Product Spotlight: Rubber Grass Mats

How to Install Rubber Grass Mats

Rubber Grass Mats

An introduction to rubber grass mats

Rubber Grass Mats are the ideal solution to ensure grass can withstand heavy pedestrian traffic whilst it continues to grow.

They are laid throughout the grass growing season to allow the grass to intertwine and bond with the mats in preparation for the wetter months of autumn and winter.

This means now (mid-to-late summer) is the best time to lay your mats to improve the condition of the surface during the month ahead.

How are rubber grass mats installed? This blog post explains.

How do rubber grass mats work
Rubber grass mats are safe, discreet and allow grass to grow

Where can rubber grass mats be used?

Rubber grass mats can be used in a large number of environments to prevent erosion by protecting each individual blade of grass.

The grass regrows through the holes of the mate to create a completely natural appearance.

The applications include:

  • Low-level play areas
  • Temporary events
  • Equestrian areas
  • Golf courses
  • Farms
  • Grass walkway matting
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Decking
  • Work stations
  • Domestic gardens
  • Landscaping project

During the Covid-19 pandemic, they were also a popular solution for pub beer gardens as they used outdoor space for capacity while the inside of the venue was required to be closed.

Find out more in our Product Spotlight blog post here.

Rubber Grass Mats - The Complete Guide
They are recommended for playgrounds
Rubber Grass Mats Complete Guide
The mats can be used in school play areas

Rubber Grass Mats

sowing grass seed instructions

Laying grass seed step-by-step guide

Before laying the rubber grass mats, the first thing to do is sow grass seed. 

To find out how to do this, watch the video above or follow our step-by step instructions below.

In the UK, the sowing season takes place from March to September when temperatures are 8-10 degrees and above consistently. Before planting, check the forecast to ensure there is no adverse weather planned in the upcoming weeks.

If sowing takes place in host weather, the soil should be watered before and after sowing takes place to ensure seedings do not dry out.

How to sow a new lawn

Grass seed can be scattered by hand or by using a handheld spreader.

For sowing a new lawn it is recommended to sow the seed at 50g per m2.

Step 1: Dig the soil to a depth of 20-25cm.

Step 2: Remove the weeds by hand or use a weed killer.

Step 3: Add top soil if needed.

Step 4: Get a level seedbed by raking the area. Browse rakes here.

Step 5: Sow the seed at the recommended rate above.

Step 6: Rake again to ensure the seeds are amongst the soil.

Step 7: Firm down by foot or by using a roller to improve seed to soil contact.

Man sowing a new lawn
Grass seed can be scattered by hand or using specialist equipment

How to overseed an existing lawn

The recommended sowing for an existing lawn is 35g per m2.

Step 1: Remove any dead grass, weeds or moss by scarifying or raking the area.

Step 2: Rake the area so that the soil is loose.

Step 3: Sow the seed at the recommended rate.

Step 4: Rake the seed in so that the seed is amongst the soil.

Step 5: Firm down by foot or using a roller to improve seed to soil contact.

The lawn will take around six weeks to fully establish. It is recommended that the lawn is watered deeply and daily, except whilst it is raining. The lawn can be cut when the grass blades are 5-7cm.

Overseed an existing lawn
35g per m2 is recommended sowing for an existing lawn

How to install rubber grass mats

Once the grass has been sewn, the rubber grass mats can be laid. To do this follow the steps below.

Step 1: Measure and mark out the place where the rubber grass mats will be installed.

Step 2: Using a good quality topsoil, level out uneven areas.

Step 3: If the site is prone to becoming wet and soft, GrassMesh450 can provide additional structural support.

Step 4: Lay out the rubber grass mats on the proposed area. The mats can be cut to make them suitable for any shape or size.

Step 5: Starting at one perimeter edge proceed around the area ensuring the mats are situated firmly against one another. Tie with cable ties.

Step 6: Use plastic fixing pegs to secure the grass mats.

Step 7: Using a spade or half-moon edging tool, cut a slit into the ground along the perimeter edge of the rubber grass mats.

Step 8: Roll back the edge of the rubber grass mat and use a spade to cut a wedged-shaped slice of turf. This starts 150mm from the slit to leave a wedge-shaped exposed soil channel. 

Step 9: Roll the edge of rubber grass mats down into the exposed wedge-shaped channel. Use plastic fixing pegs to pin the edge to the ground.

Step 10: Using topsoil refill the exposed ramped edge to the original ground level. Trim a layer of soil from the retained turf to give a thickness of around 50mm. Re-bed the turf over the filled rubber grass mats and fill into place.

Find out more here.

Rubber grass mats installed on Bulwell Riverside Banking
Rubber grass mats installed at Bulwell Riverside Banking
Grass Mats used as a walkway
It can withstand heavy foot traffic so is ideal for access routes

Conclusion

Rubber grass mats are specially-built grass protection and safety flooring. It is designed to sit on top of even and uneven surfaces, including grass, soil and concrete.

The mats allow effective drainage while allowing grass to grow to maintain a natural appearance.

They are incredibly versatile and easy to install.

Rubber Grass Mats 16mm: This mat is ideal at preventing grass erosion while being wheelchair friendly, weatherproof and able to withstand heavy foot traffic.

Rubber Grass Mats 23mm: The grass mat improves the safety and aesthetics of a surface. It is particularly popular in playgrounds due to the 3.3 metre critical fall height to reduce the risk of serious injury.

Rubber Grass Mat Roll: This rubber grass mat comes in a much longer roll, ideal for covering large areas. It makes perfect grass walkway matting which can withstand heavy foot traffic.

To find out more information get in touch with our helpful and friendly customer service team on 01246 418144 or email us here.

Rubber Grass Mats Product Spotlight
Mats are available as a 1 x 10.5m metre roll

Rubber Grass Mats

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