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Do you have artificial grass in your garden? It’s certainly a lawn option that’s growing in popularity, offering a practical, low-maintenance way to green up your outdoor space.
Whether you’re considering artificial grass for your garden, or looking for help with artificial lawn maintenance, these tips have got you covered. Here’s how to make the most of artificial grass.
A quick guide to artificial grass
Artificial grass, or artificial turf, is made of synthetic fibres which mimic the shape and texture of natural grass. It’s usually supplied on a roll, and installed by a professional. You can choose from a range of finishes to suit the function of your lawn and your budget; these usually include things like the number of different shades of green used, pile length and density of blades.
The benefits of artificial grass
The main benefit of artificial grass is that it’s very low maintenance. Unlike a real lawn, you won’t need to mow it regularly or stay on top of weeds and moss, and of course there’s no need to water and feed it either. If you’re not a huge fan of gardening, or simply don’t have the time to look after a lawn, artificial grass is a great option.
Artificial lawn is also perfect for tricky outdoor areas where natural grass struggles to thrive. Very damp areas that turn to mud easily, heavy traffic play areas and green roofs are all ideal candidates for artificial grass.
If you’ve got kids or pets running in and out regularly, an artificial lawn can help limit the amount of dirt that gets brought into the house too. It’s also very tough and durable, another good reason to choose it for busy family gardens or pet play areas.
Finally, if you or your family suffer with hay fever, artificial grass can help reduce the grass pollen in your garden, making your outdoor space a more enjoyable place to be during spring and summer.
How to look after an artificial lawn
Artificial grass is super low-maintenance, so you won’t need to spend lots of time taking care of it. That said, there are a couple of things you can do to keep it looking it’s best.
Make sure you regularly remove any fallen leaves and plant debris from your artificial lawn, this will prevent them decomposing and working their way into the fibres. You can use a leaf blower, plastic rake or stiff brush. This job also helps to lift the fibres back into an upright position and keep your lawn looking pristine.
It’s also a good idea to keep nearby plants, trees and hedges trimmed back, to limit the amount of debris that falls on the lawn.
If your artificial lawn becomes dusty you can use a hosepipe to clean the surface; obviously you won’t need to do this if it rains a lot! If you’re dealing with pet waste in your garden you’ll need to hose down your grass on a regular basis.
Artificial lawn garden design tips
Because it’s such a versatile product, artificial grass can be incorporated into pretty much any garden style you have in mind. Here are a few ideas for ways to include it in your garden.
The lush green finish of artificial lawn provides a fantastic contrast to pale toned gravel or pebbles. This is a lovely way to give your outdoor space a touch of the Mediterranean.
Another great design trick is to combine artificial lawn with stepping stones. You’ll be able to achieve a really crisp finish around each stone that just isn’t possible with natural grass. The pattern you go for with the stones will dictate the finished feel; scatter them irregularly for a softer, more cottage garden look, or go geometric for a modern feel.
Artificial lawn is perfect for narrow spaces and difficult-to-mow areas where real grass would be tricky to maintain. It’s also a great material to use if you’d like to break up a large area of hard surface such as a driveway.
The weight of natural turf and the soil it requires makes it a non-starter for a balcony, but you can green up the space easily using artificial grass instead. The fact that you need very little in the way of tools to maintain it makes it ideal for flats and apartments where outdoor storage is limited.
Play areas are also ideal candidates for artificial lawn. It’s non-slip, durable and gentle on the feet, and as I’ve already mentioned it limits the muck factor! You can also improve safety and provide a softer landing by adding foam underlay under swings and play frames.
If your home opens straight out onto your garden, artificial grass can provide a tactile transition from indoors to outdoors. This works particularly well with french or bifold doors, as you can step straight out without reaching for your shoes. Don’t forget your coffee and magazine though!
Do you have any tips for how to make the most of artificial grass in the garden?
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