Installation Tips for Artificial Grass: Smart Steps for a Perfect Lawn

When you install artificial grass, a synthetic turf surface designed to mimic natural lawn without the upkeep. Also known as synthetic turf, it’s a smart choice for UK gardens where weather makes real grass tricky to maintain. But putting it down right? That’s where most people mess up. It’s not just about unrolling a roll of green plastic. It’s about prep, pressure, and patience.

You can’t skip the base. A weak or uneven base means your grass will sag, pool water, or look bumpy after a few months. Most pros use crushed stone or granite dust—about 50mm deep—and compact it with a plate compactor. No compactor? You’re asking for trouble. Drainage matters too. If water sits on top, you’ll get algae, odours, or worse—moss creeping in under the edges. Check your slope. Even a 1% drop away from your house is enough to keep things dry.

Then there’s the infill, the material spread over the grass blades to help them stand up and feel natural. Sand is common, but too much can weigh down the fibres and block drainage. The right amount? Usually 5-8kg per square metre. Too little, and the grass looks flat. Too much, and it turns into a muddy mess after rain. Always brush it in with a stiff broom, going with the grain. And don’t forget the edges. Securing them with pins or adhesive stops lifting, especially in windy spots or near driveways.

Some folks think they can skip the underlay. Don’t. A geotextile fabric beneath the base stops weeds from pushing up and keeps the stone from sinking into the soil. It’s cheap insurance. And if you’re installing over concrete or paving? Use a shock pad—it makes the surface softer underfoot and reduces heat buildup in summer.

Temperature matters too. Install on a mild day. If it’s freezing, the backing can crack. If it’s blazing hot, the material expands and shrinks unevenly as it cools. Late spring or early autumn? Ideal. Give it 24 hours to settle after rolling it out before you add infill. That way, the fibres lie flat and you get a more even finish.

You’ll also find in our collection posts about sand infill, a key component in artificial grass systems that helps with stability and blade support—and why too much of it can ruin your lawn. We cover how to fix overfilled turf, how to spot drainage issues before they become expensive, and why some DIYers end up with a lawn that looks like a trampoline after one winter.

These aren’t theory tips. They’re what actual installers in the UK do every day. No jargon. No fluff. Just what works when the rain comes, the kids play, and the dog digs. What you’ll find below are real guides from people who’ve done this before—whether it’s fixing a bumpy edge, choosing the right underlay for clay soil, or knowing exactly when to brush the fibres after laying. Skip the guesswork. Learn what actually matters.