Artificial Grass Cutting Knife? Top 89 Best Answers

6 types of edging systems for artificial grass

An important aspect of any artificial turf installation is the fitting of an appropriate edging system.

An edge system serves two main purposes.

The first is to act as a restraint for the aggregates used in the earthworks.

A typical artificial turf installation will require excavating your existing turf and installing an underlay consisting of at least 50mm MOT Type 1.

A laying layer of granite limestone powder is then leveled and compacted on the substructure.

In order for the installation to be successful, you must ensure that the aggregate you lay under your artificial turf is retained on all sides to prevent the sub-base or sub-base from sinking.

This is achieved by installing a suitable edging.

The second reason for installing an edging system is to provide you with an anchor point for the perimeter of your artificial turf.

It must be secured at the edges to prevent it from being lifted.

Your artificial grass can be fixed in a number of ways and it really depends on the type of edging you have chosen to install which method is best.

When it comes to choosing your edge, you have many options.

In this article we will look at the different options in detail to help you decide which edge system is best for your application and budget.

You will see that there is no one size fits all and that each type of edging has advantages and disadvantages as described below.

1. Pressure treated wood edges

Wood is probably the most commonly used edging system when installing artificial grass.

One of the main reasons for this is that it is the least expensive form of edge, which we will be looking at in this article.

You will also find that it is quick and easy to install as it can be cut to the required length with minimal effort.

The best way to secure it to the ground is to drive wooden stakes into the ground and then attach the edge to them with a decking screw.

Timber edges provide a perfect surface to secure the perimeter, which is best done with galvanized nails spaced about 100mm apart.

You can even wrap the edges of your artificial grass around the wood to create a stronger edge.

The size of lumber you use will depend on how deep your subfloor and screed will be and what is available in your area. If you are installing a 50mm sub-base and 25mm decking, the best option is to use 75mm x 50mm lumber.

If your aggregates are a little deeper, for example for a heavy traffic area that may require a depth of 75mm with a 25mm finishing course, then in this case use a 100mm x 50mm (4″ x 2″ ) Wood.

Of course, the most important thing to remember when buying wood edging is to make sure they have been pressure treated to ensure their longevity as they sit in the ground and are therefore exposed to moisture.

This is the main disadvantage of using wood. Unfortunately, it will eventually rot.

How quickly this happens depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the wood and how much moisture it is exposed to.

In most cases, however, a service life of 10 years can be expected.

As the wood rots, it would be a relatively easy process to replace it with new wood edging when needed.

2. Composite plastic surround

Plastic composite lumber has many of the same benefits as standard lumber.

Again, it’s quick and easy to install and is held in place with stakes driven into the ground, also made of composite plastic.

The big advantage of plastic edges over wooden edges is that they do not rot. Most synthetic woods will last a lifetime and most manufacturers offer a 25 year guarantee against rot. Of course, always check with your chosen supplier for specific details on this.

You may also need to source special fixings when securing the perimeter of your artificial turf and again your chosen supplier can advise on this.

However, the disadvantage of plastic edges is the cost. It’s usually around 3-4 times the price of treated wood.

Here you can buy synthetic edging for your artificial grass.

3. Pressure treated sleepers

Our next edge type is sleepers.

Bumps can provide appropriate edge restraint for the subgrade material as well as an anchor point for the perimeter of the artificial turf.

You can secure the perimeter by driving decking screws or galvanized nails into the sleepers at a 45-degree angle.

Sleepers can be fixed in the ground either by laying them on a concrete bed or by fastening them to posts.

Not only do humps provide fantastic edge protection for artificial grass, they also add an interesting feature to any garden.

Sleepers are ideal for creating raised beds; They can be stacked on top of each other to create different heights and planted with attractive plants and shrubs to complement your lawn.

The vast majority of sleepers are of course pressure treated to protect them from the elements, but it is important to remember to treat the ends of the sleepers should raw edges be exposed.

You can find end-grain preservatives at your local hardware store.

4. Steel edge

The main advantage of steel edging over wooden edging is longer lifespan.

Steel edging systems are also quick and easy to install and can be formed into curves if required.

However, the disadvantage of steel edges is the cost. Steel edges usually cost about the same as composite plastic, making them far more expensive than using wood.

