How To Prep For Artificial Grass In 7 Simple Steps

Artificial Grass Preparation Guide

A high-quality artificial lawn starts with what sits underneath it.

Artificial grass can hide the soil from view, but it cannot disguise an unstable base, poor drainage or uneven ground forever. Taking the time to prepare the area properly helps your finished lawn stay smooth, secure and comfortable for years to come.

If you are replacing natural grass, preparation usually involves clearing the area, excavating the soil and creating a firm, free-draining base. Concrete, paving and decking require a different approach, so it is important to identify your existing surface before starting.

This guide explains how to prepare for artificial grass in seven straightforward steps. We will take you up to the point where the area is ready for the grass roll to be installed. For cutting, joining and securing the turf, follow our How To Lay Artificial Grass guide.

Better DrainageSpot potential water problems before the lawn is installed

A Smoother FinishCreate a firm, level foundation beneath the grass

Ready To InstallPrepare the area before cutting, joining and securing the turf

Why Proper Artificial Grass Preparation Matters

Artificial turf does not need soil, sunlight or watering, but it does need a stable foundation.

Without the correct preparation, your lawn may develop:

Visible dips and bumps
Loose or lifting edges
Areas that move underfoot
Standing water after rainfall
Weeds growing around joins and borders
Incorrect levels beside paths and patios

The preparation stage also gives you the chance to check drainage, plan the finished height and spot any potential problems before they cause issues.

It may be the least visible part of the project, but it is one of the most important steps in creating a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Check Your Existing Surface

Before ordering materials or starting to dig, work out what surface the artificial grass will be laid on.

Natural Grass Or Soil

Existing grass and vegetation will need to be removed before a suitable base can be installed.

You should also check the soil conditions. Firm, free-draining soil is generally more straightforward to prepare than heavy clay or ground that becomes waterlogged.

Follow our Installation On Soil Guide for the complete surface-specific process.

Concrete Or Paving

Artificial grass can be fitted over concrete and some paved surfaces, provided they are stable, clean and able to drain.

Check for:

Loose or moving slabs
Large cracks
Uneven sections
Water pooling after rain
Sharp edges that could damage the backing

Our Installation On Concrete Guide explains the full method.

Decking

Decking should be structurally sound before it is covered. Check for loose boards, movement, rot and large gaps.

Artificial grass can improve the appearance of tired decking, but it should not be used to hide structural damage. See our Installation On Decking Guide for more advice.

Why this step matters: Different surfaces need different preparation. Identifying yours first helps you choose the correct materials and avoid unnecessary work.

Measure And Mark Out The Area

Measure the garden before removing the existing lawn.

For a square or rectangular space, record the length and width in metres. If the lawn has an irregular shape, divide it into smaller sections and calculate each area separately.

Take several measurements rather than assuming the boundaries are perfectly straight. Many gardens narrow slightly towards one end or contain small sections that are easy to miss.

Use our Artificial Grass Calculator to estimate how much artificial turf you will need.

When planning the layout, consider:

The available roll widths

The direction of the pile

Where joins may be required

Trees, planting beds and garden buildings

Drain covers and inspection points

Paths, steps and patios

Each section of grass should face in the same direction. Planning this before ordering can reduce waste and help the lawn look more consistent.

Mark out the proposed perimeter using string, spray marker or small stakes. This gives you a clear line to follow when clearing and excavating the area.

Why this step matters: Accurate measurements prevent you from ordering too little grass and help you plan a neater layout with fewer joins.

Remove Existing Grass And Vegetation

Artificial grass should not be laid directly over an existing natural lawn.

Real grass, roots and other organic material break down over time. If they are left underneath, the surface can sink and become uneven.

For smaller gardens, the turf can usually be removed with a spade. A turf cutter may make the job quicker and more consistent across a larger lawn.

Clear away:

Existing grass
Weeds
Visible roots
Loose soil
Stones
Garden debris
Old edging or damaged paving

Check whether you need:

A skip
Waste collection bags
A licensed collection service
Space to store soil temporarily
Wheelbarrow access through the property

It is also worth planning what will happen to the removed turf and soil. Even a relatively small lawn can create a surprising amount of waste.

