What We See When Preparation Goes Wrong
With more than 20 years of experience, we have been called to assess artificial grass installations carried out by other companies where problems have developed. In many of the installations we inspect, the issue is not necessarily the artificial grass itself but the preparation underneath it. Waterlogging, uneven areas, movement, poor edges and premature wear can all be associated with unsuitable or inadequate preparation.
These problems can be considerably more difficult and expensive to address once the grass has already been installed. The existing grass may need to be lifted, the underlying base corrected and the installation put back together. Depending on the condition of the grass and the extent of the problem, some materials may also need to be replaced. Getting the preparation right before installation is therefore usually the better approach.
The Costa Blanca Challenge
Costa Blanca properties can present very different preparation requirements. New-build plots may contain construction rubble, waste material or imported fill, while established gardens can have compacted or unsuitable ground. Some properties have slopes, changes in level, existing paving or terraces that need to be incorporated into the finished installation. Rocky ground can also make excavation and preparation more demanding. The climate is another consideration. Long dry periods followed by periods of heavy rainfall mean that drainage and water movement should be considered as part of the preparation rather than after the grass has been installed.
We assess each site individually and determine the preparation required for that particular property. There is no single method that is appropriate for every installation.
What Good Preparation Looks Like
Good preparation starts with understanding the site. We assess the existing ground or surface, levels, drainage, access and any specific challenges that could affect the installation. Where required, preparation may involve excavation, removal of unsuitable material, drainage measures, installation and compaction of an appropriate base, careful levelling and preparation of the surface before the artificial grass is installed. The exact process depends on the property and the condition of the existing area.
Good preparation takes time and can represent a significant part of the overall project cost, but it provides the foundation for the finished installation. The aim is not simply to lay the grass quickly, but to prepare the surface properly so the artificial grass can perform as intended over the long term.