If the only substrate is sand then a whacker plate probably won't help much. It's likely to consolidate the ground so much that water won't be able to drain away. The reason for the different layers beneath the artificial grass is to keep the ground permiable.
As a matter of interest what are the reasons for using artificial rather than real grass. Knowing that may stop the constant cries of 'Use real grass'
Actually my mom live in this house and she is elderly person so I am making the back garden with less maintenance as I am not always available for grass cutting.
What was the ground like when you stripped off the old turf? If it was clay and you've covered it with just sand, I agree with KT that drainage may be an issue.
I removed grass, and fill with some hard soil, stones and then sharp sand top of it. I tried to level up with heavy wood bar but didn't use wracker plate to pressed and level the surface. I heared that little bit uneven surfac is ok but after laying the artificial grass is looking awful.
I do agree real grass is best but as you get older and less able artificial grass is better than no grass. I do think that you need to start again with the base but it's a lot of work. My artificial patch is only about 3 x 4m and I put 2 bulk bags of hard-core and one bulk bag of sand into this area. If you go for turf you will have to take out the stones etc you put down Have you thought about investing in a robotic lawn mower or paying someone to come and cut the grass?
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6Ps.
Proper Preparation Prevents P#ss Poor Performance.
Best of all grow a proper lawn.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
If you go for turf you will have to take out the stones etc you put down
Have you thought about investing in a robotic lawn mower or paying someone to come and cut the grass?
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...