Landscaping
Artificial grass installation in Southport
Artificial grass is only as good as what is under it. We are a groundworks firm, so we dig it out, sort the drainage, and lay a compacted stone base before the grass goes down. That is what keeps a lawn flat, dry and tidy for years.
Why people choose it
- No mowing, feeding or weeding
- Green all year, and no mud in winter
- Children and dogs can use it the day after rain
- Works where real grass struggles: shade, wet corners, small courtyards
Worth knowing first
- It gets hot in full sun, warmer than real grass
- Sun reflected off some windows can melt the fibres
- With dogs, it needs picking up after and a rinse now and then
- It does nothing for wildlife the way a real lawn does
Why artificial lawns go wrong
Nearly every problem with artificial grass comes from the ground under it, not the grass.
Lumps and dips
Grass laid on soil or a thin bit of sand settles where people walk. The grass follows every dip. A compacted stone base stops it moving.
Puddles that will not go
The grass lets water through, but the ground under it has to take it away. On clay, which most of this area sits on, the water just sits there. We check how the ground drains before we quote.
Weeds round the edges
No membrane, or edges that are not fixed down, and weeds find a way through the joins and the sides. A membrane and a solid edge stop it.
Wet garden? We fix that first
A lot of gardens round Southport sit on clay or low lying ground that stays wet for days. Laying grass on top does not change that: you get a green lawn with puddles on it.
Because drainage is a big part of what we do, we can put in land drains or a soakaway under the new lawn in the same job.
On concrete and patios
Artificial grass can go over a sound concrete base or old patio. We check the falls so rain runs off, drill drainage holes where water would sit, and lay a foam underlay so it feels soft and the old joints do not show.
How we lay artificial grass
- 1
Look at the garden
We measure up, check the levels and how the ground drains, and talk about how you will use it.
- 2
Dig it out
Old turf and soil out to the right depth, with a micro digger where it fits. The soil goes straight on our grab lorry.
- 3
Edging and membrane
A solid edge fixed all round, so the base cannot spread. A weed membrane (a fabric layer that stops weeds coming up) goes down.
- 4
Stone base
Crushed stone spread and compacted with a wacker plate (a vibrating machine that packs it down hard). This is what stops the lawn sinking.
- 5
Fine laying course
A thin top layer of fine stone, compacted and levelled, so the finished lawn is smooth with no ridges.
- 6
Roll out the grass
Laid with the pile (the fibres) all leaning the same way, so the colour looks even from the house.
- 7
Joins and edges
Joins glued on joining tape so you cannot see them. Edges trimmed tight and fixed down.
- 8
Sand and brush
Kiln dried sand brushed into the fibres to weigh the grass down and help it stand up. Then cleared away, and the garden left clean.
Questions people ask
How much does artificial grass installation cost?
It depends mostly on the size, how much needs digging out, access, and how the ground drains. The grass itself is only part of it: the base under it is most of the work. We look at the garden and give you a written price before anything starts.
How long does it take to lay?
An average back garden is usually two or three days. Bigger gardens, poor access or drainage work underneath take longer. We give you the time on the quote.
Is artificial grass good with dogs?
Yes, as long as it is laid on a base that drains. Pick up after them, rinse the area with a hose now and then, and give it a stiff brush. A base that drains properly is what stops it smelling, and that is the part we take care over.
Can you lay artificial grass on concrete or an old patio?
Yes, if the concrete is sound. We check it falls (slopes slightly) so the water runs off, drill drainage holes if water would sit, then lay a foam underlay so the grass feels soft and the joints in the slabs do not show through.
Does artificial grass drain?
The grass has holes in the backing, so the rain goes straight through. Whether it then drains away depends on the ground underneath. On heavy clay we may suggest a land drain or a soakaway first, so the lawn does not sit wet.
Will weeds grow through it?
Very few, with a weed membrane under it and tight edges. The odd one can root in dirt that blows onto the top, and pulls out easily.
How long does artificial grass last?
Years, if it is laid well and looked after. How long depends on the grass you choose and how hard it is used. A base that does not move is what stops it wearing out early at the joins and edges.
Do you give a warranty?
Warranties are available. We tell you what is covered and for how long on your quote, so it is in writing.
Can you lay it any time of year?
Yes, in most weather. We stop if the ground is waterlogged or frozen, because a base laid on wet ground does not compact properly.
Also worth a look
WhatsApp us a photo of the garden
Phone lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm. WhatsApp a photo of the job any time.