Replacing artificial grass

[apollo garden]

I’ve recently had my artificial lawn replaced with real turf and have discovered that the contractor has laid the real turf without removing the rubber membrane that supported the arterial lawn and overlaid the turf on top of it. Should the membrane have been removed to ensure a healthy law?

I would be grateful if someone can advise me

 

[Oliver Buckle]

They vary, some are for weed control, some to give a soft feel. The latter can be woven, or similar, and would give roots the chance to get through, weed control I would assume would confine the root system to the thin layer of soil in the turf, I can't see the lawn doing well on that. However, why would you want an artificial membrane of any sort if you wanted the artificial replaced? I think you probably know already, they did a rubbish job even if the lawn can grow on it.

 

[cpp gardener]

You need to have the membrane removed completely. It impairs gas exchange between the soil and atmosphere and water penetration in the soil.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Good point, cpp, I only considered root penetration, not air and water.

 

[Thomas31]

Oh, yes, you absolutely should have removed that rubber membrane before laying the new turf.Plants need free access to soil, and that rubber layer blocks water and nutrientsYour lawn might start turning yellow quicklyI strongly suggest removing the membrane before the grass fully roots.Had a similar issue a few years back, contractor misled me tonly when the grass started looking awful did I seek help.Better act now before it’s too late.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I’ve recently had my artificial lawn replaced with real turf and have discovered that the contractor has laid the real turf without removing the rubber membrane that supported the arterial lawn and overlaid the turf on top of it. Should the membrane have been removed to ensure a healthy law?

I would be grateful if someone can advise me

I might contact an attorney on that lapse of professionalism.

 

[Charlie 001]

Ok sounds like you had a cowboy in. But it’s not too late to fix the problem, the rain would have kept the turf alive and it’s not had time to root much and nit together. If the grass isn’t waterlogged it can be re rolled and lifted- much turf these days are sown onto plastic netting that helps hold it all together- you might need to revitalise the soil under the membrane left behind (doubt it’s rubber probably just a woven weed suppressant).
find someone reputable. Your local garden centre might help

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Ok sounds like you had a cowboy in

It occurs to me, there is turf and turf. Worth taking a close look and seeing it is a good mix of grasses and not too full of weeds before putting it back.

 

[auzair42]

If you’re replacing artificial grass, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure the process is smooth and successful:

1. Assess the Existing Surface​

• Inspect the current artificial grass for damage, wear, or reasons for replacement.
• Evaluate the sub-base for stability, drainage, and evenness to determine if it needs refurbishment.

2. Remove the Old Grass​

• Cut the existing turf into manageable strips using a utility knife.
• Carefully peel and lift the turf, ensuring minimal disturbance to the sub-base beneath.
• Dispose of the old turf responsibly, recycling where possible.

3. Prepare the Sub-Base​

• Check the sub-base for compactness and evenness. Use a plate compactor to firm it up if necessary.
• Ensure proper drainage by re-grading or adding a fresh layer of crushed rock or decomposed granite if needed.
• If the sub-base has deteriorated significantly, consider re-laying it completely.

4. Install a Weed Barrier​

• Lay down a weed barrier fabric to prevent unwanted plant growth beneath the new turf.

5. Lay the New Artificial Grass​

• Roll out the new artificial grass and let it acclimate for a few hours.
• Position the turf, ensuring the grain of the blades runs in the desired direction.

6. Cut and Join the Turf​

• Trim the edges of the grass to fit your space precisely.
• Use seam tape and adhesive to join sections securely. Ensure seams are invisible by aligning the blades correctly.

7. Secure the Turf​

• Nail or pin the turf along the edges, spacing fasteners every 6-8 inches.
• Avoid pulling the turf too tightly to maintain a natural appearance.

8. Spread Infill​

• Apply sand or rubber infill to the surface using a drop spreader.
• Brush the infill evenly with a stiff broom or power brush to keep the blades upright and provide cushioning.

9. Inspect and Maintain​

• Check for wrinkles, uneven areas, or loose edges.
• Brush the grass regularly to maintain its look and prevent flattening over time.

Would you like help selecting materials or troubleshooting specific parts of the process?

 

[gabi]

I’ve recently had my artificial lawn replaced with real turf and have discovered that the contractor has laid the real turf without removing the rubber membrane that supported the arterial lawn and overlaid the turf on top of it. Should the membrane have been removed to ensure a healthy law?

I would be grateful if someone can advise me

Yes, the rubber membrane should ideally be removed to ensure healthy turf. It can impede drainage, limit root growth, and affect the overall health of the lawn.

 

[pepper2.0]

Personally I would be calling that contractor and requesting they come back and finish the job unless they want bad reviews spreading across the net faster than Will Smith's slap lol

 

[Ayden]

From my own experience with replacing artificial grass, I can tell you that it’s really important to remove the rubber membrane before laying real turf. When we did our lawn, we kept the membrane in place initially, but quickly noticed that the grass struggled to grow properly. The membrane restricted root growth and water drainage, which eventually led to patchy areas and poor turf health.
Here are a few points to consider:
1. Root Establishment: Real grass needs direct contact with the soil to establish strong roots. The membrane can hinder this process.
2. Water Drainage: Artificial grass allows water to drain, but real turf needs the soil to absorb water naturally. The membrane could trap water, causing the grass to rot.
3. Long-Term Health: If you leave the membrane, you might face ongoing issues with your lawn’s health. Removing it will give your grass the best chance to thrive.
I’d recommend having the membrane removed and replacing it with a proper soil base. It might be a bit of extra work, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble in the long run!