Some types of steel edging come complete with tabs that you can dab Aquabond glue onto so you can easily attach the weed to it.

In practice, however, this can sometimes be a bit messy, and of course you only get one chance to secure the perimeter. Once the glue has come off it can be difficult to adjust your turf if you have not removed any wrinkles or creases in the artificial turf before attaching.

An alternative method of securing the edges when using steel edging is to use galvanized U pins which can be placed around the perimeter of your lawn and will prevent the edges from lifting. This is generally the preferred method when using metal edge systems.

Here you can buy steel edging for your artificial grass.

5. Paving

It is also possible to use the edges of your pavement to hold your sub-base material.

This can be either a block or brick edging, or you can use the edge of an existing patio.

As long as it holds the base material, it can be used effectively as a border for your artificial grass.

The main disadvantage of using this form of edging is that you cannot attach the perimeter of your artificial grass directly to the edging itself.

It is best to use galvanized U-Pins to secure the edges of your artificial grass.

Another possible alternative is to apply artificial grass adhesive to the paving edge and glue the grass to it, although this may not result in the most aesthetically pleasing finishes.

6. Concrete Gravel Boards

If you intend to bring your artificial grass up to a garden fence, you can use existing concrete gravel pads to contain the aggregate.

The obvious problem with this is that it will make it more difficult to replace your fence should you need to do so at some point in the future as your artificial grass needs some repairing.

However, if you have recently installed a fence using concrete posts and gravel boards or are replacing them while installing your artificial turf, using the fence to retain your substructure is a viable option as your new fence should last at least 10 years.

To secure the perimeter of your lawn, use galvanized U-Pins.

Conclusion

Choosing the best edging system for your artificial grass is not always easy.

In an ideal world and if budget is not an issue, we would highly recommend using composite plastic edging.

It’s quick and easy to install and should last a lifetime.

The next best alternative would be treated wood edges as you will find that your installation will be much more cost effective. As mentioned above, you can expect treated wood to last 10 years, which is of course a long time and generally long enough for most installations.

Thresholds and steel edging are also viable alternatives, albeit slightly more expensive than wood edging. Sills serve a dual purpose as not only do they serve as borders but they also create an interesting feature in your garden and can be used to create raised beds.

In general, we only recommend the use of pavers as edging for ornamental lawns and ornamental lawns that are rarely walked on. That’s because the edges aren’t secured as well as some of the other edge shapes listed here. If you have dogs then you should definitely avoid this type of edging as they can potentially raise the edges of your artificial grass.

Using concrete gravel pads is an option if you have a fairly new picket fence, but as with paving, it’s possible to raise the edges of your artificial grass. It will also make replacing your fence a bit more difficult further down.

If you have any other questions about artificial grass edging, please leave them in the comments section below. We are happy to hear from them.

Thank you for reading!

2020-01-12T18:49:48+00:00

Yes, you can cut or trim your artificial grass with either a box cutter or scissors if needed. When we manufacture artificial grass products, we use a technology called “variable height cutting” to make the surface of the grass less flat, making the finished products much more realistic and close in overall appearance to the real grass. When installing, box cutters and scissors are necessary tools for professional installers who need to cut and trim grass from time to time. I don’t see any options for large scale grass cutting or trimming, rather than cutting or trimming a few strands when needed.

How to clean artificial grass

You have said goodbye to mowing, scarifying and fertilizing. You’ll have more time to laze in the sun during the summer months and your dog won’t be blamed for scraping the lawn bare.

Although your artificial turf will not require the same investment of time or money after the installment, you will still need to clean the artificial turf to maintain the appearance of your lawn.

If you have pets that love to be outside, or trees surround your lawn, you may find that you need to clean the lawn more regularly. That being said, rain does a pretty good job of washing away minimal surface dirt!

Our advice here is intended as a guide – every lawn environment is different, requiring different levels of maintenance depending on the environment and how the lawn is used. However, our top tip is to clean little and often instead of letting the dirt simmer.

1. Weekly artificial grass maintenance

During the summer months, you may need to give your lawn a little extra care. Simply use a hose weekly to freshen up the look of the pile, or you can opt for an artificial grass cleaner that can be used on all types of artificial grass. We also recommend brushing up the pile regularly as this will stop it from flattening out and becoming matted.

