If like me, you’re a green-fingered garden enthusiast with a passion for plants, pots and ponds, then you’re definitely in for a ‘real’ treat with ‘A Garden Lovers Guide To Artificial Grass’. This guide unravels the fact from the fiction, explain your infill from your underlay and illustrate the superior class of artificial grass.
What Is Artificial Grass and How Does It Compare to Natural grass?
Artificial grass (also known as synthetic grass) is an internationally thriving alternative to naturally-grown grass. Just as their names suggest, one is grown naturally and the other is manufactured. With that in mind it’s hard to compare them on that basis only. So let’s look at what we can compare:
Aesthetics
In terms of realism there is nothing realer than the real thing. However, ongoing advances in synthetic grass design and production have opened the doors (or rather gardens) to wave after wave of ultra-realistic artificial grass types.
Functionality & Durability
If you’re looking for a rugged, hard-wearing and robust grass lawn then unfortunately a natural one just won’t cut it. A synthetic lawn will. Take for instance a football pitch: a natural grass pitch is routinely plagued by muddy patches, waterlogged soil as well as surface imbalance. An artificial sports turf on the other hand has no such problems. Durable in all weather conditions, it rises to any occasion and drains water accordingly.
Maintenance
One of the biggest downsides of natural grass is its constant need for care and attention. To be more specific, this means mowing, watering and feeding on regular intervals. Artificial grass however, requires virtually no attention whatsoever – giving you more free time.
Cost
From an initial standpoint, natural grass does appear to be the far more economical option. However, once you’ve factored in the ongoing expenses such as lawn mower, watering and lawn product costs; you soon realise that natural grass isn’t as you cheap as you first thought. If we look at things from a long term perspective, it soon becomes clear that an artificial lawn is indeed a worthwhile investment.
Environmentally friendly
Most natural lawns tend to be over-watered, over-fertilized and covered with pesticides. All three (in one way or are another) have a negative impact upon the environment as a whole. Furthermore, the use of petrol lawnmowers produce harmful carbon emissions to the detriment of the environment. Synthetic surfaces on the other hand are (comparatively) more eco-friendly.
Other Reasons To Love Artificial Grass
- In addition to saving you time, money and hassle, an artificial grass surface can also really spruce up a lacklustre garden – injecting some much needed colour and character into any area.
- Compared to natural grass, artificial grass is a lot kinder to your skin especially if you or a little one were to take a bit of tumble. For added peace of mind, a padded underlay can be placed underneath your lawn to provide even more comfort.
- Not only will your friends and family love your perfect garden paradise, but your pets will too! That’s right, your precious pooch (or any other animal for that matter) will have a ball playing safely on his new patch.
How Can Artificial Grass Be Used?
Due to the robust nature of synthetic grass, it can be used in a myriad of different ways. For some, the perfect grass grade is an aesthetically pleasing one; while for others a more rugged and hard wearing grade is the right choice. It all depends your wants and needs. Typically you’ll find that synthetic grass is used for the following:
Residential/Garden Lawns/Pet Play Area – Some of the more common applications for artificial grass.
Sports Turfs
A growing number of sports arenas, schools and public areas opt for synthetic grass because of its easy management and low cost.
Roofing/Patio areas/surrounds
Homeowners seeking to increase the value of their property, or simply looking to add a greener touch, are investing in artificial projects such as these.
Exhibitions
An original and interesting advertising or marketing piece.
The Classes of Artificial Grass
Most artificial grass or lawn suppliers will usually divide their wares into three different classes. These classes tend to go by the name ‘economy range’, ‘mid-range’ and ‘luxury range’. The tone, density and height of a specific type of grass will determine which category it falls into. Before purchasing your artificial grass it’s important to identify what your needs are, that way you can better avoid installing the wrong type.
Here is a rough breakdown of the three different ranges:
Economy Range
Ideal for those on a tighter budget, this range is excellent for those with pets. Its sturdy surface means it can handle a lot of wear and tear. If you’re looking realism however, you’ll be hard pressed to find it in this range.
Mid-Range
Generally softer than economy range, a mid-range lawn also excels in the looks department too.
Luxury Range
By far the most realistic range both at a distance and up close. The luxury range also is tends to be the best of the three, making it an ideal choice for those with young children.
Artificial Terms and Phrases
Grass Infill
Refers to sand, granite or small rubber particles being placed between the blades of grass In order to maintain balance, appearance and absorb impact.
Mono/Dual Tone
Depending on your preference and budget, most supplier will offer grass types of different shades of green. A monotone colour just means ‘one colour’, while a dual tone refers to ‘two colours’.
Underlay
Often used for roof terraces, underlay is basically a form of padding used to help protect a surface and maintain positioning.
Installing Artificial Grass
Installing artificial grass is a relatively straightforward task, but it does require a fair amount of time, concentration and preparation. With that in mind, it is highly recommended (especially if you are inexperienced) that you have professionals fit it for you.
The Final Cut
Before embarking on your artificial transformation it is vitally important that you do extensive research first, this will ensure that in the end you are left with the garden of your dreams and not of your nightmares. Make sure to check out reputable companies and review their products, prices and also their terms and conditions.
Lee Tombs is the Founder of Artificial Grass Installers, with over 10 years of experience, Lee and his team have installed artificial grass in hundreds of homes across Essex, London and Hertfordshire.