Be careful around trees, cables, pipework and drainage points. Large roots or unknown underground services may require professional advice.

Why this step matters: Removing organic material creates a cleaner, more stable starting point for the new base.

Excavate To The Required Depth

Once the area is clear, excavate enough soil to make room for the base layers, weed membrane and artificial grass.

Many soil installations require around 70mm to 100mm of excavation, but the correct depth depends on:

The ground conditions
The sub-base specification
The chosen pile height
Drainage requirements
The level of nearby paths and patios

Do not select a depth without considering the finished height.

The top of the artificial lawn should meet surrounding surfaces neatly. If the groundwork is too shallow, the grass may sit higher than a patio or path. If it is too deep, it can leave an awkward step around the perimeter.

Use a tape measure to check the depth in several places as you work.

The base may need to be deeper in areas with soft ground, poor drainage or heavy use. If the garden regularly holds water, address the cause before continuing.

Why this step matters: The correct excavation depth allows space for a strong base while keeping the finished lawn at the right level.

Install Edging And A Suitable Sub-Base

The perimeter edging helps define the lawn and provides a secure point for the artificial grass to be fixed during installation.

Depending on the garden, suitable edging may include:

Treated timber
Recycled plastic rails
Concrete edging
Paving
Sleepers
Existing walls

The right option will depend on the shape of the lawn, the surrounding materials and the style you want to create. Our guide to artificial grass edging ideas explores different finishes for modern, traditional and family gardens.

Whichever material you choose, make sure the edging is secure, level and positioned at the correct height before moving on to the base

Many artificial grass installations on soil use a compactable aggregate such as MOT Type 1 or crushed stone. Spread the material evenly across the area, working it into the corners and edges with a rake. Avoid leaving deep piles in one place, as these can be more difficult to compact consistently.

The sub-base should provide:

Structural support

A firm surface

Improved drainage

Resistance to sinking and movement

A finer layer of granite dust or sharp sand may be added above the main base to create a smoother finish. The most appropriate build-up will depend on the soil and installation method.

Why this step matters: The edging secures the perimeter, while the sub-base supports the artificial lawn and helps water move through the surface.

Compact And Level The Base

A loose base may look level when it is first spread, but it can move and settle after the lawn is used.

Compact the aggregate using a plate compactor. For deeper bases, add and compact the material in stages rather than trying to compress one thick layer at the end.

Work across the full area, including the edges and corners.

After compacting, check the surface using a long straight edge and spirit level. Look for:

Low spots
Raised sections
Loose aggregate
Soft areas
Sudden changes in level

Add more material to any dips, rake it smooth and compact the area again.

The base should feel firm underfoot without leaving deep footprints. It does not need to be completely flat if the garden relies on a slight fall for drainage, but it should be smooth and consistent.

Water should move towards an appropriate drainage point rather than towards the house, doors or garden buildings.

Why this step matters: Thorough compaction reduces the risk of dips and movement appearing after the artificial grass has been installed.

Add Weed Membrane And Complete Your Final Checks

Once the base is firm and level, install a permeable weed membrane.

Roll the membrane across the prepared area, keeping it smooth and flat. Where more than one piece is required, overlap the sections so there are no exposed gaps.

Secure the membrane using appropriate pins or fixing nails, then trim it neatly around borders, drains and obstacles using a sharp utility knife.

Avoid using solid plastic sheeting. The membrane should allow water to pass through rather than trapping moisture underneath the lawn.

Before opening the artificial grass roll, complete one last check.

Make sure:

The perimeter edging is secure
The base feels firm underfoot
There are no obvious dips or ridges
Drainage points remain accessible
Water can move away from the lawn
The membrane is flat and correctly overlapped
The finished level allows for the grass pile
All stones and sharp objects have been removed

Once these checks are complete, the area is ready for the artificial grass installation to begin.

You can find joining tape, adhesive, fixings and other essentials in our Artificial Grass Installation Accessories range.

