Technical Guide

10 Critical mistakes when installing artificial grass (and how to avoid them)

Achieving a flawless finish is not a matter of luck, but technique. At Artificial Grass Alicante, we have fixed countless installations in Alicante that failed due to avoidable details. If you are looking for a garden that looks natural and lasts for decades, avoid these common pitfalls.

1. Underestimating base preparation and leveling

A poorly prepared ground is the number one cause of sinking and aesthetic unevenness. Simply clearing the surface is not enough.

Solution: Perform deep weed clearing and mechanically compact the ground until you achieve a solid, uniform base.

2. Ignoring the drainage system

In areas with occasional heavy rainfall, such as Elche or Alicante, poor drainage turns your garden into a pond, leading to odors and mold.

Solution: Always install an aggregate base (gravel or crushed stone) to facilitate filtration and ensure a minimum slope toward drains or gullies.

3. Visible or poorly sealed seams

Nothing ruins the aesthetic more than seeing the separation lines between rolls. This is the error that most clearly gives away an "amateur" installation.

Solution: Ensure the edges fit together with millimeter precision and use joining tape with high-resistance polyurethane adhesive.

4. Incorrect fiber orientation

If you lay the sections in opposite directions, the light will reflect differently, creating patches of varying colors.

Solution: Verify that the pile of all rolls points toward the same angle (preferably toward the main viewpoint).

5. Not installing geotextile membrane

Without this barrier, nature will take its course, and you will see weeds sprouting through the drainage holes of your new lawn.

Solution: Always place a high-quality weed membrane before rolling out the grass.

6. Skimping on silica sand infill

Many believe it is optional, but sand provides the necessary weight and keeps the fibers upright after being stepped on.

Solution: Distribute the sand infill evenly to protect the base of the fibers and regulate the material's temperature.