The convenience and durability of artificial grass make it a popular choice in various settings. For example, sports fields, residential lawns, and commercial landscapes. You also don’t need to worry about watering, mowing, or fertilising. In addition, its lush, green colour remains year-round, even in tough-to-grow places like rooftops, rocky terrains, and areas with extreme climates. Indeed, artificial grass is one of the most remarkable gardening inventions around!
01. ARTIFICIAL GRASS IS COMPLETELY WATERWISE!
This is why we at Cape Contours Landscape Solutions are loving fake grass lawns right now! If you have a new area of lawn you want to be done; then fake grass is well worth considering. Especially in light of our intermittent water restrictions in the Cape. Synthetic grass is perfect for small areas of your garden that are problematic due to shade. What’s more, you can use it on balconies, walls, and rooftops or for sporting and playground surfaces. It is also a permeable material, meaning water can drain freely into the earth below it. This makes it more waterwise. Moreover, it is soft, durable and safe for kids to play on and keeps your garden looking neat year-round.
Bear in mind that a professional installer should do the installation, as joining the edges and the infill is not as easy as it looks.
02. Artificial Grass is ALMOST MAINTENANCE-FREE.
The most significant benefit of it is that it’s almost maintenance-free! In contrast to real grass, which, although lovely, natural and cool to walk on, requires a lot of watering, feeding, mowing and care every month. The most you will need to do with your Synthetic grass lawn is sweep it free of leaves and sand, and wash off any dog urine if it becomes a bit smelly. You would, of course, also need to pick up the dog poo and wash these areas if they are sticky. Especially if you have young kids.
03. Synthetic Grass ‘GROWS’ UNDER TREES.
Artificial grass is completely shade tolerant! No more worrying about those bare areas under the trees. You can even combine it with areas of real grass in very large gardens and install it under trees to give a very realistic look.
Next up, let’s look at the negatives: What are the disadvantages of artificial grass?
01. Fake Grass CAN BE A LOT MORE EXPENSIVE THAN REAL GRASS TO INSTALL.
The labour to put it in is quite intensive, too, adding to the overall cost. Especially if you need to remove an area of natural grass or paving before you install it. But the manufacturers are adding more fake grass types as the demand increases. What’s more, most of them are now very realistic looking, with strands of brown and yellow grass blades. And this makes them look just like the real thing.
Can you see the difference between a natural lawn and an artificial lawn? Hardly!
02. Fake Grass CAN BECOME QUITE HOT TO THE TOUCH IN FULL SUN
Like paving and other synthetic/man-made plastic materials, fake grass heats up in the sun. It is UV protected and comes with a product and installation guarantee/warranty for up to 10 years. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about it fading and breaking. Even so, be aware that it can become very hot to the touch and underfoot. Unshaded areas of artificial grass can be too hot for kids to play on. As such, you should definitely consider adding shade by way of trees or umbrellas and shade sails over areas of new fake turf.
Great for a shady back garden area where the kids can play safely.
Pro tip: Choose a longer pile closer to 50cm in height to make for cooler temperatures underfoot.
03. AN EXPERT SHOULD DO THE Artificial Grass INSTALLATION.
Generally, supplier methods of installing it are similar. Experts need to install it over free-draining silica or fine aggregate infill and fix it with epoxy glue to a hard concrete edge, just below the surface finish level. The turf has many tiny drainage holes to allow rain and water to wash through it. But professionals must install and compact the aggregate properly to prevent depressions and cavities from forming below the drainage holes.
Also, because retailers sell the turf in specific widths on rolls, one has to join areas together carefully, and this is where one needs the expertise! If you want to use it as a playground surface, it becomes necessary to add a fine rubber ‘grit’ to the pile to make the character more bouncy and shock-absorbing. This helps to prevent hard falls. Although you don’t need this in garden environments, you can add it to areas under your jungle gym.
Now that we have covered the pros and cons, let’s explore some interesting facts.
INTERESTING facts about artificial grass
- Artificial turf, also known as synthetic turf or fake grass, is a surface made of synthetic fibres that mimic the look and feel of natural grass.
- People commonly use synthetic grass in sports fields and landscaping because it requires less maintenance and water than natural grass.
- People first developed artificial grass in the 1960s for use in sports stadiums, and we’ve since used it in various other applications, including residential and commercial landscaping.
- Synthetic turf field is often used in sports like football, soccer, and field hockey because it provides a consistent playing surface and reduces the risk of injuries.
- Professionals often use synthetic grass in sports fields because it can withstand heavy use and does not require frequent replacement like natural grass.
- Artificial grass is often made of a combination of plastic and rubber materials. Manufacturers can also design it to mimic different types of natural grass.
- Artificial turf installation can be a cost-effective option for homeowners and businesses looking for a low-maintenance landscaping solution.
- Artificial turf is also becoming increasingly popular as a landscaping option for pet owners. That is because it is easy to clean and maintain and does not attract pests like natural grass.
- Synthetic grass maintenance includes removing debris, brushing the fibres to make them stand upright, and cleaning it with mild detergent and water.
FAQs we get asked about fake grass
Q: What is artificial turf made of?
A: Artificial turf, also known as synthetic turf or fake grass, is typically made of a combination of plastic, rubber and latex materials.
Q: Why is artificial turf used in sports fields?
A: People commonly use artificial turf in sports fields because it requires less maintenance and water than natural grass and can withstand heavy use.
Q: Is artificial turf a cost-effective option for landscaping?
A: Yes, artificial turf installation can be a cost-effective option for homeowners and businesses looking for a low-maintenance landscaping solution.
Q: Can artificial turf be used for pets?
A: Yes, artificial turf is becoming more popular as a landscaping option for pet owners because it is easy to clean and maintain and does not attract pests like natural grass.
Q: How is synthetic turf field maintained?
A: Synthetic turf field maintenance includes removing debris, brushing the fibres to make them stand upright, and cleaning it with mild detergent and water.
Q: Is artificial turf good for dogs?
A: Yes, artificial turf for dogs is a popular option for pet owners because it is easy to clean and does not get muddy or damaged by pet waste.
Q: How does artificial grass compare to natural grass?
A: Artificial turf is a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass, and it can withstand heavy use, it does not require frequent replacement like natural grass, and it is a consistent playing surface which reduces the risk of injuries.
Q: Is artificial grass environmentally friendly?
A: Some argue that artificial turf can be more environmentally friendly than natural grass because it does not require water or pesticides and can reduce the amount of lawn mowing. However, the production and disposal of artificial turf can have negative environmental impacts, so it is essential to consider these factors when making a decision.
Happy gardening!
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