Artificial grass exeter ⋅ exmouth ⋅ topsham

• Courtyards ⋅ small garden

• Lawns ⋅ common problems

• Design ideas ⋅ artificial grass

• Installing your artificial grass

• Aftercare ⋅ cleaning

• Further ideas ⋅ inspirations

EVERY ONE LOVES A WELL KEPT LAWN

No question.  A well-kept lawn will look great in any garden design project.  Lush, flat and thick. 

LAWNS · DEDICATED SKILL · EFFORT

Let’s be honest most natural lawns fall short of that perfect finish.  They require a lot of work and attention to keep them looking great 365 days a year. …

MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN

You can maintain your lawn yourself.  Or hire an expert.  Who maintains your lawn weekly for you. 

COSTS FOR MAINTENANCE

Let’s be honest that maintenance money, builds up over the months and years.  In the long run.  It may be cheaper to replace your lawn with low-maintenance, Artificial grass.

LAWNS · DRAINAGE · PROBLEMS

Real lawns need constant attention.   Good drainage is essential.  To avoid waterlogging.  And constant mowing during the growing season.

FEEDING YOUR LAWN

Feeding with a sports feed, at least 3 times a year.

SHADY GARDENS

Shady gardens are problematic.  Causing a thin mossy lawn.  Too little water in summer will also damage a lawn.  Undoing all your hard work.  And don’t mention kids or pets.

PREPARING THE SITE ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM

Have a good look at the site.  The lie of the land.  Identify any problem areas.  If maybe you have an existing lawn that needs to be removed. 

That area may be unlevel.  And may need terracing.  Have a think also about how you are going to edge the lawn. 

REMOVE LAWN ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • SIDMOUTH • EXMOUTH

First, remove your existing lawn.  Thoroughly wet your lawn area.  A day before with a sprinkler. 

HIRE A TURF CUTTER

This will make the process a lot easier.  For a larger area.   Consider hiring a mini digger.  Excavate to a depth of between 60mm to 80mm depth.  Skipping any excess soil.

EDGING  A  PERIMETER ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER ⋅ EXMOUTH • SIDMOUTH • TOPSHAM

CHOOSE YOUR EDGING ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER ⋅ EXMOUTH • SIDMOUTH • TOPSHAM

What you edge your artificial grass with is determined by budget, your style and site conditions. 

Common edging materials to edge the artificial grass perimeter.  Include: tanalized 2″ x 2″ timber, stone edging setts, and ever edge.  Haunch in with concrete.

Decide whether you want to see the edging.  And think about the edgings durability.

TIMBER EDGING  ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • EXMOUTH

Your timber edging can be visible or hidden.  It’s easy to install when adding artificial grass next to timber-raised beds. 

QUICK · CHEAP · EASY

It’s relatively quick and cheap to install.  Opt for tanalised timber for greater durability.  It will rot over time.  But can be easily replaced.

STONE EDGING SETTS ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • SIDMOUTH • EXMOUTH

Stone edging setts look great in both contemporary and traditional design projects.

MATCHING YOUR PAVING

It’s possible to buy setts to match your existing paving.  Especially if it’s a sandstone natural stone.   

SIZES · SETTS · LAYING

Sandstone setts are available in both small squares 100 x 100mm 0r longer rectangles.  100mm x 200mm. 

The large squares look great and are slightly easier to install.   Stone edging will require a bit more effort and cost to lay.  But won’t rot over time.

CREATE YOUR OWN EDGING ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • SIDMOUTH • EXMOUTH

You can do this by cutting paving slabs into strips.  A 600mm x 300mm would give you three 600mm x 100mm stones. 

These are quicker to lay for larger areas of edging.   Make sure you have the correct blade for your angle grinder!

CONCRETE EDGING ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • SIDMOUTH • EXMOUTH

It’s possible to create a concrete edging strip.  This will be hidden.  With the edge of the artificial grass stuck down with special adhesive. 

It’s easy to shutter the edge with timber.  Allowing the concrete to pour into the mould.  And smoothed off with a float.

EVER EDGE ATLAS ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • EXMOUTH

Is a specific design to be used with artificial grass. Its a flexible steel product that is easy to install.  And can be used to create straight edges. 

