Welcome to our artificial grass ultimate guide including benefits, cost, installation tips, pictures & design ideas.

Artificial grass has come a long way since its first appearance on TV soccer matches in the 60s. This product, now increasing in popularity has made it into residential gardens and lawns and occasionally indoors! As we’re seeing more and more of this material featuring in our exteriors (and interiors), it seems the perfect time to find out more about it.

Table of Contents

What is Artificial Grass?

As the name suggests, artificial grass is a synthetic alternative to natural grass. Each blade of grass measures between 1″ and 1 3/4″ or 25-45mm and is made of a polyethylene material – one of the more common forms of plastic.

How does it work? The individual blades of grass require support to remain erect, and to remain in the ground. This is where a layer of sand or thatch comes in, with both options producing high quality artificial turf results.

Artificial turf with thatch is supported by a frizzy fiber integrated into its lining, which not only strengthens the individual blades but makes the grass look fuller. This layer is made from polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon and encourages blade recovery.

Artificial grass without thatch can be supported with about a 0.8 inch deep layer of sand. This weighs down the grass, keeping it in place and fills the spaces between the blades keeping them erect. Sand supported grass is encouraged as a longer term investment, and is arguably more durable than thatch.

Benefits of Artificial Grass

So what are the benefits of artificial grass? There must be something that keeps drawing people back to this look, and after doing a little digging you soon find there’s many attractive benefits of installing an artificial lawn.

It’s low maintenance – Artificial grass doesn’t require any watering, fertilizing or mowing and therefore requires little maintenance to keep it looking its best. Perfect if you struggle with gardening, or it’s not really your thing.

Looks good all year round – Unlike natural grass which can often become parched during summer, artificial turf is composed of UV stabilisers which prevent any of its rich green colour from fading. The surface is also resistant to wind, hail, snow – you name it. Regardless of the weather conditions, the artificial lawn will remain looking crisp and fresh throughout the seasons.

Environmentally friendly – Without any growth in your lawn, you’ll no longer be needing your lawn mower – a gas guzzling machine that represents 5% of the air pollution in the US. Without the carcinogenic fumes emitted whilst mowing, you’ll be helping to protect the planet whilst protecting your own lungs too.

Water conservation – You’ll also no longer be using water to hydrate your lawn. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one third of public water is used to water grass…with nearly 9 billion gallons of water consumed by lawns in the US each day. Less water usage will not only help the environment, but your energy bills too.