How to keep your artificial grass cool this summer

Summer can be a difficult time of year to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ especially when it comes to our gardens. But for a green, lush-looking garden all year round, artificial grass is an excellent low-maintenance alternative to the real thing. 

While artificial grass is great when it comes to aesthetics, just like the real thing, it can have some disadvantages at times, such as heating up. However, you can take preventative measures to avoid this, making it a small issue.

Although this isn’t an issue for some, we are a self-professed nation of dog lovers, and owners are right to sometimes worry about their four-legged friends burning their paws. Therefore it’s crucial to do your best to keep your pets and loved ones safe this summer. 

To help with this, the team at Grass 247 have provided 3 practical tips on how to keep your gardens cool this summer to those who have artificial grass in their garden.

As well as this, we also spoke with Dr Linda Simon, Resident Vet at Pooch & Mutt to discuss the importance of protecting our pets from hot artificial grass.

Read on to find out how you can protect your four-legged friends from hot artificial grass:

Artificial grass maintenance tips

1. Keep your lawn hydrated 

In hot weather, watering your grass is one of the quickest and easiest ways to keep it cool. You can do this with a watering can, a garden hose, or even just a bucket of cool water.

You could also consider adding a misting system around your artificial grass. This helps to give a more even and consistent method of cooling to prevent any harsh burns to paws and feet.

There are some types of artificial grass that are manufactured to be cooler in direct and prolonged sunlight however, such as W-shaped artificial grass. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal of your garden, but it also ensures that the grass remains cooler in direct sunlight.

2. Give it some shade 

Adding shade such as umbrellas, awnings, and pergolas over your artificial grass is another easy method to keep it cool in the summer. 

These can shade your lawn from the sun's rays and drastically lower its temperature all day.

Shade is a perfect addition to any garden, and shade sails or pop-up tents are good options for a short-term fix. These are simple to put together and remove, giving you flexibility in controlling the temperature of your fake grass whenever you wish - as well as adding some stylish features to your garden.

3. Use the right infill 

For your fake grass to last a long time and to keep your family and pets comfortable during the summer, it is imperative that you keep it cool, and you can achieve this with cooling infills or underlay.

These nifty products hold onto moisture and release it slowly, creating a refreshing effect as it evaporates. 

Adding the proper infill to your artificial grass installation is a practical method to combat the summertime heat and make sure your lawn is a comfortable area all year long. 

You can make sure your synthetic lawn stays safe for the whole season by putting basic tactics into place like frequent watering, adding shade, and using the correct infill from the get-go.

There are many other artificial grass accessories that may help maintain your lawn. If you’re unsure on what to use, ask your provider for some advice.

4. Surround your artificial lawn with plants

Having some tall plants - or even  trees - around your turf can also help to keep your artificial grass cooler in the warm weather.

These plants will provide some shade over areas of the grass, and stop the direct sunlight reaching it.

Protecting your pets from hot artificial grass

We also spoke with Dr Linda Simon, Resident Vet at Pooch & Mutt to discuss the importance of protecting our pets from hot artificial grass:

“Owners need to be aware that artificial grass does not act like real grass, and can heat up quickly to much higher temperatures. 

“Due to this it can pose a hazard to dogs, who can easily burn their paw pads. 

“It is important to continually check the temperature of the grass, so lay your palm flat on it for five seconds - if this is uncomfortable, your dog should not be walking on it.

“While many are aware of the burn risk with concrete and patios, artificial grass is often an overlooked risk.

“It is advised to choose non-toxic, pet-safe grass that is well laid and does not have any curling edges, which could be chewed.

“As waste does not break down like it would in normal grass, owners should try to discourage soiling on this grass, and when it does occur, quick clean up is key.”