I don't think you need static charge at all.
I always do patches because they look like tufts of grass and much more interesting than a solid cover.
Thin PVA with a little water.
I add just a little dark green acrylic so that the groundwork ends up a little green under each patch.
Blob onto the base so each stands up proud of the surface.
Sprinkle static grass on, picking it up using tweezers.
Pick the figure up and hold it side on over some container or other to catch the grass.
Tap the base a coupla times.
Most of the static grass that didn't stick drops into the container.
Blow on the base to remove the rest.
It always stands up for me.
When dry I dry brush a little light colour on.