Or curves or circles.  As its made from power-coated steel is extremely long lasting.

ADD BASELAYER ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER ⋅ EXMOUTH

WHY ADD A BASE LAYER? ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • EXMOUTH

A base layer will add some good drainage potential to your artificial grass, Exeter. 

IMPROVE DRAINAGE

Particularly important if your garden has poor drainage, due to clay.  This will allow you use your artificial grass all year round, Exeter.

CREATE A FIRM FOUNDATION

A good base layer will also create a great foundation for your artificial grass in Exeter.  Preventing the grass from slumping and forming dips over time.

WHEN TO ADD YOUR MEMBRANE? ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • EXMOUTH

There are two schools of thought to whether you should add your weed membrane before of or after the base layer.

ADD MEMBRANE ON TOP OF BASE LAYER

In some ways is easy to install on top of the base layer.  And will be a final barrier before the artifical grass itself.  Prevent weed from forming on the top of your artificial grass in Exeter. 

TYPES OF MATERIALS • ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • SIDMOUTH • EXMOUTH

It’s possible to either install crushed concrete, road scalpings or type 1 MOT. 

LARGE AREAS · BASE LAYERS

For larger areas, it’s going to work out more cost-effective to have a loose load of crushed concrete.  Available from your local grab hire company. 

SMALLER AREAS · BASE LAYERS

For smaller proejcts.  Or projects where space is at a premium.  Bulk bags (1 ton) are going to be more cost-effective.  And more convenient.

COMPACTING YOUR BASE LAYER • ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • EXMOUTH

Add a layer of crushed concrete of between 40-60mm.  Compact with a wacker plate. 

It’s a good idea to sprinkle the surface with a little water.  To help to bind the surface together. 

Scratch the surface of the concrete level with a heavy rake.  And repeat the process.  To avoid shrinkage, create a free-draining solid base. 

ADDING GRANO DUST • ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER • TOPSHAM • SIDMOUTH • EXMOUTH

Next, add a layer of fine grano dust of between 15-25mm.  Screed to a level finish. Great for your artificial grass project, Exeter.

WEED MEMBRANE ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER ⋅ EXMOUTH

Add a breathable weed membrane next. To prevent weed growth. Carefully roll your turf into position.  

FINALLY ADD YOUR ARTIFICAL GRASS

WIDTHS · ARTIFICAL GRASS · EXETER 

Most artifical grass comes in 2m or 4m widths.  Other widths  are also availible.  Depending on the supplier.  Always choose widths that will give the the least wastage.

DIRECTIONAL PILE

This simple means the blades are angle in a consistent direction.  Make sure your strips of turf.  All run in the same direction. 

CHOOSE YOUR VANTAGE POINT

If you are alway looking down the garden.  From the house.  Make sure your grass blades are pointing towards the house!

DRIVEWAYS · DIRECTIONAL PILES

When insalling your artifical grass.  Front of house.  You may want the grass blades to point away from the house.  Your artifical lawn will look better as you approach the driveway.

JOINTING YOUR ARTIFICAL GRASS

For an invisible join.   Join edging seams with a high-strength edging tape.  Coated in adhesive.  Secure the perimeter with nails or attached to concrete haunching with adhesive.  Essential for your artificial grass, Exeter.

NATURAL COLOURS · ARTIFICIAL GRASS ⋅ EXETER ⋅ EXMOUTH

REALISTIC GRASS

Artificial grass has come a long way in recent years. It’s extremely realistic in appearance 

DEEP PILE · NATURAL COLOUR

Always pick artificial grass with a deep pile and natural color.  You generally pay more for a thicker pile. Most grass has a thatch built-in to give you that real grass experience.  For artificial grass Exeter, we recommend  George Davis artificial turf.

EDGING · ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXMOUTH · SIDMOUTH · TOPSHAM[DIVIDER SCROLL_TEXT ]

FRAME YOUR LAWN · EXMOUTH · SIDMOUTH · TOPSHAM

Frame your artificial grass by adding edging.  Edging adds definition and effectively separates your artificial lawn from beds and borders.  Options include timber, stone setts, or ever-edge products. 

TIMBER EDGING

Timber is probably going to be your cheapest and quickest option.  Options include sleepers, 4 x 4″ rustic fence posts and tantalised timber.  The artificial grass can be attached to the timber with nails.

