March 27th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

If you are thinking of investing in an artificial lawn then hopefully this blog can provide you with the information you need to make your final decision. We will look at the pros and the cons and discuss a few other important bits of information such as installation and lawn care.

What is artificial grass?

Artificial grass is a synthetic material that looks like real grass and can be used in many different ways. It's often installed on sports fields, but it can also be used as an alternative to natural lawns for gardens in residential areas.

Artificial turf consists of blades made from polyethene fibres (plastic), which are bound together by rubber infill granules that give the blades their shape and texture when compressed underfoot; this makes them feel like actual blades of grass when you walk on them! In addition to having realistic appearances and textures, some types have built-in LED lights so they glow at night too!

Why choose artificial grass?

Artificial grass is a great alternative to natural grass. It's durable, low-maintenance, great for those who suffer from allergies and requires less watering than natural grass does, while these are popular reasons why people choose synthetic surfaces over natural ones perhaps one reason stands out above all others: savings!

Artificial grass can be installed and maintained yourself.

One of the best parts about artificial grass is that you can install it yourself. It's not as hard as it may initially seem, but you will need to know how to measure the area and have the correct tools and the patience needed. There are plenty of guides available on YouTube to help with this, but be sure to follow each step closely.

For those who do not wish to undertake such a task you can have a professional fit your grass, and this can still lead to some fantastic savings in the long run as opposed to having a natural lawn. When shopping around for an artificial lawn company, ask them what kind of warranty they offer on their products as well as how long those warranties last before expiring; this way if anything goes wrong later down you know you will have the help you need.

Artificial grass will cost you less in maintenance than natural grass.

As mentioned artificial grass is a great option for people who want to save time and money on maintenance. Because it requires no mowing, fertilizing or watering. This means you can save hundreds on the cost of lawn equipment and fertilisers as well saving money on your water bills.

Since artificial grass is made from plastic and synthetic fibres they are more durable than natural grass—so it will not suffer from lawn diseases, or other general wear and tear natural lawns are more susceptible so you can keep your lawn looking its best all year round.

Artificial grass requires less water than real grass.

In fact, installing an artificial lawn can save 1000s of litres of water a year, not only is this great for the environment but it is also great for your bank account too!  This is because you do not need to regularly water your artificial lawn the way you do a natural lawn, you will only require water when cleaning your lawn. If you live in a climate with hot summers and dry winters, this can be a huge benefit. It also means that you don't have to worry about watering the lawn when rain isn't expected for days on end.

Taking Care of Artificial Grass is easier but still requires care.

While it is much easier to take care of your lawn it is important to remember that ‘low maintenance’ does not mean ‘no maintenance’. In order to keep your lawn looking its best you should treat it like you do a carpet, regular cleaning is important. Here are some tips for taking care of your lawn:

·        Regularly clean your artificial lawn with a hose.

·        Use artificial grass cleaner to remove bacteria and bad odours

·        Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris.

·        Use a broom to remove stubborn dirt.

·        Use a leaf blower or rake to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the surface of your artificial grass that may have accumulated over time.

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Artificial Lawns do have their downsides too

So, as you can see artificial lawns do have some great benefits and they can make taking care of your lawn much easier. However, it does have its downsides too and you will also need to consider these too before making your choice.

Not as soft: While high-quality artificial lawns are pretty good at mimicking the feel of real grass, they are often still not as soft so this means that taking a tumble can lead to abrasions and can be a bit more painful than if you were to fall of natural grass – so if you have children in your home this may be something to consider.

Can reduce biodiversity: If you enjoy seeing lots of different kinds of wildlife in your garden then artificial lawns may not be the right choice for you. Since the grass isn’t real it is not able to provide nutrients to certain bugs and insects and this, in turn, may mean you see a reduced number of other animals including birds.

Initial Expense: While you will save money on maintenance costs overall the initial installation can be expensive depending on the size of your lawn, the quality of the turf and whether you have it installed professionally.

Still deteriorates with time: Nothing lasts forever after all! So even though you don’t have to worry about the grass dying due to high heat, low heat, lawn disease and mud patches. Artificial lawns are better to be thought of as outdoor carpets.  That means with use they will deteriorate and become flat and barer also they can become discoloured.

Now that we have gone over the pros and cons hopefully, this blog has given you more information to make your choice. If you're looking for a way to save money on your water bill and maintenance costs, artificial grass could be the answer. However, if you want a natural and biodiverse garden a natural lawn is definitely the way to go.