Common Artificial Grass Preparation Mistakes

Most ground preparation problems are caused by rushing or missing one of the early checks.

Common mistakes include:

Laying fake grass directly over an existing lawn

Failing to investigate standing water

Excavating too little for the full base

Forgetting to account for the pile height

Using loose soil as the main base

Failing to compact the aggregate properly

Leaving stones, roots or debris behind

Using a non-permeable membrane

Allowing grass sections to face different directions

Starting without planning waste removal

One small dip may not look serious while the base is exposed, but it can become much more noticeable once the artificial grass has been laid.

Correct any uneven or unstable areas before moving on.

When Is The Ground Ready For Artificial Grass?

The ground is ready when it is firm, smooth and able to drain.

You should be able to walk across the area without leaving deep marks. There should be no loose material, obvious hollows or sharp stones.

The edging should be secure, the weed membrane should sit flat and the finished level should allow the artificial lawn to meet nearby surfaces neatly.

At this point, you are ready to position the grass, allow it to settle and begin the fitting process.

Follow our How To Lay Artificial Grass guide for the next stage.

Artificial Grass Preparation FAQs

How Deep Should You Dig For Artificial Grass?

Many soil installations require approximately 70mm to 100mm of excavation. The exact depth depends on the soil, drainage, sub-base materials, pile height and required finished level.

Do You Need A Sub-Base Under Artificial Grass?

A suitable sub-base is normally required when laying artificial grass over soil. It provides structural support, improves drainage and reduces the risk of the lawn sinking or moving.

Can You Lay Artificial Grass On Soil?

Artificial grass can be installed in an area that currently contains soil, but it should not be laid directly onto loose ground. The area must first be cleared, excavated and given a suitable compacted base.

Do You Need Weed Membrane Under Artificial Grass?

A permeable weed membrane is recommended for most soil installations. It helps reduce weed growth from below while allowing rainwater to pass through.

What Is The Best Base For Artificial Grass?

A compacted aggregate such as MOT Type 1 or suitable crushed stone is commonly used as the main base for artificial grass. A finer levelling layer may then be added above it. The best specification depends on the ground conditions and intended use.

How Long Does Ground Preparation Take?

A small, straightforward garden may be prepared within a day, while larger areas or gardens with poor access and drainage can take considerably longer. It is better to allow enough time than rush the excavation, levelling or compaction stages.

What Happens If You Do Not Prepare The Ground Properly?

Poor preparation can lead to bumps, dips, movement and standing water. These issues may not appear immediately, but they can become more noticeable after regular foot traffic or wet weather.

Can You Lay Artificial Grass Directly Onto Grass?

No. Existing natural grass and vegetation should be removed before the new base is installed. Laying artificial turf directly over grass creates an unstable surface as the organic material underneath begins to break down.

Give Your New Lawn The Right Foundation

Preparing the ground may take longer than rolling out the artificial grass, but it is an essential step in creating a smooth, long-lasting lawn that looks great and can be enjoyed in your garden for years to come.

Clear the area thoroughly, create a firm base and take time to check the levels and drainage. Once the seven preparation steps are complete, you will have a much stronger foundation for a smooth, long-lasting artificial lawn.

Explore our Artificial Grass Installation Accessories or speak to our team if you need help choosing the right products for your project.

View Installation Accessories Use Our Grass Calculator

Call us on 01772 629654, email sales@artificialgrassdirect.co.uk or complete our online contact form and a member of the team will be happy to help.