TIMBER EDGING  ⋅ FORMAL GARDEN DESIGN

Add straight lines, creating a formal artificial lawn.  Great for traditional garden design.  All timber is tanalized to prevent decay.

STONE EDGING

The stone edging looks great.  It’s slightly more time-consuming and the materials are slightly more.  But it looks great and will add definition to any artificial grass project, Exeter.   The artificial grass is usually attached to the stone edging with adhesive. 

NATURAL STONE SETTS ⋅ CONTEMPORARY CURVES

Add contemporary curves for interest.  Setts can be laid to form most shapes.  From formal straight lines.  To sweeping curves.  Choice granite setts for contemporary garden design.  Sandstone setts for traditional garden design.

EVER EDGE ⋅ BORDERS · EDGING

create crisp lines or gentle curves.  Everedge is available in a variety of prepainted metallic finishes.   Including slate, black and brown.  Premade circular rings are also available in a variety of sizes.  Ideal for framing trees and specimen shrubs.

SOFTEN WITH PLANTING ⋅ ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER

ADD INTEREST · CONTRAST

Planting is a great way of adding interest and contrast to any garden design.  Softening your artificial lawn, Exeter.

ADD BEDS · BORDERS

Add planting beds and borders around your artificial lawn project. Exeter.  Choice plants with interesting shapes, textures, and colors. 

PLANTING COMBINATIONS · PLANTING SCHEMES

Creating interesting planting combinations.  Planting schemes include contemporary, traditional, tropical, or zen garden designs.

Contemporary Planting  ⋅ Artificial Grass ⋅ Topsham ⋅ Sidmouth ⋅  Exmouth ⋅ Devon

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX ·  ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXMOUTH · SIDMOUTH · TOPSHAM

ADD · SHAPES · CURVES

Add interesting shapes to your artificial grass by adding curves to your artificial lawn.  Carefully choose natural materials to contrast, break up, or frame your artificial grass.

CURVES · NATURAL STONE · EVER EDGE

Natural stone sett works well with curves when installing your artificial grass, Exeter.  Ever Edge is also great for creating curves and radii and your artificial grass project, Exeter.

ARTIFICIAL GRASS DINING · ENTERTAINING

Create a lush nature.  Hard standing area.  Great for tables and chairs for dining and entertaining.

FORGET MOWING THE LAWN?

Let’s be honest.  Most people don’t look forward to mowing your lawn. Is an effort to get the lawnmower out of the garage or shed. And to the front garden. 

MOWING YOUR LAWN

Will it start?  And is the blade sharp? For that two-minute or three cuts. Why not replace it with artificial grass, Exeter? Reducing your time and effort in maintaining your garden.

FORGET THE WINTER LAWNS · A MUDDY MESS

The lawn becomes a muddy mess in those wet winter months.  It feels like you are losing even more space. In your small garden.

PAVING · ARTIFICIAL GRASS · RAISED BEDS

NATURAL STONE PAVING

Paving can work well in a courtyard garden for a small space.  Creating a flat even space.  For a table and chairs for outdoor entertaining.

AFFORDABLE · CONTEMPORARY · TRADITIONAL GARDEN DESIGN

Sandstone is affordable and looks great in any garden design, in Exeter.  Choose large single sizes for a contemporary garden design.  Or a mixed size for a more traditional feel.

ADD SOME GREEN · ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER

It’s sometimes nice to break up your paving.  Adding a lawn works well.  An area to sit on.  Or a space for the kids to play.  Mowing and maintaining a small lawn can sometimes feel like a bother.

Artificial grass works well in small garden spaces. Great for your urban zen garden design. Low maintenance.  They look great 365 days of the year!

ARTIFICIAL GRASS · TRADITIONAL · CONTEMPORARY DESIGN · EXETER

Artificial grass will look great in any style of garden design.  Including traditional, contemporary, and tropical garden design Exeter. 

Artificial grass is particularly useful in small gardens and courtyard gardens where space is at a premium.  Providing a versatile area that can be used at any time of the year.  And without the hassle of getting that lawnmower out!

