Just like real grass, artificial grass needs to be cared for and maintained. It’s important that you keep your artificial grass healthy and well-maintained in order for it to look good and last a long time.
Here are some tips on how you can maintain your synthetic lawn:
| Key Takeaways from “How to Apply Sand to Artificial Grass – Easy Way” |
|---|
| Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before applying sand to artificial grass. |
| Select a type of sand that is free from dust and evenly graded. |
| Use a seed spreader to apply sand to artificial grass evenly. |
| Brush the artificial grass with a soft-bristled broom after sand application. |
| Repeat the sand application process once every year or two. |
1. Fill Up The Empty Area With Your Chosen Infill
You can choose organic infill if you want a greener lawn, or synthetic if you prefer one that’s more durable and hardwearing.
Using either type is simple: simply pour it into the empty areas of your lawn and spread it evenly across all parts of the surface using a rake or shovel.
If you want to know about applying infill to artificial grass, you can find various infill options, the right time to apply infill, and how to choose the right infill in our detailed article on how to add infill to artificial grass.
2. Always Opt For Washed Silica Sand, As Opposed To Beach Or Play Sand
Always opt for washed silica sand, as opposed to beach or play sand. Washing the sand removes any impurities and ensures that it’s free from bacteria and other contaminants, which could cause more harm than good.
To wash your artificial grass, use a hose or a pressure washer with water that’s at least 30 degrees Celsius (about 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
After washing the sand thoroughly, pass it through a sieve to remove any large particles before applying it to your turf.
The washed silica sand has less chance of clogging up your turf than regular beach or play sand because of its consistency in size and shape it’s not mixed with other materials like gravel or silt in order to make it more appealing at the beach!
Benefits of Using Washed Silica Sand for Artificial Grass Infill
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Free from impurities | Washing silica sand removes impurities, which helps maintain the quality and longevity of artificial grass. |
| Bacteria-free | Silica sand is heated to high temperatures during the washing process, ensuring that it is bacteria-free. |
| Properly graded | Silica sand is commonly used for infill as it is free-flowing and properly graded. |
| Maintains drainage and prevents compaction | Using silica sand as infill helps maintain proper drainage and prevents compaction, which can damage the grass. |
3. Ensure That The Sand Is Evenly Spread Out With The Help Of Your Hand Or A Rake
Now that the sand is applied, it’s time to smooth out any excess and make sure that your artificial grass looks as pristine as the day it was installed.
To do this, use either a rake or simply your hands to smooth over any bumps in the sand. If you have left behind puddles of water on your turf, don’t worry!
The important thing is making sure that all of this excess moisture has been removed from around where you applied the granules so that they can dry evenly in their new home.
If you want to maintain your artificial grass, check out our article on how to clean artificial grass at home to learn about the necessary cleaning tools, cleaning methods, and how to deal with pet waste.
4. Discard Any Excessive Sand
Once the sand has been applied, you need to remove any excess. To do this, use a rake and push it into the artificial grass in a sweeping motion. This will help remove any excess sand that may be left behind in your lawn.
Don’t leave puddles of water after watering your artificial grass. If there is an excess amount of water on top of your lawn’s surface, then use a leaf blower to blow it off so that you can avoid having moisture getting trapped underneath and causing mold or mildew issues later on down the line when you’re going to be installing more infill materials onto this area again!
Tips for Removing Excess Sand from Artificial Grass
Tips Description Use a rake Use a rake to remove excess sand from the artificial grass. Sweep in a circular motion Push the rake in a sweeping motion across the lawn, making circles if required. Check for high and low spots Double-check for any high and low spots that might require additional sand application or removal. Use a leaf blower for extra cleaning A leaf blower can be used to remove excess sand and debris from the lawn’s surface. Repeat the process if necessary If necessary, repeat the removal process multiple times to achieve the desired results.
5. Make Sure It Is Spread Uniformly Across The Grass And Not Heaped In One Spot
You should be careful to make sure the sand is spread evenly across the grass, and not heaped in one spot.
Sand can also be used to fill any holes or dips in your artificial turf that may have been caused by trees growing into it over time.
You should not use a leaf blower because this will blow dust and debris onto your turf which can then get caught in the fibers and cause damage. Also, do not vacuum dry artificial grass as this will damage it.
Soil compaction and weed infestation can be common problems on artificial lawns, but you can avoid these issues by taking proper maintenance steps. Our guide on how to maintain your artificial lawn in the UK covers steps like brushing, regular inspections, and how to eliminate weed growth.
