Artificial grass has come a long way in terms of both appearance and feel, and more and more homeowners are realizing this. With the advancement of turf technology, manufactured lawns are becoming increasingly popular in landscape architecture. Homeowners choose synthetic turf for one of two reasons (or even both): they want to save money and water, and they want a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that never needs mowing, watering, weeding, edging, fertilizing, or aerating.
But there are times when people would rather have a lush lawn where there is now a concrete patio or asphalt driveway. Inevitably, this makes people ask if synthetic grass can be set up on hard surfaces like cement or asphalt.
In a nutshell, yes, artificial grass may be laid down directly on top of hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. Unlike proper installation, there is no need to lay down numerous layers of a base before laying down the grass, making the process easier in certain respects. Yet, just because something is feasible does not mean it is advisable.
The Challenges of Synthetic Grass Installation on Hard Surfaces
The primary issue with artificial grass installations on concrete is poor drainage. Synthetic lawns drain as well as or better than real grass when laid on a properly prepared base. Over concrete, this is not the case.
Water from rain, melted snow, or surrounding irrigation systems may pool between your concrete and the grass backing if it is not properly sloped. If you don't take care of it, mould or mildew could grow underneath your grass and eventually seep through the backing. It could also cause puddles and pools of water on your lawn, making it unusable until the water is drained or removed.
It has been said that placing sand between concrete and grass can help with drainage; however, in most cases, the sand will simply wash away over time due to the smooth, solid surface it is sitting on.
Another common problem with putting synthetic grass down on top of hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt is that it doesn't feel as soft or give the same level of protection for kids and pets as natural grass does when they fall. This may not be a problem if you don't have kids, pets, or grandchildren or if you don't plan on utilizing your lawn for active play, but it's something to think about otherwise.
Some Suggestions for Laying Synthetic Grass on Hard Surfaces
When properly installed on concrete, artificial grass can make the surface more suitable for the intended use. Synthetic turf, for instance, can be installed over a concrete pool deck to make it more visually appealing and nonslip. One further case in point is a playground that is presently paved with asphalt or concrete.
Adding manufactured grass with thick padding over the hard ground can make the space more inviting and give your kids a safer place to play. If you have ever been to an indoor soccer game, you have probably seen an artificial lawn laid over a concrete surface before.
If the cost of removing the concrete or asphalt is beyond the scope of your project, or if you simply prefer to keep the solid surface under your lawn for a quicker, simpler installation, consult with your installer about what can be done to ensure the turf performs adequately for its intended purpose.
If your property has concrete and grass, your installer may suggest laying drainage tiles to facilitate water runoff and airflow. It's possible that your installer will suggest additional padding or using a grass product with a larger pile to add more padding.
Conclusion
Artificial grass can be installed on both concrete and asphalt surfaces with the right preparation and choice of product. It is essential to prepare the surface properly and choose the right artificial grass to ensure long-term performance and durability. Additionally, infill material should be used to ensure the artificial grass is in place and prevent weeds and pests from entering.
Installing artificial grass on concrete or asphalt can help create a vibrant, beautiful outdoor space and be a great way to save money and time on lawn maintenance.
If you are looking for a company that installs residential synthetic grass in Vancouver, look no further than our services here at North Western Synthetic Grass. We offer premium quality artificial grass installation services for residents in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley and throughout the Fraser Valley. Call us today and let us increase your property’s curb appeal through our synthetic grass installations.
