How to lay Artificial Grass

Start by carefully measuring your garden to ensure the artificial grass fits correctly. Plan the layout so the fibre pile faces the same direction for a natural, seamless finish. Accurate measuring is essential to avoid mistakes and ensure your artificial lawn looks good and lasts for years.

Preparing the ground is key for laying artificial grass, and the right tools make the job easier. At Howarth, we offer a range of tools to help.

Water the lawn a few days before to reduce dust, but avoid overwatering to prevent mud. Use a spade to cut small squares (about 2×10 inches) to remove roots and lift the soil more easily. This is physically demanding, so take regular breaks, especially in the sun.

Before laying artificial grass, add a base over a levelled subbase to ensure even distribution. Install any garden borders at this stage to avoid disturbing the compacted subbase.

For longevity, lay a weed membrane on top, pulling it tight for best results—no joining materials needed.

On concrete, clean the surface first and add an optional underlay. An underlay is recommended for play areas or sports to provide extra cushioning.

Lay your artificial grass to minimise cutting and waste, starting from the longest straight edge. Ensure the pile runs in the same direction if joining multiple pieces. Don’t rush—roll out the grass and leave it for about 24 hours to let creases settle.

After leaving the lawn for 24 hours, trim it to fit around patios, plants, trees, and rocks. Use the right tools and safety gear, making small, careful cuts around large objects. Work slowly to create clean, neat edges without gaps.