Grass Mesh etc

[MatthewC]

Does anyone have experience of any sort of grass mesh or other reinforcement? I need to install something inconspicuous (and cheap!) on my front lawn to protect the grass where cars turn or are occasionally parked - in front of the bay window (sorry, it's in the shade in this picture).
I do know that the job needs to be done early in the spring, by which time the front lawn will look like a rugby pitch which has had pigs and chickens grazing on it, so I want to be ready in good time. I've researched things on line, from concrete blocks to plastic hexagons and wire mesh, and it's all quite confusing. Everything seems to be quite expensive to buy (like, more than carpet - I found some at £45/sq m!) and also a lot of it needs all sorts of sub-layers as well; I have no desire to excavate 45 cm down, and don't really see the need to do so for such light use. All I want to do is to stabilise the surface against the occasional car tyre

So, is there something sensible out there, which will do the job at a realistic price? Has anyone found any nice alternative or even a DIY solution? I only want to do about 12 sq metres.

Matthew
http://houseintheenchantedforest.blogspot.com/

 

[Feltwell]

I've seen this stuff in use and it looks OK when seeded so long as it is laid well & only used for occasional parking. Laid unevenly it looks pretty poor.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/aco-ground-guard-tiles-pack-of-112/92810#

 

[Penners]

Matthew - this might be helpful:

http://pavingexpert.com/grasspav.htm

 

[Baron de Gynes]

I used this stuff to protect a grassed area we wanted to use as a hard(ish) standing area for our caravan. My idea was that it would stop the wheels digging into the ground (it did, a bit) and the grass would grow over it making it completely inconspicuous when the caravan wasn't there (it didn't in most places...).

The digger ripped through it in the summer when a proper hardstanding was put in. :/

 

[philpjuk100]

Put some down three years ago from"meshnettech" on ebay (not sure if they still deal) I do not have a "lawn" just an area of rough grass.It was not visible after the first season except where it has been pushed to the surface by tree roots and has been cut off by the mower,buy or make plenty of staples if the ground is undulating (you can make them from reinforcing rod) I use the treated area to turn a landrover round to prevent me reversing up a long drive and since installing the mesh have had no problems before that after heavy rain the grass cut up badly.I also used it to make a slipway into the river at the end of the garden.One point-if you have an interest in archaeology it prevents you digging and a metal detector picks up all the staples! phil.

 

[philpjuk100]

Area of grass covered is up to bench/tree,it also stops moles!

 

[Penners]

Phil - just a word of warning: I think your bonfire has got out of control.

 

[LadyArowana]

Phil - just a word of warning: I think your bonfire has got out of control.

Shhhhhhhhh, that's the portal to an alternate universe.

 

[Penners]

I suspect we may infer that Her Ladyship meant to say:

ALTERNATIVE

You've been mixing with Americans for far too long, Milady. :evil:

 

[Flyfisher]

Milady clearly made her post from an alternative universe in which such Americanisms are the norm. Hard to believe, I know, but in an infinite number of parallel universes such a thing is bound to occur. I feel sure this is a more likely explanation than Milady making a faux pas.

 

[LadyArowana]

Milady clearly made her post from an alternative universe in which such Americanisms are the norm. Hard to believe, I know, but in an infinite number of parallel universes such a thing is bound to occur. I feel sure this is a more likely explanation than Milady making a faux pas.

:lol: You are nearer the truth than you know. I am in Tokyo! Sadly have to leave at a horribly early hour tomorrow morning, but have had a wonderful time.

 

[Penners]

in an infinite number of parallel universes such a thing is bound to occur.

Well all I can say is that I'm glad I inhabit this universe, where such things are frowned upon (at least by some pedan... er... conscientious people).

Unless, of course, in an infinite number of universes there exists an infinite number of pedants.

 

[Flyfisher]

In an infinite number of universes there must be one in which there is only one pedant and this universe could be that one. :wink:

Meanwhile, back on topic, should I dare to mention 'astroturf'? Hmm, probably not.

 

[Juju]

The National Trust has started using Astroturf in some gardens. I've seen it I think at Cliveden - on a popular walkway through a parterre. Looks alright I guess. I know from the property I volunteer at how the grass gets trashed every year from visitors so in the bigger gardens it must be a nightmare to maintain grass.
Juju

 

[philpjuk100]

Phil - just a word of warning: I think your bonfire has got out of control.

It was a large red sphere,it rose above the horizon traveled overhead during the day and disappeared behind the house in the evening (it has not been seen since!)

 

[philpjuk100]

Moles being evicted before fitting the mesh (on ground in foreground)

 

[CliffordPope]

should I dare to mention 'astroturf'? .

I've never smoked astroturf. (sorry, old joke)

 

[Feltwell]

Moles being evicted before fitting the mesh

I never knew Moles could ride vintage motorbikes. Clearly they are hardy little souls - no rear suspension and girder forks must make for a bumpy ride over their hills as they get away.

 

[philpjuk100]

Moles being evicted before fitting the mesh

I never knew Moles could ride vintage motorbikes. Clearly they are hardy little souls - no rear suspension and girder forks must make for a bumpy ride over their hills as they get away.

Open the throttle and turn up the oil so it just about runs and smoke and moles come out of holes all over the garden! keeps the moggy busy chasing them!