LOW MAINTENANCE · ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER

Everyone wants a low-maintenance garden.  Artificial grass is also a great addition to low-maintenance gardens. Combine artificial turf with a low-maintenance planting scheme.  Why not do away with the mower completely! 

Reducing your green waste is considerable and your time spent gardening.

LOW MAINTENANCE PLANTS · EVERGREEN CLIMBERS

Opting for low-maintenance plants makes sense.  Evergreens are great at providing color throughout the year.  Bamboo and phormiums work well.  Why not add a white jasmine climber?  Evergreen and lush. 

COLOUR SCENT

With a great scent.  Why not add some color?  Bulbs for the spring.  Class tulips, and Alliums.  Crocosmia for later on in the year. Interplanted with some agapanthus.

LOW MAINTENANCE  PLANTS · ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXETER

Colour ⋅ Allium ⋅ Cyclamen ⋅ Crocus ⋅ Irises ⋅ Lavender ⋅ Kniphofia

Shrubs ⋅ Foliage ⋅ Structure ⋅ Viburnum Davidii ⋅ Berberis ⋅ Pingus ‘Mugo’ ⋅ Heucheras

Grasses ⋅ Movement ⋅ Contrast⋅ Festuca ⋅ Miscanthus ⋅ Carex ⋅ Stipa ⋅ Anemanthele

Climbers ⋅  ‘Living Walls’ ⋅ Clematis Montana ⋅ Climbing Hydrangea

Garden Design Themes ⋅  Contemporary ⋅ Traditional ⋅ Tropical ⋅ Zen ⋅ White Garden.

SHADY GARDENS ·  ARTIFICIAL GRASS  · TOPSHAM · EXMOUTH · SIDMOUTH · EXETER

Shade can a problem for your garden design.  Invasive trees and hedges.  Tall walls or fences. 

NEIGHBORS · SHADE

Or generally being overlooked by neighboring properties.  A Common problem in terrace houses or new builds.  Sometimes making a natural lawn unviable in a small or courtyard garden design. 

THIN MOSSY LAWNS · CUT BACK VEGETATION

Shady gardens lead to a thin mossy lawn.  Compounded if your lawn area is also damp. Try to introduce as much light as possible into your garden.  Especially in shady areas of your garden. 

CUT BACK VEGETATION · SHADE-TOLERANT TURF

Cut back any overhanging branches.  Reduce large conifers such as Leylandii.  Opt for a shade-tolerant turf for your lawn area.  If your grass is damp with poor drainage.

ADD DRAINAGE 

You will need to improve the drainage of your lawn by aerating your lawn.  Options include a manual spike rotavator or a petrol aerator.  This can be hired from your local hire shop.   Aerate your lawn and brush in some lawn sand.  This will help with drainage.  And contains Iron to reduce worm castes. 

· Why not install artificial grass · Exmouth · Sidmouth · Topsham · Exeter

DAMP GARDENS ·  ARTIFICIAL GRASS  · EXETER · TOPSHAM · EXMOUTH

 Damp gardens can be problematic for lawns.  Extreme dampness can cause waterlogging.  Lawns quickly become a muddy soggy mess. 

COMPACTED SOIL

Common causes include clay and compacted soil.  Short-term solutions include aeration and top-dressing with lawn sand. Long-term solutions are more expensive.

THATCH ·  ARTIFICIAL GRASS · EXMOUTH · EXETER · TOPSHAM

Compacte soil or a build-up of thatch can cause the surface of the lawn to repel water during heavy rainfall.  The water simply runs off the surface.  Not reaching the roots of your lawn.  Aerate your lawn and add lawn sand.  And rake out any thatch on the surface of your lawn.

REMOVING CLAY · DRAINAGE CHANNELS ·  ARTIFICIAL GRASS  · TOPSHAM · EXMOUTH

Long-term solutions include removing clay and creating drainage channels.  Adding a network of perforated drainage pipes.  Part filling the channels with shingle and free-draining soil.  And finally Re-turfing.

EXPENSIVE · MESSY

Overall, a  messy process.  You’ll also need to create an adequate drainage pit or soakaway.  For the excess water to flow into.  Sometimes hard to achieve in a garden full of clay. 

RETURFING

After completing the project your may be looking at a complete returf.  Especially when using a digger.  It problem better to bite the bullet and returf with artificial grass, Exeter