Gardening Jobs in September
With Summer bowing out and Autumn on it's way, your gardening jobs are ready to change again to adapt to the upcoming cooler weather. Here are some gardening jobs you can get on with in September.
Artificial grass has become an increasingly popular addition to lots of gardens but how do we install & look after it?. If you're looking to make a switch from natural grass or want to add some greenery to an area, then take a look at our DIY guide on how you can lay and maintain artificial grass to your outdoor spaces.
Laying artificial grass has numerous benefits. Although having natural grass has it's own set of benefits, keeping on top of it to make sure it's looking it's best can be time consuming and off putting for some people. Here's a few reasons why artificial grass is a top choice.
Start by measuring and surveying the area you want to lay the artificial grass whether you’re replacing existing grass or going where no lawn has gone before. By doing this, you can order the right amount of sand, weed membrane and artificial turf.
After making sure any cables and pipes are out of danger, start digging & remove any existing grass to a depth of at least five centimetres (two inches). If the ground doesn’t drain well, you’ll need to dig to around 10 centimetres instead. Dispose of any debris, such as stones or bits of brick as one of the things that stops artificial grass from looking healthy is laying it on lumpy ground.
Now walk over the area and look out for soft spots & places that cause your feet to sink. You’ll need to backfill those parts to make sure your new lawn isn't weak anywhere.
Need to hire some equipment to make light work of all that excavating and clearing? At HSS, we have a comprehensive range of the latest gardening and landscaping equipment. Depending on the size and condition of your plot, you may need a turf cutter, a mini-dumper, a vibrating plate (light/medium/ heavy) or a wheelbarrow.
Create the sub-base by covering the area with aggregate to a depth of at least five centimetres. Most professional installers recommend using Grano dust or a similar type of crushed granite or limestone.
If you foresee plenty of walking over the area, make the base deeper by no more than 20 centimetres. Next, drag a piece of flat timber across the entire space to level it out and compact the sub-base. You can also use a plastic float to smooth out any small indentations.
A porous membrane is essential on top of the sub-base to prevent weeds from invading the finished lawn while allowing it to drain. Once the base is compacted, lay the weed membrane over the area and secure it around the perimeter with galvanised steel nails every 0.75 metres, trimming off any waste membrane from the edges. If any joining is needed, overlap the edges then stick them firmly down them with gaffer tape.
Unroll the artificial turf gently over the area so the weed membrane isn’t disturbed. Get all the pile running in one direction, preferably towards the house, as this ensures the new lawn looks its best from your windows. Once it’s in position, trim away any excess around the edges using a craft knife and do the following:
When all the turf is in place and dry, spread some fine sand over the whole lawn, then use a stiff brush to make the grass look more natural. And there you have it! You're artificial lawn has been installed.
Does my artificial lawn need any maintenance? - Yes! You may not need to mow your new artificial lawn but it does require some minimal maintenance. Brush the lawn regularly with a stiff broom to remove dust and straighten the fibres.
Is it ok to jet was my artificial lawn? - Avoid using a jet wash on your artificial lawn. The pressure of the washer may damage or tear the lawn's surface. Instead use a hose with either a synthetic grass cleaner or a homemade solution made from washing up liquid and water.
Can I use a BBQ on my artificial lawn? - Never put coals from a BBQ on or anywhere near artificial grass as they can cause a fire. You should also avoid using a disposable BBQ on the grass, putting out cigarettes on the lawn or anything else that could cause the grass to burn.
If you’re still wondering whether to lay natural or artificial turf on your new lawn, you can compare different processes on the HSS blog, including growing grass from seed! You’ll find lots more ideas for making your garden gorgeous here.
If you have any questions about any tools you may need to install your artificial grass, get in touch with our online live chat experts who are on hand & happy to help or contact your local HSS branch.
With Summer bowing out and Autumn on it's way, your gardening jobs are ready to change again to adapt to the upcoming cooler weather. Here are some gardening jobs you can get on with in September.
When the inevitable British wet weather arrives and wreaks havoc on our gardens, our precious plants and flowers are going to need saving. Read more to find out how you can keep your garden protected in wet weather and keep it looking its best.
The final month of summer is here & while we still have time to enjoy the lovely weather, why not get on top of your garden jobs. Here's a list of some of the gardening jobs you can do in the month of August.
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