The UK has a dynamic and varied landscape that features many mountains and hills to keep the scenery quite interesting. Although that is great for explorers who want to enjoy a view from on high, there are both pros and cons to living on a hill, which ranges from having impressive views of the surrounding countryside to dealing with the challenges of trying to maintain a sloped garden.
If you own a home and live on a hill or have a sloping garden, you might be wondering if you can lay out artificial grass on a slope, and, if it is possible, how easy this installation process is. In this guide, we will be answering your concerns with an emphatic yes! You can absolutely lay out artificial grass on a slope and apart from a couple of extra fixing stops on the top of the slope, the installation process is quite similar to lay out artificial turf over a flat surface.
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Reasons Why You Should Plant Artificial Grass
If you have ever tried to maintain a sloped garden, even for just one season, then you will already know that keeping a naturally sloped yard looking nice is a lot more work. From having to haul the lawnmower up and down the slope, to watering without causing any puddles to accumulate at the bottom of the hill, to weeding and fertilising – all of it can be a very time-consuming process that can be practically unbear under the heat of the blazing summer sun. There are, of course, other options for replacing your garden using gravel, tiered planters, and steps. However, that isn’t the same thing as having a green, lush lawn.
Artificial grass is easy to maintain. After it has been installed and settled in, it just needed to be brushed once in a while in order to keep its blades standing up tall and removing loose leaf litter occasionally to prevent the growth of weeds. No lawn mowing, no regular watering, and no needing to worry about having patchy, dry areas that give your lawn a tired appearance.
Can You Lay Out Artificial Grass on a Slope?
Yes, absolutely. You could, of course, level your garden. But depending on what the angle of the slope is, that could be quite expensive, and involve excavation, removing dirt, or increased support to level out the dirt instead of removing the higher areas. You cannot simply shift dirt against structures without providing the proper protection (damp proofing) and support. Otherwise, that could cause larger problems in the future.
If you are put off by the idea of trying to level your garden, laying out artificial grass on a slope does not require a lot more work compared to the standard installation process. However, we can provide you with advice if you want to install artificial turf on your own. There are also installation services that are available if you prefer to leave the job to professionals.
Laying Out Artificial Grass on a Slope
Before you start laying out artificial turf on a sloped garden, first you need to prepare the area by removing the top layer of dirt and grass, along with any large rocks or stones that can make the ground uneven.
At the top of the slope and also ideally around the sloped area perimeter, you need to insecurely install timber framework. That will provide a timber edging that the artificial grass can be nailed or pinned to so that it won’t move slide down or move around due to activity after it has been installed.
Cover up the exposed dirt with a layer or substrate or sand. That will help to encourage draining through the artificial turf and prevent water from either pooling on the bottom of the slope or collecting on the surface. After distributing an even layer over the area, place a weed membrane on top. That will help to prevent weeds from growing in your new artificial garden so it continues to look good.
Now it is time to start to lay the artificial grass. It should be done in sections gradually, fixing or nailing the artificial turf to the top timber frame to prevent it from sliding or rolling down the slope as you are fitting the remainder. Be sure to patiently glue down the joins. You might want to nail them temporarily place while finishing the installation in order to prevent pulling or movement.
If you timber-framed around the entire outside of the slope, you will be able to start fixing or nailing the edges in place after laying all of the artificial grass. That will help to prevent the drying joins from getting pulled around too much and also allow you to step back and make any necessary adjustments before you finish the frame.
Once you have completed installing the artificial lawn and are satisfied with the results, you now need to add in some sand infill. That will help to weigh down the artificial grass and help to encourage the blades to stand upright. After distributing the sand across the artificial garden, use a stiff-bristle )and not metal) to give the artificial garden a good brush. That will also help to encourage the blades of grass to stand upright and give your newly installed garden a finished look.
How To Lay Artificial Grass On A Terraced Or Tiered Concrete Garden
If you have a terraced or tiered concrete garden and are concerned about how to lay artificial grass on concrete don’t worry – it’s not a problem! You can easily install artificial grass on a newly laid or pre-existing concrete pour or also on a concrete paving slab, even when it is on a partially sloped garden that has a terrace or steps. We have offered additional information on laying artificial grass on concrete here. Just be sure to provide enough drainage on concrete that is being covered with artificial turf. If you don’t, you could increase the chance of mildew or mold growth due to sitting water or end up with puddles.
Artificial grass is a very versatile option to use in your garden. It can be installed in a sloped garden, or used on a concrete paving slab or patio. It can be installed in your house and used as table covers, wall decorations, or flooring. Artificial grass requires very little maintenance and only a small bit of TLC once in a while. It is the ideal option for busy households
with pets and children. Why not reduce the amount of time you have to send on maintaining your garden and treat yourself this year to high-quality artificial grass?