6. Make Sure Not To Hire Someone Who Will Leave Puddles Of Water On The Turf!
Once the sand is applied and your artificial grass is dyed, you need to make sure that the contractor doesn’t leave puddles of water on your newly installed turf. If they do, it will damage the turf, kill the grass, and leave a big mess for you to clean up.
7. Make Sure To Keep A Broom Handy To Sweep Away Any Excess Sand From Your Lawn!
As you finish applying the sand, you will have some excess that needs to be brushed off. You can use a broom for this step, but if you have a leaf blower or vacuum cleaner handy it will work just as well.
If there are any bits of grass or dirt on your lawn left over from the removal process, these can also be swept away now.
As with anything involving sand and hair, it is important to wear gloves during this step to avoid getting sand in your eyes and mouth.
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for hair getting caught in the wind so that it doesn’t end up tangled with dirt from where it was swept off into areas where it shouldn’t be!
Don’t let loose or uneven artificial grass disturb the aesthetic beauty of your garden. To prevent this, anchor artificial grass using our simple and easy tips in our article on how to attach artificial grass to ground.
8. If You Want To Clean Your Turf, Always Use A Dry Cloth! Don’t Vacuum It!
When cleaning your artificial grass, make sure that you don’t use a wet cloth or a vacuum cleaner. The best way to clean up your turf is with a dry cloth after you have gently brushed away any loose dirt.
9. Wipe Off Any Dirt With A Dry Cloth And Don’t Dampen It!
After you’ve applied the sand, use a dry cloth to make sure there are no clumps or dirt on your turf. Don’t use a damp or wet cloth!
After applying sand to your artificial grass, make sure to brush it properly with our easy tips. Learn more about how to brush sand into artificial grass in our article here.
10. You Can Also Use A Leaf Blower To Get Rid Of Dust And Debris From Your Turf!
This is a great time-saving option, as you don’t have to do any manual scrubbing or vacuuming. Just make sure that you don’t use water as this will damage the fibers of your turf.
If you’re using sand for an artificial lawn, it’s important not to leave any sharp objects lying around on top of your new surface!
11. Always Make Sure To Brush The Synthetic Fibers In Opposing Directions So That They Can Stand Up Straight!
You don’t want to just throw sand on your turf, but rather you want to apply it evenly. To do this, you should use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a soft brush attachment. You can also use a leaf blower in order to get rid of dust and debris before applying sand.
Once all of the synthetic fibers are standing up straight, walk away from the project and admire your beautiful new beach pattern!
Conclusion
There you go! You’ve learned the basics of how to apply sand to artificial grass. Now all that’s left is to get out there and start enjoying your new turf!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that provide useful information about applying sand and infill to artificial grass:
How to Sand Infill for Artificial Grass: This article by LazyLawn UK provides an in-depth guide to sand infill, its benefits, and the step-by-step procedure to apply sand to artificial grass.
How to Lay Synthetic Turf Grass: This article by Premier Grass covers aspects like measuring the turf, preparing the ground, laying the turf, and installing infill.
An In-Depth DIY Guide to Infill for the Best Artificial Turf: This article by Artificial Turf Express provides information on infill, its types, and the advantages of using infill, along with a guide on infill installation.
FAQs
What is the purpose of infill for artificial grass?
Infill for artificial grass serves multiple purposes like providing cushioning, improving drainage, and keeping the blades upright. It also helps to weigh down the artificial grass and keep it in place.
How much sand should be used for infill in artificial grass?
The amount of sand to be used for infill in artificial grass depends on the type of grass, the pile height, and the infill guidelines specified by the manufacturer. However, a general rule is to use about 1-2 pounds of sand per square foot of artificial grass.
How often should sand be applied to artificial grass?
The frequency of sand application for artificial grass depends on various factors like foot traffic, weather, and the type of infill used. As a general rule, the sand should be re-applied once every one or two years to maintain the appearance and longevity of the artificial grass.
Can one use regular sand for infill in artificial grass?
No, regular sand is not suitable for infill in artificial grass. The sand used for infill should be clean, silica sand free from dust, debris, and fines.
How should one maintain artificial grass after sand is applied?
After sand is applied to artificial grass, it is recommended to rake and brush the lawn to evenly distribute the sand and keep the fibers upright. Keeping the grass clean and removing debris promptly after it falls is also essential for maintaining the artificial grass.
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