Owning a home can come with many different decisions that need to be made: what colour to paint the walls, what type of appliances to have, and sometimes whether to install real or artificial grass. There are many reasons why you may wish to bring an artificial lawn into your garden, but it can also be good to familiarise yourself with some of the downsides that artificial grass can have. Read on to learn about some of the pros and cons of artificial grass.
What is artificial grass made out of?
There are mainly two types of artificial grass:
Polyethylene (PE) – this is a popular material used for outdoor applications, as it has a good balance between durability and cost. PE blades are made by weaving together plastic threads to make a kind of “fabric”, which can vary depending on the thickness required.
Polypropylene (PP) – PP blades are made from plastic polymer, so they have a similar look and feel to natural grass. These blades can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications as they are generally more resilient than PE, making them great for areas with heavy traffic.
What are the positives of artificial grass?
There are a few positives to having a fake lawn. These include:
Less maintenance
An artificial lawn doesn’t need to be watered, mowed, weeded, or fertilised. Therefore, if you are looking for an easy-to-maintain garden that still looks lush enough to impress your guests when they come over, then artificial grass may be the perfect solution. There is much less maintenance work required in comparison to a real lawn, so you will (theoretically) have much more time to spend doing the things you enjoy. This can also mean less money spent on lawn maintenance.
Instantly enjoyable
When laying real turf, you’ll generally need to wait a while before you can enjoy it. This time is even longer for grass that’s seeded. Artificial grass, however, is able to be walked on from day one. This makes it ideal for those who have kids and/or pets that are eager to get out and enjoy the new grass. However, make sure you either bring in the professionals or carefully follow your supplier’s instructions to ensure it is safe for walking on before allowing any pets or children onto it.
Inside or outside installation
As a fake lawn doesn’t require sunshine and rain to grow, it can be installed both outside and indoors. This can make it an option for placing under covered patios or other areas that don’t receive sunlight, where you’d still like a little greenery.
Tough and durable
Artificial grass is tough. While real grass can be susceptible to pests, weeds, and drought, synthetic grass doesn’t have these issues. Artificial turf can also be great for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic – whether this is kids playing games and roughhousing, regular barbeques and social gatherings, or pets running about. Those that like entertaining and spending time outdoors may like to consider an artificial lawn.
Simple cleaning
An artificial lawn is easy to clean. If it’s starting to look a little stained or messy, simply give it a quick hose down. It can also be spot cleaned with a damp cloth. This attribute may make artificial grass particularly appealing for families with young children, who are frequently spilling things or not taking great care when playing outside.
What are the negatives of artificial grass?
On the flip side, artificial grass also has a few downsides:
Less wildlife
As fake lawn is not growing from the soil, there will generally be less wildlife attracted to your garden. This can be a downside to some people who enjoy having lots of birds, butterflies, and other critters around. There may also be issues with algae growth, as this is sometimes difficult or impossible to completely remove from artificial grass.
More expensive
While you might be saving money on maintenance costs, artificial grass tends to be more expensive to purchase and install than a natural lawn. An artificial lawn can last a long time, but it will usually cost more per square metre than natural turf. It will also generally require a professional to assist with the install in order to get it smooth and ripple-free.
Unrealistic feel
A real lawn has a soft, natural feel underfoot. This is difficult to replicate with synthetic turf, as the blades are man-made. Some people may not like the look or feel of a fake lawn, instead preferring a more natural option. A fake lawn can look very uniform and even, and may be a bit of an acquired taste.
Easily warmed surface
One downside of artificial grass, particularly in a warm climate such as Australia is the fact that its surface can warm up and hold heat. This means that the fake grass can easily warm up to be hotter than a regular outdoor surface. Therefore, barefoot explorers and pets may need to reconsider spending time on fake lawns during particularly warm days.
Can’t be reseeded
Unlike a natural lawn, an artificial lawn can’t just be reseeded if a little damage is done. While synthetic grass is durable, it can still be susceptible to direct damage from cigarette burns or tears from sharp objects. If this occurs and you want to get the area fixed, you’ll likely need to call a professional to repair it for you.
Installing an artificial lawn largely comes down to personal preference in what you’re looking for in a lawn. While we have covered some of the basic pros and cons of synthetic grass in this article, you may want to consider seeking personalised, professional advice from your local Jim’s rep.
