Home & Garden

Why you should consider Choosing Synthetic Grass

Achieving the perfectly manicured lawn that looks like a lot of hard work went into getting it that way is exactly that, a lot of hard work.

Many people love the look of a healthy looking green carpet of turf but simply do not have the amount of time or expertise required to feed, weed, water and mow the lawn to get and then keep it looking in pristine condition, which is why synthetic grass offers an excellent solution.

Synthetic Grass or artificial turf
A perfect lawn made from synthetic grass that also boasts of eco-friendly credentials. Turf has come a long way!

Why choose synthetic grass?

Deciding to make the switch from natural grass to a synthetic surface is not a move that can be made without a lot of thought into the reasons why you want to choose artificial turf. As with many choices, there are pros and cons to weigh-up and you need to look at your lifestyle and needs amongst other things, so you can be happy that you made the right decision in the end.

Lower maintenance costs

Whilst synthetic grass is not completely maintenance-free, it does offer the chance to benefit from significantly lower maintenance costs, especially when you consider the size of your lawn area and the amount of labour and treatment needed to keep a natural grass area looking as presentable and healthy as you can get with a synthetic surface.

No pesticides

Pesticides are a big issue for a growing number of people and unlike natural grass, synthetic grass does not require treatment using pesticides or fertilisers, which is not only a cost saving but also better for the environment on this point.

Durability

If you have children or like to make frequent use of your lawn then the playability and durability advantages of a synthetic lawn are clear to see. Muddy playing surfaces are not an issue when it comes to an artificial surface, so you could potentially get a lot more usage out of your synthetic lawn, whatever the weather.

Watering

Another important aspect to consider when it comes to being eco-friendly and also in terms of costs, is that a synthetic lawn will save water usage as it does not need watering like a real lawn does in order to keep it in good shape.

Versatility

Another point worth considering is the versatility that a synthetic lawn can offer you in terms of design, aesthetic appeal and comfort.

An artificial surface can be laid in areas where it is sometimes difficult or even impossible to grow a real lawn. Think about some of the commercial applications you may have seen around your city where a synthetic lawn has been used, such as an outside area of a bar, where the look and feel of the area has been enhanced by a surface that would not be possible to create using real grass.

Rapid improvements

Some people may still hold a negative view of synthetic grass due to previous experiences some years ago when the technology was in its infancy.

It was in the 1960’s when artificial turf first gained public recognition but the first generation of synthetic grass bears very little resemblance to the third-generation technology and improvements that are now widely available and used today.

You can now have a perfect lawn made from synthetic grass that requires very minimal maintenance and offers durability as well as boasting eco-friendly credentials by using recycled materials where possible.

Choosing the right synthetic grass

There are a number of choices and considerations when looking for the right synthetic grass that will give you the perfect lawn that you desire for your home. Here are some of the questions you should be asking and the options available to you.

Colour

Gone are the days when you could have any colour you liked as long as it was the one shade of green, and now you can choose from a variety of different shades and even include some dried blades of grass in your lawn to add a subtle touch of realism.

Being able to choose just the right colour will enable you to get a shade that blends in perfectly to your surroundings and looks as natural as the real thing.

Variety

You can get synthetic grass in a number of differing varieties, meaning you can choose the length of the blades of grass, their width and also the type of natural grass that they mimic such as buffalo or couch for example.

The variety of synthetic grasses available means you can find a surface that will blend in with the natural lawns that you find in your area.

Softness

Another aspect to consider is the softness of the lawn. You can get synthetic grasses that are firm underfoot or alternatively, ones that are soft and springy underfoot.

Your choice will depend greatly on how frequently you use your lawn and for what purpose. If your lawn is largely decorative then a harder surface may be more suitable but if you have a family who will be playing frequently outside, then it makes sense to choose a softer surface.

Many of us lead such busy lives and find it hard to make the time needed to keep a natural lawn in top shape, so if you want a perfect lawn without the hassle, a synthetic lawn makes perfect sense.

About the Author

John Hearten is a landscaping consultant. He enjoys creating great outdoor aesthetic and he often blogs about his insights and experience. Hs articles mainly appear on homeowner blogs.