The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Artificial Grass

Artificial grass has plenty of worthwhile benefits — a major one being how it offers the joy of a lush green lawn without the fuss of tedious maintenance! With that being said, cleaning your artificial grass is the best way to keep your space in top condition. To help you keep your artificial turf looking fresh and vibrant all year long, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to cleaning artificial grass. Whether you choose a weekly spruce-up or a more thorough monthly clean, follow these simple steps to ensure your artificial grass stays in top condition and provides a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space for years to come. How To Clean Artificial Grass Maintaining artificial grass is much easier and less stressful than maintaining natural grass. Let’s discuss each type of cleaning in detail so you can get the most out of your space. Artificial Grass Weekly Clean We suggest cleaning your artificial grass area weekly if it’s a particularly high-traffic area or you have pets. You may also want to do a weekly clean in the autumn and winter months, as debris is more likely to clutter the space. Pick Up Any Mess Whether you have children or pets, you can’t clean your outdoor area without a bit of a tidy-up first. Make sure that any pet messes are disposed of and that the general area is clear of any toys and equipment. Remove Any Debris Grab a stiff brush, a rake, and a leaf blower if you have one. The leaf blower can be used for a quick clean, and a soft-tined lawn rake can be used to avoid damaging the grass fibres. Clearing any debris from your artificial grass is essential as this can help prevent moss and weeds from building up in the future. Rinse Away Grab your garden hose and spray it across your artificial grass to rinse away any remaining debris and leftover cleaning products. If you have children, focus more on the areas where they play, and if you have pets, make sure to give their toilet area an extra rinse. Artificial Grass Monthly Clean If you don’t use your outdoor space as much, a monthly cleaning of your artificial grass will suffice. This monthly cleaning schedule covers all aspects, ensuring that your artificial lawn is in the best condition. Follow the two steps above to begin your monthly artificial grass cleaning, then continue with the routine below. Brush The Grass Once you’ve cleared any debris, it’s time to freshen up your grass. Grab the same stiff-bristled brush from the second step and brush it against the grain of the blades to fluff up the fibres. Identify Any Stains If you have children and pets, it’s always best to keep an eye out for any stains or lingering pet accidents, as they can lead to unpleasant odours or patches of discolouration. Thankfully, cleaning away stains on artificial grass is simple. You may get away with using a mixture of warm water and soap on a cloth or sponge for small stains. For more stubborn stains, we recommend using a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar. Look Out For Weeds You can use this monthly cleaning routine as a chance to spot any weeds on your synthetic lawn. Remember, you’re most likely to find them growing around the edges. If you do find any, you can remove them manually or spray them with a weed killer. If you’re having persistent problems with weeds growing on your artificial lawn, you may need to invest in a weed membrane or add a fresh substrate layer beneath the turf. The issue may also be in the edges and seams, as weeds can form where the artificial grass meets the soil. If this is the case, we suggest applying a sealant or adhesive to prevent the gaps from allowing growth. Replenish Your Artificial Grass Infill To support the appearance of your artificial grass, we always recommend investing in an infill. Infill is useful if you use your garden a lot, as it can help reduce the effects of wear and tear. It also: Keeps your grass fibres upright, preventing them from looking flat. Protects the backing material of your artificial grass. Adds softness. Prevents your turf from shifting or lifting, reducing the risk of weed growth. Maintains an even surface across your lawn. Helps maintain an effective drainage system by preventing water pooling. Neutralises pet odours (especially if you’re using our Envirofill 16/30 Pet Infill!) Boosts the lifespan of your artificial grass. Ongoing Maintenance Tips For Artificial Grass We know that many of our customers love personalising their outdoor space with items like furniture and planters. After all, it’s what makes your space uniquely yours. However, it’s important to bear in mind that heavy objects can flatten the grass fibres, especially if they remain on the turf for a long time. To avoid this happening, we recommend changing the structure of your furniture every so often or using protective pads beneath heavy objects to help with weight distribution. Another tip for ongoing maintenance is to conduct regular inspections of the area, especially after a lot of use or after intense bouts of wind and rain. You can conduct a simple yet effective inspection by following the steps below: Check the edges and seams of your artificial grass turf for any lifting, gaps, or visible substrate and apply an adhesive to the edges or lifted undersides. Check for any signs of flattening or uneven infill distribution. Use a stiff-bristled brush to lift and restore the flattened fibres, and compact and level your infill when applying to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Check for any pooling water spots to determine whether your turf is draining as it should. If not, make sure that any lingering debris is cleared from drainage areas. It may also be worth adding drainbase fixings or a fresh layer of levelled aggregate beneath the turf to create a slope for water to run off