With this product you can give your lawn the perfect smell of freshly cut grass all year round. This water-based cleaner fights a variety of algae, fungi and bacteria, helping to prevent further growth and ensuring a good clean.

Our cleaner is also packaged in a concentrated form so it’s super economical!

Chewing gum, candy and other sticky substances can usually be removed by hand; However, if a piece of gum is particularly stubborn, you can chill the gum with an ice cube and it will be easier to break off the gum after it has cooled.

2. Monthly lawn care

Artificial grass can become flat and dull after a while, so it is also advisable that you brush the nap of your lawn once a month with our range of artificial grass electric brushes.

This innovative product costs a small fraction of the cost of most industrial gas powered power tools that can sometimes damage artificial grass fibers. Our product’s brush heads are specially designed from a softer nylon to avoid damaging your lawn. It is well known that frequent use of the power brush increases the life expectancy of your lawn.

It not only improves the appearance, but also removes surface dirt and deeply buried debris. This is also an easier option than manually brushing the pile with a soft-bristled broom, as it can be hard work and may not remove as much unwanted material. When using this product, for best results, pull back against the pile for a naturally polished look. Doing this fairly frequently will prevent matting and compacting of the pile – once this happens it becomes much more difficult to get your artificial grass back to its original appearance.

3. Dig up the rubble

With artificial turf, always ensure that the lawn is kept free of leaves. When they start to decompose on the lawn, this is more difficult to clean and can also attack the fibers of the grass and trigger moss growth. Using a leaf blower or vacuum is a simple and effective way to clean the lawn surface.

4. Get rid of smell of urine and feces in artificial grass

If you’re a pet owner, you might be worried about how to clean up after they’ve done their business! But no fear! Most artificial turfs are air permeable and therefore easily let any liquid through. For solid waste, use the traditional poop scoop or dog bag, then rinse with a hose. The artificial grass also does not lose color like natural grass. You can also rest assured that no dirty paw prints will make their way into your home after your pet has visited the garden, giving you one less cleanup to do!

If the odor persists, you will need to apply sod to deodorize the area as it will absorb the odor of the urine. Some have had success by applying baking soda to the affected area or by spraying a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water on the area to dissolve the baking soda.

5. Prevent weeds in your artificial grass

If you haven’t already laid your artificial turf then you must consider using our geo-textile membrane which will help prevent weeds from growing through the artificial turf. However if these do occur you can use a regular weed killer but make sure it is water based. Weed killer can also be used a few times a year to keep those pesky plants from showing up in the first place!

What NOT to do

Don’t apply heat to the lawn…no need to blow dry after hosing down!

Don’t use pesticides to remove insects – just hose down the surface to get rid of these unwanted visitors

Although a garden vacuum can be used on the artificial turf, do not be tempted to drag Heinrich the vacuum cleaner out of his comfortable apartment – this could damage the lawn and the home vacuum cleaner.

For more information contact us on 01732 323 122 to discuss your artificial grass and cleaning options.

Although all of our products come with a 10 UV guarantee, your artificial grass may discolour slightly over the years with wear and tear and general weather conditions.

Temperature fluctuations can potentially cause your artificial grass to contract and expand somewhat due to the change in weather. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Back to FAQ topics

How to prevent the appearance of wrinkles in artificial grass

Especially in the summer months, we are regularly asked by our customers why there are wrinkles or kinks in their artificial turf.

If your artificial turf is not laid correctly, waves or creases will often appear.

Artificial grass is supplied in rolls of 2m and 4m width.

These reels can weigh up to 350kg depending on the length of the piece of grass on the reel.

This makes artificial turf a difficult product to process and distribute – and to handle during an installation.

Most of the time, when you’ve chosen a quality lawn, the problem isn’t with the artificial grass itself, but with the fact that it wasn’t laid correctly.

When laying artificial grass, there are certain techniques and methods you can use to prevent wrinkles.

And in this latest article, we’re going to talk about exactly that. We give you 5 simple installation tips to prevent wrinkles or creases from spoiling the look of your artificial grass.

But first, let’s take a look at why this is a problem.

What causes wrinkles in artificial grass?

One of the great things about artificial grass is that the backing material conforms to any given shape.

