How Artificial Grass Can Maximise Small Gardens

Creating a modern, stylish, and functional outdoor space when you don’t have much room can be challenging. Still, there are plenty of garden designs for small gardens and clever horticultural hacks that can transform your garden into a greener, more inviting, and fully functional space. 

Artificial grass is a great way to achieve an instant garden makeover, especially if you have a smaller yard, balcony or outside area. At Grass247, our expert team is on hand to offer inspiring yet low-maintenance ideas for small front gardens and back gardens to help give your outdoor area a lift.

Smart Layout and Planning

Firstly, you need to consider what you hope to get out of your garden. Is it a space for sunbathing on recliners and sipping on a cool drink while out on the patio, or is it a barbecue area for family and friends? Do the kids want a garden to play football in, or will it be a place for pets to exercise and soak up the sun? Or perhaps all of the above? By using clever design principles to maximise every bit of space, you can shape the layout to create a unique and stylish garden design that’ll really stand out.

Assessing Your Small Garden

Small gardens can be a great blank canvas for creating a high-impact, modern landscaped look. A big advantage of small garden designs is that you can easily visualise the overall look, and also benefit from a few clever tricks that improve aesthetics and functionality while creating the illusion of a larger space.

Firstly, think about where the focal point of your garden is. A tried and tested rule with garden design is to break up the fence lines for a more appealing appearance. Being able to see down the length of the fence can make a garden feel smaller, so think about where any paths might go, whether you’d like a patio or decking, and where any lawn areas might be. Remember, planters don’t have to go along the fence or be in straight lines, and you can get creative with your planting to create depth and texture that can help mask any areas you’d rather onlookers didn’t see. 

Zoning for Multi-Use

Many garden design experts recommend zoning to maximise available space and make it work for your lifestyle. Zoning essentially refers to sectioning your garden into different areas with different functions.

Doing this can help reduce clutter and create a sense of spaciousness. The best place to start is the seating area. Consider where the sunshine will be and work around that, thinking about how you'll get to and from the space, and whether you'd like lots of flowering plants and shrubs to surround it or if you'd prefer clean lines to lawn.

A great feature of artificial grass is that it can go almost anywhere in the garden, so it'll look green, even in shady spots or under trees and bushes. You can save even more space by not having a path that runs through your small garden since artificial grass doesn't get muddy like traditional lawns can.

Consider sectioning off an area for children and pets, using different textures and materials, and implementing decorative stones and plants. You don't have to have traditional bedding patches and borders, but consider pots, hanging baskets and raised beds to help save space and section off several places.

Artificial Grass for Small Gardens

Artificial grass can be a saviour when it comes to styling small front garden designs and small back garden designs. Gone are the days of mowing your lawn and cleaning muddy footprints from the patio throughout the winter. Our artificial grass ideas are not only practical, but they also look great all year round.

Benefits of Artificial Grass in Small Spaces

Artificial grass is ideal for creating innovative and attractive small garden designs, as it's low maintenance, durable, never needs mowing, and looks green and healthy all year round. It can also be a cost-effective solution since you won't need to water, weed or fertilise your artificial lawn, meaning it'll stay looking lush for many years to come. Great for pets and households with children, artificial grass can quickly re-vamp shady spots, rocky soils, and small garden spaces, offering a stylish solution with clean lines and an even surface.

Some people worry their garden may be too small or too shady to have a lawn. But with Grass247's wide range of artificial grass and outdoor carpets, you can enhance terraces, play areas, patios, open spaces, and any corner of your garden with healthy-looking and inviting greenery.

Optical Illusions with Artificial Turf Layout

By implementing shapes and movement in your design, you can easily create the illusion of space in your garden. Opting for waves rather than straight lines leading from the 'regulating line' (such as a shed, building edge or tree) can add openness. Plus, your artificial grass can be cut to fit sweeping shapes, which are easier on the eye than hard lines. Think winding paths, curved borders, and masking the back fence using taller greenery. Making paving stones smaller towards the back of your garden, implementing smaller borders near the back, and even adding mirrors to the back fence can also create the illusion of length and light.