effectively. How To Clean Snow And Ice Off Artificial Grass UK winters tend to be full of sleet, ice, and sometimes snow (if we’re lucky!). Thanks to the durability of artificial grass, clearing your artificial turf of snow and ice is easier than you may think. If your outdoor space is covered in a sprinkling of light snow, then it will usually melt away without requiring any clearing. However, you should always remove more stubborn snow and ice as it can potentially compact the grass fibres. Brush Off Any Heavy Snow Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any snow from your artificial grass, ensuring that you work with the grain. A soft brush will prevent any damage to the fibres while clearing the area. Never Use De-icing Salts We know it can be tempting to reach for a quick fix, but the negative effects on your lawn will last much longer. De-icing salts can actually cause discolouration and damage to your turf, so we recommend alternatives like sand and cat litter. Once the ice has melted, you can simply brush the excess away. If you only have a thin layer of ice over your lawn, it’s better to leave it to melt naturally rather than scraping or chipping away at it. This can also damage the grass fibres and even the backing of the artificial turf, making future issues like drainage and weed growth more likely. How To Remove Moss From Artificial Grass We always recommend using a solution consisting of equal parts white vinegar and water. This is the safest and most eco-friendly way to remove moss from synthetic grass. Once you’ve cleared any debris from the area, you can begin by gathering the essentials: White distilled vinegar Water A spray bottle Astiff brush A hose. Next, combine the vinegar and water into a spray bottle. For more stubborn areas of moss growth, you can increase the ratio to two parts vinegar and one part water. To lower the risk of any damage to your turf, we strongly advise that you test the solution on a small area first, looking out for any signs of discolouration or damage. Once you’re ready to remove the moss from your turf, spray the solution over the affected area, ensuring any moss is well-soaked. Leave it to sit for around 15 to 30 minutes, giving the solution time to break down the moss. Then, it’s time to grab your stiff-bristled brush. Brush the moss in circular motions, allowing the moss to loosen from the artificial grass fibres. If you’re dealing with a particularly tough area of moss, you may want to repeat this process a couple of times. Once the moss has cleared, grab a hose and rinse the area to clear any moss debris and excess solution. How To Safely Disinfect Your Artificial Grass Lawn Disinfecting your artificial grass is beneficial for maintaining general hygiene, especially if you have pets and children or regularly use your outdoor space for social gatherings. Before you start disinfecting, you should always clear away any leaves, debris, and pet messes. The Best Artificial Grass Cleaners To disinfect your artificial grass, grab a gentle dish soap or a specialist artificial grass disinfectant, as well as a soft sponge or cloth. You’ll also need a trusty broom or brush and a hose with a spray nozzle. To prepare the solutions, follow the instructions of your chosen artificial grass disinfectant or mix a few drops of dish soap into a gallon of water. We recommend using a soap solution for general cleaning and light disinfection. If your goal is to neutralise odours and get rid of bacteria, you can also use a vinegar solution made of 1:1 white vinegar and water. We also recommend a fast-acting intensive artificial grass cleaner if you’re cleaning artificial grass on a sports ground, kennel, or similar commercial environment. How To Disinfect Your Artificial Lawn Start spraying your chosen disinfectant across the turf, paying close attention to high-traffic, play, and pet toilet areas. Let the solution sit on the turf for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it time to kill germs and bacteria. For vinegar solutions, we suggest leaving the solution to sit for around 15 minutes. Once the time is up, it’s time to scrub any stubborn spots using a sponge or cloth. This is also a good time to brush the grass to lift any flattened fibres. When you’re finished, grab your hose and rinse the entire area. If you want to deodorise any areas, sprinkle some baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes, followed by a rinse. Air drying is the best way to dry off your artificial turf after disinfecting it, but if you require a speedier solution, you can brush the grass to increase airflow. Can You Jet-wash Artificial Grass? It is possible to jet-wash artificial grass, but it is generally not recommended as it can damage the turf and potentially shift the infill. Plus, some types of artificial turf can’t withstand the high pressure of a jet washer, so you should always seek the manufacturer’s guidance beforehand. If you decide to jet-wash your artificial turf, use low pressure to minimise damage to the grass fibres or turf backing. Always keep the jet-washer nozzle around one to two feet away from the surface, and use a wide spray nozzle when possible to even out the pressure. Remember that excessive pressure can move the infill. If this occurs, we recommend brushing the grass afterwards to ensure it remains even and level. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space With High-quality Artificial Grass Now you know everything about cleaning and maintaining your artificial turf, it’s time to find the best product for your needs. Did you know that you can order up to six free artificial grass samples from us to help you decide? If you have any other questions about cleaning artificial grass, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We also have a blog filled with useful information about artificial grass uses, benefits, and installation.