For example, if you lay a piece of artificial grass over a brick, leave it in the warm sun for a few hours, and then remove the brick, the grass would hold its shape fairly well and the crease would likely be difficult to erase.

This happens because the warmth of the sun raises the wearer’s temperature and makes them more supple.

Once the substrate begins to cool, it becomes less pliable and will remember its shape.

And that can be a blessing and a curse at the same time.

Artificial grass is distributed by wrapping it tightly around a cardboard core and then wrapped in protective polythene packaging to prevent damage in transit.

After your artificial grass has been unrolled, slight waves and wrinkles are normal. They are caused by the weed being wrapped tightly around the core and the mat then memorizing its shape.

It is the sign of good quality and strong support.

My artificial grass used to not wrinkle, but now it does. Why?

As we have learned, the heat of the sun causes the backing material to become more supple.

Not only does it become supple, it also stretches very slightly.

The expansion caused by the heat of the sun, followed by the subsequent cooling of the substrate, can cause wrinkles in your lawn.

Expansion and contraction are unavoidable. This happens regardless of the quality of the artificial grass you choose.

But that doesn’t have to be a problem – provided your lawn is laid correctly from the start.

Wrinkles or creases are easily avoided by following a few basic installation guidelines. Let’s take a look.

5 installation techniques to avoid wrinkles

1. Make sure the weed membrane lies flat

In most cases, unless you own a pet, we recommend installing a weed control film directly under your artificial grass to discourage weed growth.

When unrolling and installing your artificial grass it is important to ensure that the membrane has not become crumpled or folded anywhere.

You can do this by attaching the membrane to your wood edging stock with galvanized nails and securing it to the center of your lawn with U-bolts.

You might think the grass is thick enough that folds in a soft fabric like a weed membrane aren’t visible, but that’s not the case.

If there are creases or creases in the membrane, you will see them through your artificial grass because, as we have said before, the support material takes the form of lumps and bumps in the membrane.

2. Allow the grass to acclimate before cutting

In an ideal world, you would lay your artificial grass on a bright and sunny summer day.

Because, as already mentioned, the sun’s rays help to make the substrate more supple and easier to lay.

When all ground preparation is complete, unroll each piece of artificial grass and lay it flat over your lawn.

Now you need to let the artificial grass acclimate.

It’s easy to do – just put down the tools and grab a cup of tea!

We recommend that you leave your artificial grass unrolled on your lawn for a minimum of 2 hours, but 24 hours for best results.

And ideally in nice, warm sunshine.

This is of course not always possible, especially in the UK.

So let your weed sit as long as possible to allow it to acclimate. And remember that it needs to be flat on the floor, otherwise you could aggravate the creases.

3. Tighten the grass and push out any wrinkles

One tool you will find extremely useful when laying artificial turf is a carpet kicker.

You can easily get these at your local hardware store.

Carpet kickers can be used to tension your artificial turf if required.

Typically, a professional installer has a deadline to complete their installation, which often means they can’t give the weed as much time to acclimate as they would like.

This is where a carpet kicker becomes an invaluable tool in a professional installer’s armory.

We also recommend it for do-it-yourselfers as you’ll find that it’s easy to stretch the grass and remove wrinkles if needed.

You can also use the cardboard core that your artificial grass was wrapped around to help squeeze out any air bubbles.

With the help of two or three people, spread the cardboard core lengthwise and, using downward pressure, slide the cardboard down the length of your lawn.

If you have stubborn wrinkles, you can install U-needles as you go. Follow behind the cardboard tube and stick it straight into the lawn and pin it in place.

4. Use the right amount of sand filling

Adding sand infill to your artificial grass is important for many reasons.

To prevent wrinkles, this is extremely important.

An evenly distributed quartz sand infill adds ballast to your artificial turf. This ballast fixes the grass to the base material and prevents wave formation.

It also helps regulate the temperature of your lawn and avoid wrinkles caused by the expansion and contraction of the latex backing.

It really is the key to avoiding wrinkles.

And it is very important that you apply the recommended amount of filler.

Always check with your manufacturer as some weed types require more than others.

5. Make sure the perimeter is adequately secured

Finally, you need to properly secure the perimeter of your lawn.

The type of attachment really depends on the type of edge used.

