How to Keep Your Artificial Grass Looking Fresh, Flawless, and Summer-Ready
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Do you have artificial grass in your garden? We all know that harsh winters can affect our gardens quite significantly. While artificial grass is much easier to maintain than regular living grass, it does still need to be maintained.
Over winter, debris such as leaves and twigs can collect on the artificial lawn. Additionally, the pile can become compressed and may need to be brushed to “fluff” it back up a bit.
Below, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk explains everything you need to know about artificial grass, including the pros and cons of this type of grass, how to maintain it, the different types available, and some great ideas for ways to incorporate artificial grass in your garden.
What is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass is a type of manufactured ground cover constructed from synthetic fibres that are designed to mimic the appearance and feeling of natural grass. This versatile material can be used in a range of different settings, including home gardens and balconies.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass?
Below is a look at the various pros and cons of installing artificial grass in your garden.
PROS
- Aesthetically pleasing – Artificial grass looks great all year round and in every type of weather. It stays looking tidy, neat and green.
- Very little maintenance – Artificial grass requires hardly any maintenance at all, so it’s a very convenient option.
- More time to enjoy your garden – With less time spent maintaining your lawn, you have more time available to actually sit and enjoy your garden.
- Don’t need to mow – Lawnmowers are bad for the environment and can even potentially be quite dangerous. You won’t need to use a lawnmower at all with artificial grass.
- Doesn’t need to be watered – Your artificial lawn won’t need to be watered. This is good for the environment as it cuts down your water usage. This can even help to reduce your water bills.
- Pet-friendly – Artificial grass is non-toxic and can’t be spoiled by being dug up or urinated on.
- Wide range of styles – Artificial grass comes in a wide range of colours and styles, so you can find the perfect type of lawn for your garden.
- Very versatile – Since artificial grass tends to be very durable, it can be used for many different things including a children’s play area, entertainment area, decking décor, gym, golf course – the possibilities are endless.
- Great for kids – Artificial grass is soft, bouncy, and free from any chemicals or pesticides, making it very safe for children to play on.
- Allergy-free – This is a great bonus if you or someone in your family suffers from hay fever. Artificial grass stays pollen-free all through the year.
- No mud – Regular grass can often become muddy and may result in muddy footprints through the home. You don’t need to worry about this with artificial grass.
- Doesn’t need sunlight – Artificial grass will look great and stay looking great even in the most shaded areas as, unlike real grass, it doesn’t need any sun to stay healthy.
- Pest-free – Due to the materials that it’s made from, artificial grass does not attract pests.
- Highly durable – Artificial grass can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
CONS
- Manufacturing can be bad for the environment – The manufacturing process of some types of artificial grass can be bad for the environment. This will depend on the type of machinery that is use and the method of production.
- Can be pricey – Installing artificial grass at your home can be quite expensive.
- Longer to install than natural grass – It takes longer to install artificial grass than natural grass because of the method used to fit it.
- May not last as long as normal grass – While artificial grass is known to last for around 20 years, natural grass that is well-maintained can last for much longer.
- Reduces biodiversity in the garden – Natural grass will often attract insects and animals to your garden, whereas artificial grass may deter them.
How Do You Maintain Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass is very easy to maintain. It is a good idea to keep on top of cleaning it so that it is always looking its best.
In order to maintain your artificial grass, there are several things that you can do to keep it looking perfect. One of the most important things you can do is give it a good, thorough brushing with a stiff broom to get rid of any debris. Also, a quick spray with the hose can also keep it looking fresh.
You may want to consider spot cleaning some areas that may need it as well. You can wipe these parts with a damp sponge whenever needed. Brushing your artificial grass with a stiff broom will help to keep the pile looking nice and perky and can help to prevent the build-up of debris. If you allow debris to build up on the artificial lawn, this could result in the growth of moss, so it is important to brush the space regularly.
It is best to brush your artificial grass and give it a good rinse roughly once each week to keep it looking great.
You can also use washing up liquid on your artificial grass if you want to give it a thorough clean. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals on your artificial grass, as this could damage the plastic.