How To Prevent Artificial Grass From Smelling

Artificial grass has made life easier for many households, schools and sports spaces, especially for people who want a tidy garden without constant mowing or muddy patches. Fresh looking grass adds so much to an outdoor area, so it can be frustrating when unwanted smells begin to appear. Odours usually come from everyday use, warm weather, pets or poor drainage, and the good news is that they’re easy to manage once the root causes are understood. Artificial turf is built to stay clean with simple care. Every roll, from 2m wide to 5m wide, drains through tiny holes that move water into the prepared base. A well fitted lawn behaves much like a natural one but without any mud or thatch. Fresh air moves through the surface, water drains away and the fibres stay upright. A few habits and the right artificial grass accessories make a huge difference to long term freshness. This guide explains what leads to smells, how to prevent them and which products help keep your lawn fresh throughout the year. Understanding Why Smells Develop Most odours begin with pet urine, especially during the warmer months when residue dries more quickly. The scent can sit on the surface or work into the base if the area isn’t rinsed often. Food spills, drink spills and general debris can also leave behind a sour smell if they settle in shaded corners of the garden. A slow draining base or compact infill sometimes holds moisture for longer than needed, which adds to the problem. A fresh lawn relies on good airflow and the right infill. Standard infills can trap moisture, although Envirofill works differently. It has been developed to control bacteria growth and reduce odours, which is why many pet owners now rely on it. Envirofill pet infill is part of our accessories collection and is one of the few infills in the UK made specifically to help with long-term freshness. Building A Routine That Prevents Odours Regular rinsing is the most reliable way to keep artificial grass fresh. The fibres hold their shape well, and a light rinse after pets use the lawn removes residue before it has time to settle. Once this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, the grass stays clear and smells don’t have a chance to build up. Warm soapy water is all that’s needed for deeper cleaning. A gentle scrub lifts residue that sits lower in the fibres. A soft brush then keeps the surface lifted, encourages airflow and stops debris from collecting in the same spots. These small habits work together to create a clean and lively surface. Envirofill plays an important role for homes with dogs. It supports the drainage layer and helps keep pet smells under control. Many find that their lawn stays noticeably fresher through summer when they use it. For more information on cleaning and maintenance, you can call us on 01772 629654 or email us at sales@artificialgrassdirect.co.uk Keeping Pet Areas Clean & Comfortable Artificial grass is often chosen for pet friendly gardens because it offers a clean surface that doesn’t turn into mud during winter. Rinsing busy areas prevents odours, while a gentle cleaner brings the surface back to life if needed. Our maintenance artificial grass cleaner is safe for pets once dry, although warm soapy water still works extremely well. If you find that moisture lingers in some areas, adjusting the base or using additional products from our fixings and membranes range can help the lawn drain more freely. Good drainage removes urine quickly and prevents it from settling beneath the turf. How Drainage Helps Control Smells Drainage is one of the most important parts of odour control. A strong, even base allows water and cleaning liquid to pass through at a steady pace. When drainage is slow, moisture sits beneath the surface and can lead to a damp smell that appears after rain. Our accessories, like shockpad underlays, support the structure underneath the grass and help improve the way moisture moves through the ground. Tackling Odours Already In The Lawn A lawn that already smells can be restored with a more thorough clean. A long rinse lifts residue from the surface, while a mild disinfectant or turf cleaner handles deeper smells. Once the area is fully dry, the fibres usually relax back into place and the freshness returns. If the base or infill is holding the odour, switching to Envirofill can make a clear difference. It’s designed to control bacteria and works well in homes with multiple pets. Creating A Fresh, Welcoming Garden A clean lawn supports the look of the whole garden. Many customers build complete outdoor spaces that include our composite products, artificial walls and plants and modern pergolas. Artificial turf brings colour to these areas and works well in both small and large gardens. Our full range of artificial grass includes several pile heights from 20mm through 50mm, along with classic, premium, luxury, pet friendly artificial grass and sports collections. Every style is built for drainage, comfort and simple maintenance. Bringing Everything Together Fresh artificial grass is easy to achieve with the right care. Regular rinsing, good airflow and the correct infill support long term freshness, while Envirofill provides reliable odour control for pet friendly homes. Our accessories and full range of grass styles help you build a clean, welcoming outdoor space that stays ready to enjoy throughout the year. If you want guidance on the best products for your garden, our team is here to help. To chat to our friendly team, you can call us on 01772 629654, email us at sales@artificialgrassdirect.co.uk or fill in our online enquiry form. We provide trusted UK delivery and expert support to help you keep your lawn looking and smelling its best. FAQs Does Artificial Grass Smell When Dogs Use It Regularly? It can do if regular rinsing isn’t carried out. Pet friendly infills such as Envirofill also help by reducing bacteria growth. What Is The Best Way To Remove Urine Smell From Artificial Grass? Rinse the surface, apply warm soapy water and brush the fibres to improve airflow. A turf cleaner can be used if the smell is strong. Why Does My Artificial Grass Smell Stronger In Warm Weather? Heat magnifies any odours emitting from residue left on the surface. Routine rinsing and Envirofill prevent this. How Can I Stop Artificial Grass Smelling Throughout The Year? A steady cleaning routine, good drainage and a suitable infill keep the lawn fresh in all seasons.

