Artificial grass, fake grass, astroturf, synthetic lawn… Whatever you want to call it, artificial lawns are an oft discussed topic in lawn care circles, so I thought I should post a bit of info on when, where and how to use them.

Before we have a look at artificial grass, I just need to point out – as any reader of my site will know, I’m a grass man. My passion is looking after real, living grass, whether on a lawn, a golf course or a public park. Saying that, I’m also pragmatic, and look for the best possible solution for a person and their specific situation. And, I can honestly say, there are many situations that would make artificial grass a viable, and sometimes preferable alternative to real lawn grass.

We sell articificial grass at Lawns For You and I’ve fitted a number of artificial lawns over the years. Every time it was for a good reason, and every time the customer has been really happy with the result. Have a look through the rest of this article to see if artificial grass might be for you and, if so, visit our artificial grass shop to have a look at what we have to offer.

When would you use artificial grass?

Here are some places where artificial grass has the advantage over real lawn grass:

• In areas of very heavy shade where real grass will struggle to grow
• On small heavily used areas where real grass will be worn too badly
• Where the owner just does not have the time or inclination for mowing, never mind the general maintenance required to keep grass healthy and green.

What Type of Artificial Grass Should I Use?

Artificial grass comes in a variety of pile lengths, colour combinations and textures so there will be one to suit your needs, whatever they are. The artificial grasses that I’ve used include budget fake grass suitable for a standard lawn, top quality astroturf aimed at luxury high quality lawns, or specialised artificial lawn surfaces that can be used for putting, bowling or croquet.

When the cost of buying and installing an artificial lawn is set against the cost of maintaining a real lawn there are substantial long term savings to be had. Under average circumstances you will have covered the cost of purchase and installation after the first year and a half, assuming a basic maintenance regime for the grass would have been followed.

Under normal use artificial turf should have a lifespan of at least twenty years, and has a minimum guarantee of five years.

What are the big advantages of artificial grass?

The main advantages you’ll find when using artificial turf or astroturf are as follows:

1. It looks like real grass, only requires occasional brushing, and retains it’s colour long term.
2. No more mud or grass clippings carried into the house.
3. Very wear resistant, no mess or damage from kids or pets.
4. A clean, safe sports surface.
5. Can be used for barbecues and parties as the surface is fire and stain resistant.
6. And best of all, no mowing, fertilising, aerating, weedkillers or watering.

Where Would I Use Artificial Grass?

There are many places where artificial grass can work really well:

• Patios, where it is much easier to maintain than decking
• Swimming pool and jacussi surrounds if you are lucky enough to have them
• Paths
• Doormats
• The ideal floor covering for an entrance porch or drying room.

Installing Artificial Grass

Artificial grass can be laid directly onto any hard surface such as concrete, slabs or tarmac, but the slope has to ensure water run off is catered for, as would normally be the case for hard surfaces. It is much preferable to lay your artificial turf on a prepared surface of hardcore over soil that is free draining. This is a much more environmentally friendly way of dealing with water as it enters the natural water table rather than into drains. Any edges are glued together using tape and are invisible when done, and edges are secured by fixing them to wooden batons or under paving stones or edging.

Buying Artificial Grass and Turf

I hope this information has been useful in figuring out whether artificial turf might be suitable for your purposes. If you want to take it further, you’ll find an artificial grass to suit your needs in our Lawn Supplies shop, with the specs, prices, and suggested uses for each type, along with an installation guide. If you wish to have it installed we will be happy to quote for that on a site by site basis.

Happiness in four easy steps:

1. Choose your artificial grass
2. Measure up your garden and order from our Artificial Turf Shop
3. Install it yourself or ask me to have it installed
4. Get the barbie and wine out, and enjoy, courtesy of Lawns For You by Duncan Gray.

I hope you got what you needed out of that article, but if not, please do drop me a line. Either leave me a question in the comments box below this article, or email or phone me at Lawns for You using the Contact Me page. I’m happy to advise on what would be best for your situation. Happy lawning!