In most cases, this is a wooden edge. Once your grass has been stretched and trimmed into shape, use galvanized nails about 6 inches apart around the entire perimeter of your lawn.

This will prevent the grass from moving.

Conclusion

Installing artificial grass is often best left to the professionals. This is because there are certain techniques and knowledge that can only be learned through experience.

However, preventing waves, creases, and creases in your artificial grass doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in this article.

If you’re considering artificial grass for your garden, why not request your free NeoGrass samples?

You will see how realistic and soft our products really are.

If you would like to enlist the help of a professional installer, you can do so by entering your zip code on this page to find a NeoGrass Approved Installer near you.

Do you have any questions about folding and artificial turf? Then leave us a comment and we will get in touch with you.

What base are you using?

The perfect base is MOT1 granite stone which is roughly compacted into a contoured shape of the turf. This is finished off with 6mm dusted granite stone which, once wet and compacted, provides a smooth, firm base for the turf.

Does the area drain freely?

If this is not the case, a drainage pit may need to be built in to allow for adequate drainage. This is simple enough and easily installed when the earthworks are done. Adequate drainage of the area will prevent water build-up, flooding and moss growth, ensuring your artificial turf remains easy to maintain.

Do you have a favorite method to hide the artificial grass edge?

You need to install the edge of artificial grass to a perimeter to create an attractive finish. This edging can be an Everedge steel edging, pavers, decking, or a gravel slab separating a planting line. The grass should be set about 20mm to the level of the perimeter edge for best appearance.

Do you have obstacles that may need to be changed, e.g. B. a duct cover?

If you have any obstacles, it is not a problem because the foundation can be adjusted to the required height to create a level and level surface and make the installation much more convenient, e.g. B. Working around a manhole where the grass can be deepened to allow for future access.

Below are close-ups of the different types of artificial grass. As you can imagine, a lawn without artificial moss requires sand to keep the fibers straight.

In the grass species with moss, you can see how the moss supports the grass fibers. You may also find that the fibers are “flattened” every time they are stepped on. A thin layer of sand largely prevents this.

Of course, when we talk about cutting the artificial grass, we are not talking about cutting, as this is only necessary with natural grass. We refer to the solution of possible doubts if at the time of installation it is not clear which is the ideal cut.

It is very important to remember that the necessary cuts in the lawn must be of the correct shape. In addition, attention should be paid to poorly given cuts, which often lead to incorrect measurements.

How should the right cut be?

You should know that you must always make the cut before laying the lawn. This means you can’t install, paste first, and then decide later if you want to proceed to slice the rest.

When installing the lawn, it is ideal to measure well the surface on which you intend to place it. It would be appropriate to have a uniform floor with well-defined measurements.

Be excited at first and start working with enthusiasm. We will examine the measures as a first step. While it’s obvious, many people overlook proportion. As soon as the measures are known, the lawn is cut and laid. The measurements must be taken accurately. This way you will know how much is needed.

Second, we will buy the turf. You will, of course, buy the footage you need, but it’s wise to purchase a little more.

Third, the turf is laid on the surface. you should extend it Because although the installation at this point is like a kind of mold, some conditions, such as a drainage hole, have to be taken into account. It will be where you need to cut as well, and not just at the ends.

Then you need to measure and show. The measurements should be well marked on the back of the lawn, not on the green part. Then you are ready to cut, which will be the next step. It will be cut into pieces for installation. It’s important that we have our time: if done in a hurry, the work could go to waste.

tools required

Artificial grass cutting tools can be very useful. The cut is done at the back as there are no fibers and the cut is easier than perfect. For this we can use large scissors, but ideally an industrial cutter whose blades are proportional to the thickness of the lawn.

This type of cutter can cut in a very simple way. At the same time, cutting can be done as quickly as possible.

It is important that the tools are in good condition. An oxidized edge, for example, is very likely to result in poor finish.

Tips for cutting artificial grass

The use of gloves is recommended. Gardening gloves can be very useful. This will prevent you from cutting your hands due to lack of concentration or other accidents.

Throughout the process it is taken into account that the strokes must be precise. Everything depends on the quality of the shots made. For this, the measurements must be carried out with the utmost accuracy and without haste. Everything fits and the result will be fantastic. The better you work, the better your lawn will look.