How to Maintain Artificial Grass

Alongside its aesthetic appeal one of the main reasons why people lay artificial grass is that it is relatively low maintenance. This means they will no longer be required to mow, weed, fertilise or do all those jobs needed to keep it in tip top condition. However, once your artificial grass is installed you still need to give it a little TLC to ensure it continues to look good for many years to come. So, in this article we are going to tell you all you need to know about caring for artificial grass such as how to remove pet stains and the best way to carry out that small amount of maintenance needed to provide you with the outside space of your dreams all year round. How to Care for Artificial Grass When it comes to cleaning artificial grass there are two different ways of doing it. One relates to the basic ongoing maintenance and the other is a deep clean which needs to be carried out periodically. Both these are equally important when it comes to extending the lifespan of your artificial grass and ensuring it remains in pristine condition. Regular brushing is one of the best forms of artificial grass care and essential if you want your lawn to look good throughout the year. If debris such as dust, leaves or twigs gets stuck in between the fibres of your lawn over time it will decompose and become soil. When this happens you are likely to experience drainage problems and the fibres and latex backing could well become damaged. A quick brush on a regular basis will protect against this and plays a big part in keeping your artificial grass looking good. Does Artificial Grass need any Maintenance? This is a question we get asked all the time and it absolutely does. Our usual advice would be that weekly cleaning would suffice. However, during autumn if you have a garden with trees, you may well need to brush more frequently when their leaves start to fall. When it comes to deep cleans, we would suggest this is carried out on a monthly basis. How Often Should You Brush Artificial Grass? When you do your weekly clean, that’s when brushing your artificial grass should be completed. To start with, you need to use either a plastic rake or leaf blower to get rid of any larger bits of debris. After that, make use of a brush with stiff bristles and work against the grain to remove any remaining dirt that has buried itself deep into the fibres. When you brush against the grain it results in the fibres standing up giving your grass a fuller look. The best type of brush for artificial grass maintenance is one with coarse bristles. You should never use one that has metal bristles as there is a good chance that they will damage your grass. If you fancy giving your grass that lovely green sheen then a quick hosing won’t do any harm. How to Make Artificial Grass Look New As we mentioned earlier approximately once a month you will need to do a deep clean on your artificial grass to make it look brand new. If your household has pets you may have to do this on a more regular basis. When carrying out a deep clean start as if you were doing a regular clean by removing the debris and brushing your lawn. Then fill a bucket with a mixture of warm water and an environmentally friendly detergent which you work into the grass fibres with a brush leaving it for several minutes when you have finished. Then use either a hose or buckets of water to thoroughly rinse the grass and allow it to dry. By doing this you will help ensure that your synthetic turf will look its best all year round. How to Maintain Artificial Grass with Dogs One of the problems faced by people with pets is how to keep their artificial grass clean. Whether we like it or not it's virtually impossible to stop dogs doing their business on your pristine new grass. However, don’t