Modern Landscaping With Artificial Grass

Artificial grass has become the go to option for many homeowners in recent years. It was originally developed for sports stadium to use, as natural grass couldn’t grow properly due to the lack of light. It was debuted in the Houston Astrodome in 1966.

Its popularity as a sporting surface has endured since then, but now homeowners are finding just how versatile it is in their own gardens.

Here’s how you can use it in your own landscaping to give your garden the extra perfect touch.

Where you can use artificial grass

There are a whole slew of places you can use artificial grass in your home:

– Patios and balconies: Real turf is often too heavy to be used safely on balconies, so if you’ve wanted grass on yours you’ve been out of luck until now. Artificial grass is much lighter, so it can be used here with no problems whatsoever.

– Outside rooms: Outside kitchens and entertainment areas are becoming more popular in modern homes, and artificial grass is perfect to carpet them with. It’s soft underfoot but can stand up to rain, which means it won’t become slippery.

– Pet runs: If your pet has a run outdoors, carpeting it with artificial grass can be a great idea. They can’t dig into it, and it won’t become muddy in the rain.

– Pool walkways: Tile and stone looks great around your pool, but it’s not very forgiving if someone slips and falls. Artificial turf is just as durable, but it’s much softer. No more skinned knees by the pool!

– Replacements for your lawn: You may love your lawn, but it’s hard to keep it looking its best. Artificial grass can be fitted in place of your existing lawn. It gives you the same look as real grass, but none of the hassle.

Preparation before installation

Before you get to installing your artificial lawn, there are a few things you’ll need to do first.

– Measure the area: You’ll need to take measurements of the area where the grass will go. It’s very much like measuring up for carpets – if you’ve done that before. While taking these measurements, remember that you’ll need to allow for the fact you may need to cut up sections in order to fit around sections of your yard.

– Select the turf you want: There’s a huge selection of artificial grass on offer, so at first you may be stumped as to which one’s right for you. Most companies will offer to send you samples. Take them up on the offer, and try a few out. You’ll soon find the one that speaks to you the most.

– Clear the area: You’ll need to make sure the area being covered is completely free of debris. This includes grass, rocks, mulch, roots and anything else that can pose a hazard to your turf. Then you’ll be ready to have your artificial grass installed.

Cost of installation

Many people imagine it’s expensive to buy in artificial grass, but that isn’t actually the case. It usually prices out cheaper than real grass, and you’ll save a whole lot more on the maintenance costs.

There’s also the installation to consider. You can easily install the turf yourself, as it isn’t a difficult DIY job. If you do, you’ll be buying the turf by the square foot. You’ll also save on labor and additional equipment costs if you do it yourself.

If you’re looking to save more money, it’s actually possible to buy recycled artificial grass. This comes cheaper than new grass, and is just as good as your front lawn. It’s an option that environmentally conscious landscapers may want to look into, as it stops used materials going into landfill.

The cost of your lawn will vary depending on the style you choose and the amount you’ll need, so keep these two things in mind as you shop for grass.

Maintenance needs

Before you buy, you may be wondering what kind of upkeep your lawn will need. Honestly? It’ll need barely any caring for at all. Once you install artificial grass, you won’t need to weed, water or mow your lawn. There’s a good reason why many busy homeowners are opting for it, as they can spend that time on other things in their lives.

It can stand up to the elements, too. It’ll cope with frost and snow, although you may need to shovel snow off the lawn if it’s particularly heavy. It can cope with sun too without losing its color. All you have to do is install it, and then your job is done.

Benefits of landscaping with artificial grass

There’s a huge array of benefits to using artificial grass:

– No maintenance: As mentioned above, you’ll never have to mow or water a lawn again.

– Feels just like the real thing: Some people think artificial grass feels stiff and like plastic. They’re often thinking of older styles of artificial grass. Modern styles are soft and pleasant to sit on.

– Great for kids: Now, your children can enjoy your yard the whole year round. No more tracking in mud and rain when the weather’s wet or wearing holes in the lawn when it’s dry outside

– Pets love it: Some worry that their pets won’t want to use the yard if they change out their grass for a synthetic version. Luckily, that isn’t the case. Pet owners report that their pets will happily play on a synthetic lawn without any fuss. Plus, they’re not able to dig it up. No more filling in homes and reseeding your lawn!

– You can save water: Thanks to artificial lawns not needing watering, you’ll save more than you’d think on your water bills. It’ll also be a great way to reduce your impact on the environment.

Landscaping with artificial grass can make your yard look amazing, for less than you’d think. Get some samples and see just how high quality modern lawns are.