It's also possible to create stripes in your artificial turf to make it look more like real grass and make your garden seem longer. This is known as 'striping'. Aim for longer stripes from front to back, or diagonally, using a brush to manipulate the grass pile in one direction before brushing the next stripe in the opposite direction.

Artificial Grass Ideas with Hardscaping

Hardscaping refers to using artificial structures, such as patios, paving, or stony areas, in contrast with natural vegetation and plants. It's possible to lay synthetic grass on top of concrete, decking or stone bases to create an interesting yet ultra-practical outdoor space. By incorporating artificial grass ideas with hardscaping practices, you can create a multi-use area, such as a patio or seating area, which truly stands out and helps to maximise your available space. In addition to being able to fit a dining table, the grassed area can double as a pet play zone or children's area, giving the illusion of openness without sacrificing precious garden space. Outdoor carpet is also water-permeable and perfect for covering outdoor areas where an artificial lawn may not be suitable, such as on decking and around swimming pools or ponds.

Choosing the Right Artificial Grass for Small Gardens

Selecting your grass type will depend on the look you want to create and the function of the area. For smaller gardens, which may have a higher footfall, grass with a longer pile height is recommended. On the other hand, for pet areas and children's play areas, a shorter pile height may be a more suitable option. Longer pile heights look more realistic, which is great if you want your garden to look like a real grass area, but for stylish alternative spaces such as balconies and rooftop gardens, a shorter pile height will suffice and could better align with your budget.

Once you've worked out your budget, you can request up to 6 Samples so you can see the product in situ. Artificial grasses vary significantly in their colour and appearance, and Grass247 provides samples to help you choose your perfect match. Our prices are monitored daily, and with our Price Guarantee, you know you'll be getting the best deal online. Check out our full range of artificial grasses, and find the right one for you today!

Easy Installation Tips

If you're installing your artificial grass yourself, speak to our expert team first for assistance and make sure you download our measuring and fitting guide before you start. 

We recommend putting down a multipurpose weed-proof drainage and stabilisation membrane underneath your artificial grass. It's stronger, drains more quickly, prevents weed growth, and helps avoid disturbing the grit sand layer and coarse aggregates underneath.

If you're laying the grass on decking with gaps in between, consider adding a layer of plywood or chipboard to create a fully flat base first. Finally, don't forget your accessories! We're a one-stop shop when it comes to pegs, cushioned shock pads, adhesives, and tapes, and our team is always happy to advise you on what you'll need for the project.

Maximising Artificial Grass in Tight Spaces

Artificial grass is ideal for enhancing smaller outdoor spaces because it's reliably durable, a low-maintenance solution, and easy on the eye. The vibrant green looks great all year round, and it can help preserve precious water supplies as it won't need watering. A common problem with many urban properties can be drainage and flood risk, which is why landscapers may recommend moving away from concrete and larger patios in favour of surfaces which drain water effectively, such as real or artificial lawn, or shingle.

Artificial grass can look outstanding in small spaces, drawing your gaze through the garden and offering true design versatility. It can be cut around paving stones and along curves and tight corners where every square foot of space counts.

Using Artificial Grass on Balconies

Even if you don't have a garden or yard, you can use artificial grass to create a private grassy area on your balcony. Choosing a lower pile height and teaming it with hanging plant beds and smaller pots can give your balcony a lift. And compared to traditional concrete or wood surfaces, artificial grass is a low-maintenance and less slippery solution.

Layering Artificial Grass with Other Elements

For creative garden design ideas that make your artificial grass look authentic and synergetic with the rest of the garden, we recommend layering natural materials alongside it. In addition to decorative stones and wooden accents, such as raised planters and rockery features, bringing in real plants can help seamlessly blend the landscaping. Try opting for hardy succulents and easy-to-maintain, slow-growing shrubs native to your climate to break up the lines between the grass and flower beds. For a true low-maintenance option, pots can require less weeding than beds and can save space. They can also be used to put down weed membranes, wood chips, and mulches on the planting area to make gardening less of a chore. Longer-flowering perennials and evergreen plants also need less frequent pruning.

