask the right Questions

• Ask yourself how you would like artificial grass to work for you
• Take the time to analyse the type of activity that the lawn will take daily with one of our experienced representatives. They will be able to offer good advice on the best option for specific activity levels.
• The budget of a person is usually the deciding factor when choosing the final type of artificial grass, however, it is important to remember that the once-off expense will be distributed over the years, making the initial investment seem way more reasonable. In other words, you get what you pay for.
• The primary cost can be overwhelming but will guarantee fewer repairs and less wear and tear in the future. 
• Spending a little extra money on buying synthetic turf will save you in the long run, especially if you are dealing with small children and pets.

Once you have established where you require artificial grass and for which application, you can move onto the next step.

Step 2: Discuss the application

Decide on the type of artificial grass you desire concerning its application. 

• Landscaping application

• 20mm Fairway Essential
• 25mm Fairway Natural 
• 25mm Fairway Fern
• 30mm Fairway Spring
• 30mm Fairway Autumn
• 35mm Fairway Summer

• Sports application

• 40mm FT Pro (recommended for a backyard football court)
• 40-60mm LiMonta Sport (FIFA Approved)
• 16mm Multi-Eagle

Step 3: Request for a Quote

Send us your dimensions (length and width in metres) along with your choice of product and current surface area for a free no-obligation quotation. 

Step 4: Request a Site Appraisal

Once you have enquired and you are still unsure. We offer free site appraisals for all areas over 30m2 arranged to suit your schedule, during which our friendly sales representatives will present samples of all our products, assess the area, take final accurate measurements, discuss your cutting list with you and answer any questions you never knew you needed to ask. Our reps have the expertise and experience to answer any queries you may have and offer advice on any area design. We offer a variety of optional extras such as paving, cobbled edging, various curbing which adds character to the finished project. 

Step 5: Identify the Area Surface

The surface of your area will determine whether you need an installation sub-base drainage system, or a ready-to lay installation.

• Installation on a Soft Surface– are for areas with soil/sand/mud/existing grass areas
• Installation on a Hard Surface – are for areas with a flat/concrete/level ready-to-lay surface 

This is then processed through to our administration department who will contact you with regards to your proposed installation date and your deposit required to secure your installation date. 

Step 6: Establish your Cutting List

Our artificial grass is supplied in 2m and 4m widths and is always cut to the nearest 0.5m. Should your area size be for example 1.9m x 4.4m, your cutting list would then be 2m x 4.5m. 

Step 7: The Artificial Grass Installation Process:

• The area to be installed is measured 
• Materials for the installation are procured

• A site induction is done 
• First, the existing grass/soil/sand is removed 
• The area is then excavated, levelled and compacted
• A geotextile membrane is laid down to prevent weeds from growing through.
• A 50mm crusher/quarry dust base, with the largest stone being 6mm in diameter, is built for drainage 
• The area is again levelled and compacted using specified equipment
• Cement borders are arranged on the edges of the surface for ease of fastening down the artificial grass carpet. These borders are non-decorative and should be allowed to dry before laying down the synthetic turf.
• The artificial grass is then placed on the ready to lay surface and the trimmed to perfectly match the edges of the surface of the installation.  
• If there are two carpets to be joined, this will be done first by gluing the carpets to the joining/seaming tape and then gluing down the perimeter to the cement borders.
• Once the glue is dry, the area is then covered in silica sand (which helps the artificial grass blades remain upright, promotes the longevity of the grass, reduces the heat in hot weather and makes the grass appear more natural)
• The silica sand is then brushed in using a mechanical power tool to brush it in evenly.
• For a sports field, rubber granules are added in addition to silica sand for adequate support

Step 8: Pay your Deposit to Secure your Installation

Our company policy regarding payments is very simple. Our deposit policy is 100% of your artificial grass (fully paid turf) plus 50% of the installation (half paid installation) with the 50% balance due on completion of the project to your satisfaction. 

Step 9: Your Project

• Our Installation team will arrive at the time determined between the office and the client. Keep in mind that projects are weather dependent. 
• There will always be a site supervisor on site who will liaise with the client and revert to the office. 
• Your site manager is usually your sales representative who gives the site induction to the entire installation team including the site supervisor.
• The Site Supervisor must have a job sheet with the layout and instructions for the installation and or repair. 
• This job sheet allows for changes to be made on-site and signed for by the client which then gets processed through to the office and confirmed by the client.
• When the installation is complete, a sign-off sheet is brought by either the site manager or supervisor to the client for sign off, stating that he/she is happy with the finished project and agrees to settle the balance.
• You will also receive your workmanship warranty certificate and a general artificial grass maintenance guide.

Once your artificial grass project is complete you can now enjoy new evergreen low maintenance artificial lawn!