Artificial grass has become one of the most popular garden upgrades in Glasgow over the past few years — and it’s easy to see why. Low maintenance, year-round green, and no mud being tracked into the house. But a good artificial lawn depends entirely on the quality of the installation beneath it.
Here’s what you need to know.
Choosing the Right Artificial Grass
Not all artificial grass is equal. Key factors to consider:
Pile Height
- 20–25mm — Ideal for high-traffic areas, children’s play areas, or where a neat, formal look is wanted
- 30–37mm — The most popular choice; a good balance of natural look and durability
- 40mm+ — Lush, premium appearance; suits decorative gardens but can mat down in high-traffic zones
Dtex (Fibre Weight)
Dtex refers to the weight of the fibre. Higher dtex = thicker, more durable grass. For residential lawns, look for 11,000–15,000 dtex as a minimum. Cheaper options with lower dtex will look thin and wear quickly.
Colour & Thatch
A natural-looking artificial lawn will have multiple shades of green — light green, dark green, and olive tones — along with brown/beige “thatch” fibres to mimic real dead grass. Single-colour grass looks very artificial, especially in daylight.
UV Stabilisation
In Scotland, UV degradation is less of a concern than in hotter climates, but it still matters. Always choose grass rated to at least 8+ years UV stability.
Preparing the Ground
Poor ground preparation is the number one cause of artificial grass failures. Here’s how we do it:
1. Excavation
We excavate to a depth of 75–100mm below finished level. This removes:
- Existing lawn (turf and root zone)
- Topsoil
- Any soft or unstable material
The excavated material is removed from site.
2. Weed Membrane
A commercial-grade weed membrane is installed over the prepared sub-base to prevent weed growth through the drainage holes in the grass backing.
3. MOT Type 1 Sub-Base
We install 50–75mm of compacted Type 1 MOT (crushed granite or limestone). This provides a firm, stable base and — crucially — allows water to drain freely through the system.
Some installers skip this step and use sharp sand only. Don’t let them. Without a compacted sub-base, the grass will shift and settle unevenly, particularly on soft Glasgow ground.
4. Sharp Sand Levelling Layer
A thin (15–20mm) layer of sharp sand is screeded over the sub-base to give a perfectly level finish. This is compacted and checked with a level before the grass goes down.
Installing the Grass
- Roll out and acclimatise — the grass is laid out and allowed to relax before cutting
- Direction check — all pieces must run the same direction so the pile catches light uniformly
- Cutting — edges are cut with a sharp knife to fit the garden shape
- Joining — where two pieces join, we use a self-adhesive jointing tape beneath the seam; joins should be virtually invisible when done correctly
- Securing edges — edges are fixed with galvanised U-pins at 150mm centres, or glued to timber/concrete edging
- Infill — kiln-dried silica sand is brushed into the pile to support the fibres and give a more natural feel underfoot
- Brushing up — the pile is power-brushed against the grain to stand the fibres upright
Drainage Considerations
Artificial grass needs to drain freely — there’s no evaporation as with real turf. Our installations are designed so water passes through the grass backing, through the weed membrane, through the sand layer, and into the Type 1 sub-base where it disperses naturally.
If your garden has existing drainage issues or a naturally high water table, we’ll assess this during the site visit and may recommend additional drainage measures.
Maintenance
Despite being low-maintenance, artificial grass does need some care:
- Brush regularly — use a stiff brush or power broom to keep the pile upright
- Remove debris — leaves and organic matter left sitting will degrade over time
- Rinse occasionally — a hosepipe rinse removes dust and pet waste
- Avoid sharp implements — garden forks, stiletto heels, and BBQ hot coals can damage the fibres
With basic care, a quality artificial lawn installed correctly will look great for 10–15 years.
Cost Guide
Artificial grass installation costs in Glasgow typically range from:
| Area Size | Approximate Cost (installed) |
|---|---|
| Up to 20m² | £800–£1,400 |
| 20–40m² | £1,400–£2,200 |
| 40–70m² | £2,200–£3,500 |
| 70m²+ | £3,500+ |
Costs vary depending on ground conditions, grass specification, and any edging or landscaping work required.
Ready to Transform Your Garden?
If you’re considering artificial grass for your Glasgow garden, we offer free site visits and no-obligation quotes. We’ll assess your garden, recommend the right grass for your needs, and provide a fixed price that covers everything.