If you’re wondering whether installing artificial grass on a slope is possible, we’ve got some good news.
With proper preparation and careful installation, laying artificial grass on a sloped lawn is entirely viable. In fact, the process is only marginally more complicated than installing synthetic turf on a flat surface.
In this post, we’ll discuss why you should consider switching to artificial grass in your sloped garden. Next, we’ll dish out a step-by-step guide to explain the installation process.
Why Choose Artificial Grass
A steep, sloped garden entails a whole host of issues, from drainage to erosion and arduous maintenance. Little wonder Aussie homeowners with gradient-prone properties are turning towards artificial grass in droves.
For starters, a steep slope makes caring for your lawn exhausting. You’ll need to push your heavy lawnmower uphill and constantly climb to add fertiliser or pull out weeds.
When it comes time to water, gravity causes the runoff to pool at the bottom of the hill. And that could create major issues if your house foundations reside down below. Erosion is another consistent threat, which becomes exacerbated upon the arrival of torrential rain.
Artificial grass, however, offers a myriad of benefits to counteract these concerns:
- No need to water, fertilise, or mow.
- Minimal weeding means less climbing uphill.
- Efficient drainage helps water seep into the ground rather than pooling at the bottom of the hill.
- The protective layer helps minimise erosion in sloped areas.
- Low maintenance saves you time and money.
- Artificial grass remains lusciously green all year long, even during intense droughts.
While the artificial grass of old looked kitsch and fake, technological advances have greatly enhanced its aesthetics in recent years. Without close inspection, it can be tricky to differentiate from the real thing.
Installing Artificial Grass on a Slope
Whether you’re looking to DIY or getting professional help, it’s worth understanding the basic principles of installing artificial grass on a slope.
Here’s a step-by-step rundown of the process:
1. Preparing the Site
Sloped or not, the first crucial step is to prepare the site. Preparation requires removing existing natural grass and any rocks or debris until the topsoil is visible underneath.
It’s crucial to ensure there aren’t any large stones left behind, as these will make the surface uneven.
2. Putting in the framework
On a gradient, poorly installed synthetic turf will slip and slide all over the shop. Therefore, it’s crucial to lay down a framework to secure the grass in place.
A skilled installer will put timber planks at the top and bottom of the slope. Later, they’ll nail the artificial turf into these stable anchors to ensure it doesn’t slide around.
3. Creating Drainage
To create adequate drainage, the installer will cover the exposed soil with a layer of natural lightweight materials like sand, chippings or granite dust.
That way, water will seep into the blades and drain through the layer rather than trickling down the hill and pooling at the bottom.
4. The Weed Barrier Membrane
Not having to worry about weeding is one of the great benefits of an artificial lawn.
The installer adds a weed barrier membrane on top of the drainage layer to minimise weed growth.
5. Laying the Synthetic Turf
It’s time to start rolling out the turf. Once the installer has covered the lawn, they let the artificial grass settle so it can decompress and morph into a more natural shape.
Now it’s snugly settled in, the installer nails the grass into the timber framework. The best way to do this is in sections so the turf doesn’t roll down the hill. Well-fit turf eliminates the appearance of unsightly creases, indents, and bumps.
6. Sprinkling Sand on Top
Adding sand pushes the grass down to help fasten it to the sloped surface. Sand is also essential as an infill to help the blades stand upright and protect the fibres from UV rays.
Depending on the type of synthetic grass, the installer will use anywhere between 5 to 15 kg of sand per square metre.
7. Brushing
The next step is to give the new lawn a proper good brushing to ensure the sand gets spread evenly over the surface.
A smart installer will opt for a stiff, non-metallic brush. As a consumer, you’ll occasionally need to brush the surface as part of your ongoing maintenance regime.
EnduroTurf: Your Go-To Synthetic Grass Specialist
With almost 20 years of industry experience, EnduroTurf has become one of Australia’s leading artificial grass brands.
We manufacture all our high-quality products in Australia—they’re guaranteed to withstand our harsh climatic conditions.
Whether you’re looking to DIY or enlist professional help, contact our expert team today.