You can use a pressure washer on your artificial lawn. However, you will need to ensure it is in the right setting to avoid damaging the artificial grass blades. When pressure washing the fake grass, be sure to use a wide-angled tip and always make sure to keep the wand at least a foot off the surface to prevent any damage.
Types of Artificial Grass
There are three different types of artificial grass. While all artificial grass is quite similar, the difference between these three types lies in the type of plastic that is used to manufacture them. Below is a list of the different types of artificial grass and a little bit of information about each type:
Polyethylene Artificial Grass
Polyethylene is the most common type of plastic fibre and is a great all-rounder material for artificial grass. The fibre is quite soft and looks very similar to regular grass. However, it’s not as strong as Nylon artificial grass, so it may be a better option for areas with low traffic.
PROS
- Looks great
- Common material
- Easy to lay
- Easy to maintain
CONS
- Not as strong as other artificial grass types
Polypropylene Artificial Grass
Polypropylene grass is very similar to polyethylene, however, it is stronger than the latter but still not quite as strong as Nylon. With this in mind, this type of artificial great is great for general use and can withstand the average footfall. However, if the area you’re placing it in is a very high-traffic area, you may want to think about choosing Nylon grass instead.
PROS
- Good for general use
- Looks great
- Easy to lay
- Easy to maintain
- Stronger than Polyethylene
CONS
- Not as strong as Nylon
Nylon Artificial Grass
Nylon grass is the strongest type of artificial grass. It’s extremely durable and perfect for high-traffic areas. However, it does come with a higher price tag to reflect this increase in durability. So, if you’re on a tight budget or looking for cheap artificial grass, this may not be the best option for you. If you have pets or children, Nylon grass would be a good option because it can withstand heavy use.
PROS
- Very durable
- Good for high-traffic areas
- Good for pets and children
- Easy to lay
- Easy to maintain
- Looks great
CONS
- Expensive option
- Fibres can be harsh to touch
Artificial Grass Ideas
Artificial grass can very much improve the overall appearance of your garden. There some incredible things you can do with fake grass to completely transform the aesthetic of your garden.
Below you can find a list of some great artificial grass ideas to help you elevate your garden’s appearance.
Flowerbed Features
Flowerbeds are a great addition to your artificial lawn. Although it can be great to have a complete lawn garden, this can sometimes look a bit boring to have just grass and nothing else in the garden. You may want to use flowerbeds as a type of border for your lawn. Alternatively, you could incorporate flowerbeds to separate certain areas of the lawn, making it more personlaised and unique. Adding flowers to your garden has many benefits, including attracting animals and insects, adding lovely scents and colours, and adding authenticity to your garden.
Adding Pathways
You can create a magical journey through your garden by using pathways or stepping stones within the artificial lawn. This is also beneficial for the lawn as helps to minimise footfall on the artificial grass, giving it a much longer life and preventing it from flattening. Pathways can also help to add a bit of character to the garden, giving it a unique aesthetic.
Children’s Play Area
If you have children, you could install a section of artificial grass to act as a dedicated children’s play area. Normal, living grass can become ruined or ripped by children running around and playing. Choosing an artificial grass play area will help to prevent the possibility of your lawn looking untidy.
Raised Levels
One great way to improve the aesthetics of your garden and make it look unique and personlised is to add some raised levels. You could install some steps and create varying different levels with artificial grass along them, as well as some other features to create an exciting and magical space that you, your family, and your guests can all enjoy.
Final Thoughts
As the warmer summer months approach, ensuring your artificial lawn looks its absolute best for summer enjoyment is a straightforward process. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can effectively combat the effects of winter and keep your artificial grass looking fresh, vibrant, and inviting.
Regular brushing to remove debris and revive the pile, along with rinsing occasionally, will help to maintain its pristine appearance. While artificial grass offers a range of benefits, a bit of care goes a long way in maximising its lifespan and ensuring your garden remains a beautiful and functional outdoor space throughout the summer season and beyond.
