Fast Grass sheets--Q?

Jeff Reardon

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
Hi folks:

It looks like the only way I can buy Fast Grass is in 4'X4' sheets. I've never seen the product and will need to order it online. Can anyone tell me if the 4X4 sheets can be cut down to more appropriate sizes? Four feet wide is OK, but I mostly need strips that are 18-24" high. Is that possible, or is the "construction" of the sheets such that cutting it into smaller sizes will compromise its integrity? I don't want to buy a fairly expensive product and have it unravel as soon as I put it in use.

Jeff
 
Jeff

It is made from knotted palm fronds in a large sheet. I don't think they will immediately unravel but I think cutting them into strips will lead to premature deterioration. I use plastic mesh fencing as backing with zip ties. You should think about treating it with Thompson's WaterSeal. Any chance that you can fold the sheets for your application.
 
Jeff, it can be cut. Off the bottom works best, sides ok, but isn't as neat, close though. Cut from back side above or below the knots. Zip tie smaller pieces together @ all knots works best. The way I look at it if I get 2yrs use I'm happy, cuts the price in half. Anymore it's a bonus.

Gene
 
Absolutely, IF you are going to zip tie it to something stable. I cut mine in half and as Gene says, from behind cut just the piece of grass between the knots. After you cut the bottom free, you can even stretch it some. I was able to cover about 10' x 2' with a single panel.
 
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Thanks, very helpful info and links. I found at least one Ebay supplier offering free shipping, but I think they were only selling sheets that were 2X6. Even with shipping charges, it looks like I can get a bulk roll of 2 or 3 foot wide material for about the same price as 4 4X4 sheets.

I'd like to use the fast grass as an initial layer to which I add natural vegetation. Will it work in that context?
 
I use Fastgrass. The critical part of it's integrity is the twine strand that the 1st row of knots is tied to. If you cut the twine, be sure to re-tie the cut end so the knots can not unravel prematurely. I use the twine edge as my main fastener point to my boat with good heavy zip ties. I hear guys talking about backing the sheets to plastic snow fence, but I never have. I cut and shape it from the underside as others are describing without any significant unraveling. One previous poster suggested pre-treating it with Thompson's Water Sealer and I agree. I used a tinted version of water sealer to darken it up a hair. I strung it out on our clothes line and treated both sides liberally and let it dry completely before attaching it to my boat. I feel as if the water sealer has given the palm sheets extra durability on my sneakbox. However it does get ratty after the dog stomps all over it. My boat doesn't get babies and the majority of the Fastgrass that is on it currently is from last season. If all goes well, it'll make a few more after this one. It does rot. It's a natural product and can't be expected to stay intact forever. I also cut native vegetation to help my sneak blend into it's surroundings. Good luck with your project. Let's see some pics.
 
yea ive cut them in half to use the bottom on my boat blind and the top to fold up on my boat. but make sure u cut above the know so you cant pull it out of the know so easy. and i wire tied myn to a gate that was made out of 1/4" wire that i cut into desireable sections.
 
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