Many garden design experts recommend aiming for a balance of approximately 50% greenery and garden furniture and 50% decking, paving, and paths for smaller gardens. This ratio helps achieve an ideal aesthetic balance in the design.

Artificial Grass for Low-Maintenance Solutions

Imagine the joy of creating a beautiful garden that requires no mowing. Forget about patchy spots, trimming lawn edges, and dealing with muddy areas after rain. With artificial grass, you can also say goodbye to watering dry patches during hot weather and enjoy your garden, no matter the season.

One of the perceived downsides to artificial grass can be the use of plastic, and increased plastic waste when it comes to the end of its life, which is why Grass247 are proud to offer 90% recycled artificial grass to provide a more sustainable alternative which helps reduce our carbon footprint.

Durable Surfaces for High-Traffic Areas

Artificial grass is designed to be tough, which is why it's such a popular choice for busy gardens where smaller areas see a lot of wear and tear. Real grass can be easily damaged when weather conditions change, and it can become dangerously slippery in the winter if high-traffic areas turn into mud patches. Grass247's range of artificial grass comes in a choice of thickness and density, depending on your requirements, and can fit all budgets, from cost-saving to luxuriously realistic. Our products feature a hard-wearing latex backing with added holes for drainage, designed to last even for heavy wear.

Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass

Our artificial grass is proudly child- and pet-friendly! With virtually no maintenance, pets can enjoy the great outdoors alongside you without the risk of them digging up or killing grass patches when they do their thing. Our artificial grasses are made with pet- and child-friendly, non-toxic materials that can withstand play and fun for years to come.

Final Touches with Artificial Grass

Artificial grass can cover a large or a small area and create a significant impact. Don't forget to consider the overall feel you want the garden to have. If it's relaxation you're after, consider water features, reclining furniture, and soft solar-powered lighting to create an outdoor haven. If you want a more modern look, bold colours and stand-out garden furniture and accessories can help you achieve high-impact, contemporary garden designs for small gardens.

Creating a Lush Look with Artificial Grass

Implementing some simple garden design ideas can bring you that lush outdoor look, such as palm trees, beautifully textured plants, and splashes of colour with flowers and mini fruit trees. Some garden designers like to blend real flowers with artificial garlands for year-round colour, and you can make your green lawn 'pop' by accessorising it with contrasting grey and white ornamental stones and slabs. Box hedges and real or artificial topiary trees in pots can also create a simple yet stunning look.

Artificial Grass and Outdoor Furniture

Thanks to its durability, you can place patio furniture, tables and chairs directly onto artificial grass and outdoor carpets. When it comes to furniture ideas for small gardens, compact tables and chairs that tuck in underneath can offer practicality without taking up precious space. If you regularly entertain, bench-style seating offers a space-efficient option, and outdoor corner sofas with thinner arms can maximise the seating in a smaller area. If space is at a premium on the patio but you have a shed or garage, consider storing away additional seating and bring it out when needed to help reduce clutter.

If you're after a low-maintenance and great-looking solution to get your garden looking its best, artificial grass can be the ideal option. As well as enhancing the aesthetics of any outdoor space, it can be cut to any shape to make your creative design ideas a reality. With the use of zoning and creating the illusion of space through curved lines and cleverly placed planters, artificial grass can offer exceptional value when it comes to small garden ideas for maximising all available space. It can create beautiful, easy-to-care-for and functional areas to relax and enjoy all year round, no matter the size of your garden, patio, or balcony.

Browse our range of artificial grasses today, and order up to 6 Samples to see for yourself. Don't forget to take a look at our customer gallery for real-life inspiration on how you can transform your garden with premium quality artificial grass, and remember that our team is always happy to help you every step of the way. Whatever your budget, we have artificial grass to suit your needs and wants, and we can guarantee that you won't find a like-for-like product of better quality and value!