worry, one of the main benefits of artificial grass is that it is easy to clean. Even though the plastic used in pet-friendly artificial grass can be cleaned easily, leaving pet urine or faeces unattended for too long could result in stains, so it is imperative that you carry out your maintenance on a regular basis. Let’s face it, you don’t want to end up with a discoloured lawn do you? They always say prevention is better than the cure so try and train your pets to do their business in another area of the garden. Maybe install a gravel area for this purpose or maybe leave out a litter tray. If this isn’t possible you should ensure you pick up any solids as soon as possible in the same way you would when taking your dog out for a walk. When choosing artificial grass for a home with pets it is best to opt for a shorter pile. Where urine is concerned, not dealing with it immediately is not a massive problem as most of it will drain away. If any remains, then the best way to clean it is to wash it away with a hose or a bucket of water. In some cases, you might find that pet mess leaves a smell behind: The easiest way to remove the smell of pet urine from artificial grass is with warm water and soap. What Can Ruin Artificial Grass and What is the Best Way to Remove Those Stains? In the majority of cases, most stains can be removed by just rinsing your artificial grass with water. Irrespective of whether you are faced with food and drink stains from a summer BBQ, pet mess, or even something sticky like chewing gum, there are a number of different ways to deal with the problem. Where drink stains are concerned, get rid of as much of the spillage as possible using a paper towel then simply rinse with water. In the case of food stains such as sauce or grease it is best to add detergent to warm water and use this to remove the stain by rubbing it with a cloth. If this doesn’t do the trick try an old toothbrush then rinse with water. If you are faced with sticky substances such as chewing gum, first chill the area with an ice cube, then attempt to scrape off the offending article. How to Maintain Artificial Grass in Winter Maintaining artificial grass in winter comes with its own unique challenges. In the case of snow, the best option is to let it melt and drain naturally. However, if you want to clear it yourself make sure you use plastic tools to avoid damaging the grass. If you need to clear ice from your lawn, the only option you have is to allow it to melt naturally. Our recommendation is never use antifreeze, salt, or grit as there is a chance that they will mark the pile and in the case of grit there is a chance it will start to block the drainage pores in your grass. Can You Pressure Wash Artificial Grass? Yes, you can pressure wash artificial grass, but you should be careful and use a low-powered washer. However, if your grass uses infill to keep the grass upright it is not advisable to pressure wash it. If you pressure wash your grass, make sure you use the lowest setting, properly angling the nozzle so that the blades are kept upright. Hopefully this guide has helped demonstrate the best way to care for your artificial grass. As we said earlier, one of the main benefits of artificial grass is that it is so easy to maintain. If you are considering artificial grass for your outdoor space why not take a look at the options we have available to you here at Artificial Grass Direct. We stock a comprehensive range of premium quality synthetic turf so get in touch with our team today and find out how installing artificial grass can help you spend more time enjoying your garden rather than working on it.

How To Prep For Artificial Grass In 7 Simple Steps

How To Prep For Artificial Grass In 7 Simple Steps

Why Proper Artificial Grass Preparation Matters