Gardens are an extension of our living spaces here in Sydney, but taking the time to maintain a natural grass lawn can be off-putting to busy homeowners. The alternative (aside from paving over the entire yard) is artificial turf.
Synthetic grass is not a one-type-fits all product any more. Some providers offer over 20 different types that resemble different species and can help meet different needs. For example, you’ll want a lush feeling under your feet for general use but shorter surfaces for a dog run so it’s easier to keep clean. In short, not every garden with artificial turf has to look like a putting green.
It can be hard to know where to get started, let alone to understand all of the advantages and disadvantages of artificial grass. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you narrow down your choice.
All about artificial grass
You might think that all artificial grass is the same, but then you’d be surprised to learn it’s not. Different varieties are designed for different uses. Up close, you’ll see different lengths and densities to give the turf a special texture. This is both a functional and design factor. Leisure and landscape turf have different requirements. Places you can use artificial grass include:
- Landscapes and gardens
- Pet areas and dog runs
- Balconies and rooftops
- Play surfaces for kids
- Decking and entertaining areas
- Pathways and walkways
- Driveway and paver accents
- Putting greens
The synthetic fibres used to make high-quality artificial turf are soft to the touch, UV resistant, and designed to look just like the real thing. Some people even find it softer and more comfortable to walk on than regular grass since weeds and bugs are deterred from the area by the synthetic webbing underneath.
Installation is also fairly straightforward. The ground should be cleared and level for the new turf to be laid down on. Some homeowners choose to include a weed barrier to ensure nothing comes through from the dirt below. An aggregate layer is also often added to assist with drainage and leveling over time.
Artificial grass comes in rolled-up sheets that can be unwound in place right onto the garden surface. You may need to cut some sections to size to fit the shape of your garden, but once it’s in place, you’re set for quite a while.
Is artificial grass a lasting alternative to real turf?
Fake grass has an advantage over the real thing that’s rather obvious: it can’t die. Of course, just like all manufactured products, it can wear down over time. But considering it requires zero watering or care, getting 20 years or more out of your artificial turf outshines what a natural lawn could do if left to its own devices.
Wondering how long your own artificial grass will last? Click here for your artificial turf timeline
It’s important to note that many manufacturers only warranty their products for up to 10 years, but that does not mean that you will not get more use out of it. Any sections that do somehow become damaged can easily be cut out and replaced with a new patch of artificial turf.
The perks of artificial grass for your garden
#1: Water Usage
Grasses are plants that require sunlight, food, and water to thrive. And this water usage can drive up utility bills fast. Most lawns have to be watered at minimum 1-2 times weekly, when drought restrictions permit, and this can have a big impact on your water bill. Artificial grass requires zero watering, immediately saving you hard earned cash.
#2: Environmentally friendly
This works on two fronts. First, many options for artificial turf now incorporate more than 50% recycled plastics and other synthetic materials, giving them new life and keeping them out of landfills. Second, since you do not need to water your new lawn, you’ll be saving up to 50% of water waste that occurs from overwatering.
#3: Maintenance
Aside from a quick squirt with the hose from time to time to rinse away debris (and only when there hasn’t been rain in a while), you won’t need to worry about maintaining your artificial grass. Compared to natural turf, you’ll be saving on time and money when it comes to fertiliser, treatments, weeding, and – everyone’s favourite – mowing.
#4: Aesthetic
That vibrant, always green Sydney garden you dreamed of? It’s a big yes when it comes to artificial grass. No more losing the look and feel of your lawn when the sun beats down strong or pests attack. In fact, pests have no interest in synthetic grass. You choose the look and feel of your turf and have it to last for years to come.
Top reasons to stick with turf compared to artificial grass
Wear shoes on hot days
Just like pavement or concrete, artificial surfaces including turf can heat up when in prolonged, direct sunlight in the hotter months.
Drainage accommodations
Artificial turf is laid down over compacted earth, but that doesn’t provide a great deal of access for rainwater and other runoff to make it to the ground below. Most artificial grass has drainage accommodations built in with water permeable substrates, but you’ll want to make sure that your garden is graded properly
Upfront costs
You’ll pay more up front for artificial turf than you will for the real thing, which gives some people pause. However, consider the savings on not just your time (i.e. maintenance) but also the costs to water, fertilize, and troubleshoot a real lawn, and you’ll see that you can save over time.
Go green (in more ways than one) with artificial grass in Sydney
In almost every way, artificial grass is a neater, easier, green alternative to going with real turf for your lawn. Its versatility allows homeowners to create unique, inviting spaces for families of all shapes and sizes. The investment makes any garden a welcoming place while adding value to the home for years to come.
Choosing quality materials and installation are part of the equation when it comes to getting decades of use and all of the advantages of artificial grass. That’s why homeowners across Sydney turn to Ecolawns for their turf. We make sure that you get the right type of synthetic grass for your needs and install it right the first time.
All of our over 20 artificial grass options are Australian made to face the weather and use customers and climate subject to it. For a fast free quote for your new garden today, call us on (02) 8488 7267 or request a fast free quote online today!
