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laying down fake grass

#1 · 14th May 2023, 6:27 pm

Hi,

can anyone help me pls.

we would like to put down fake grass in our front garden. at the moment there is just gravel on top of membrane. with lots of weeds coming through. what is the best way to lay down the fake grass?

Do i remove all the gravel and weeds? after that what is the best weed killer as i dont want weeds coming through.

Thanks in advance.

#2 · 15th May 2023, 7:51 am

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 15th May 2023, 7:51 am
HI @tz1ppy
Welcome to the Garden Ninja forum. Before I answer, I would urge you to read my detailed article on fake grass and why as a garden designer, I never have nor will use it. It also details the myriad of problems and issues with using such an unsustainable and damaging material.
A quick list of the problems with artificial grass are:
Fake grass can't be recycled
It doesn't stop weeds or moss from taking up a home in the 'artificial grass'
It gets incredibly hot in summer
It kills off pretty much all wildlife underneath and above it
It requires constant cleaning as nothing can permeate it
It's killing off wildlife wherever it's installed
Fitting fake grass issues:
Installing fake grass isn't as simple as unrolling it and there you go.
Fake grass needs to be installed on top of a layer of compacted MOT, ie rubble. Similar to laying a base for paving.
It needs a wacker plate and levelling by contractors usually.
The fake grass then needs to be glued, pinned and adhered to this to stop it rippling or getting blown up.
All of which is expensive, and don't forget weeds will still emerge on its surface. It's far cheaper to fit real grass and mow it every 10 days in summer than picking off leaves and animal waste from fake grass (which also can stink in summer unless disinfected).
Weeding through gravel:
The best way to weed gravel gardens is with a hoe not weed killer which again spills off and kills not only weeds but other plants. Enters our water courses and damages more than just plants. Have a look at my weeding guide here to help.
https://youtu.be/WAG0PDmvCok
https://youtu.be/4WIDSCJ4o6M
A better alternative to fake grass:
As ethical gardeners, a better way to deal with front gardens or awkward spots is to use a mix of wild fuss-free plants and even some weeds. We must remember the impact, both positive and negative we can have on the planet through our gardening choices.
Why not keep the gravel garden, weed it with a hoe and then plant some wonderful evergreen fuss free plants. Here's a list to get you started:
Carex
Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff)
Pachysandra
Bergenia
Thyme
Lavender
Hope that helps with whatever decision you choose.
Happy gardening.
Lee

HI @tz1ppy

Welcome to the Garden Ninja forum. Before I answer, I would urge you to read my detailed article on fake grass and why as a garden designer, I never have nor will use it. It also details the myriad of problems and issues with using such an unsustainable and damaging material.

A quick list of the problems with artificial grass are:

Fake grass can't be recycled
It doesn't stop weeds or moss from taking up a home in the 'artificial grass'
It gets incredibly hot in summer
It kills off pretty much all wildlife underneath and above it
It requires constant cleaning as nothing can permeate it
It's killing off wildlife wherever it's installed

Fitting fake grass issues:

Installing fake grass isn't as simple as unrolling it and there you go.

Fake grass needs to be installed on top of a layer of compacted MOT, ie rubble. Similar to laying a base for paving.

It needs a wacker plate and levelling by contractors usually.

The fake grass then needs to be glued, pinned and adhered to this to stop it rippling or getting blown up.

All of which is expensive, and don't forget weeds will still emerge on its surface. It's far cheaper to fit real grass and mow it every 10 days in summer than picking off leaves and animal waste from fake grass (which also can stink in summer unless disinfected).

Weeding through gravel:

The best way to weed gravel gardens is with a hoe not weed killer which again spills off and kills not only weeds but other plants. Enters our water courses and damages more than just plants. Have a look at my weeding guide here to help.

A better alternative to fake grass:

As ethical gardeners, a better way to deal with front gardens or awkward spots is to use a mix of wild fuss-free plants and even some weeds. We must remember the impact, both positive and negative we can have on the planet through our gardening choices.

Why not keep the gravel garden, weed it with a hoe and then plant some wonderful evergreen fuss free plants. Here's a list to get you started: