The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Artificial Grass for Your Garden
Posted on by James Higgins
Transforming your outdoor areas into a lush and inviting space can seem daunting.
That’s where artificial grass comes in, offering homeowners a practical solution to bring their dream garden design to life.
If you’re looking to reduce costs or simply want a stylish, hassle-free lawn, artificial grass is the versatile and cost-effective answer you’re looking for.
It is easy to maintain and green year-round, making it an excellent alternative to natural turf. This is especially true for those who might not have the time or energy to mow, water, or weed their garden regularly.
This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about selecting the best artificial grass for your garden.
Why Artificial Grass is a Great Choice for Your Garden
Artificial grass offers a host of benefits that make it an extremely popular alternative to natural lawns, which often require time and dedication to thrive.
The combination of practicality and beauty has made it a must-have addition to any home.
Here’s why it stands out as a top choice:
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Low Maintenance: There’s no need for chores like mowing, watering and fertilising. Artificial grass requires minimal upkeep, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your outdoor space.
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Durability: Artificial grass is engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather, and is resilient and visually appealing.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Regardless of the season or weather, your lawn will always look lush, green and inviting.
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Cost-Effective: Over time, artificial grass can significantly reduce expenses by eliminating the need for water, fertilisers and other lawn care products.
Whether you are looking for a pet-friendly surface, soft grass for children to play on, or a rugged surface for areas with high footfall, there’s a perfect artificial grass style for every home.
Understanding the Types of Artificial Grass
Choosing the right artificial grass for your home or garden begins with understanding the available types.
Factors like materials, pile height, density and fibre quality significantly impact the grass's performance and appearance.
You can select an option that perfectly suits your needs and preferences by carefully considering all these factors.
Polypropylene vs Polyethylene
Polypropylene
Polypropylene grass is a cost-effective option, offering a softer feel but with less durability than Polyethylene. While it may not be ideal for areas with heavy use, it works well for spaces where functionality is less critical. This makes it a practical choice for improving your garden’s appearance on a budget.
Polyethylene
A product that is generally considered to offer the best balance between softness and durability, polyethylene is popular among families with children and pets. Its realistic texture and appearance make it a favourite for those seeking comfort and aesthetics, as polyethylene grass can withstand moderate foot traffic and is often UV-treated to preserve its vibrant colour.
At Grass247, you can choose from a range of polypropylene artificial grass styles or styles with blends of polypropylene and polyethylene.
Pile Height and Density Explained
Pile Height
This is the length of each individual grass blade.
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Shorter blades (10-25mm) are ideal for frequently used areas, such as sports pitches or outdoor play areas.
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We recommend going for medium to long blades (30-40mm) for a more natural look.
Density
The density of artificial grass determines how realistic it feels when walking on it.
High-density grass features tightly packed blades that create a soft, cushioned surface. This makes it perfect for families with pets. Dense grass is also more attractive, making it ideal for gardens that are often used for social occasions.
Fibre Strength and Durability
The durability of artificial grass largely depends on the quality of its fibres. High-quality fibres ensure your grass retains its shape, colour, and structure over time. We recommend UV-resistant grass to prevent fading and weather-related damage. This is particularly important for areas often exposed to direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions. Our artificial grass products all have a 7-year protection guarantee from UV exposure. Strong fibres are also suitable for outdoor sports, furniture placement, and seasonal changes.
UV Resistance and Weather Performance
In parts of the world, such as the UK, where weather conditions can be very unpredictable, UV resistance and weatherproofing should be key factors when choosing artificial grass.
Grass that has been UV-treated is less likely to suffer from discolouration and fading caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Our artificial turf products have drainage holes that prevent water from gathering during periods of heavy rain, guaranteeing your lawn remains safe even in the harshest conditions.
How to Assess the Quality of Artificial Grass
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With so many products on the market, it’s worth remembering that not all artificial grass is the same. To ensure you’re making the right choice for your garden or outdoor space, it’s essential to consider the following:
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Choosing the Right Grass for Your Needs
The best artificial grass for your garden depends on your requirements and needs. These include how the space will be used, who will be using it, and the conditions it will need to withstand.
Let’s break down the various options based on individual needs:
Grass for Families and Pets
Safety and durability are an absolute priority for households with pets and children.
Pet-friendly artificial grass is designed to resist odours, stains and digging while offering a soft and durable surface.
These options are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your garden remains hygienic.
Similarly, soft artificial grass ensures a safe play area for children, reducing the risk of scrapes and injuries.
Some products also feature non-toxic materials, making them ideal for households with active families and animals.
Grass for Small Spaces and Urban Gardens
For smaller gardens, balconies, or courtyards, lighter-density grass with shorter pile heights is often the best option.
This is because they are easier to install and maintain, even when space is at a premium.
Selecting designs that enhance the visual appeal of small spaces can also create the illusion of a larger environment, transforming even the most modest garden into an inviting place to relax.
Grass for High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas, such as walkways, patios, and communal spaces, require durable, high-density artificial grass.
Shorter pile heights and reinforced backings also offer long-lasting performance, ensuring your lawn looks great and remains functional despite frequent use.
These options are well-suited for sociable households with gardens hosting regular gatherings or play parties.
Grass for Sports and Activities
If your garden will be used for recreational activities or games, it might be worth thinking about grass designed specifically for sports.
This is more likely to offer enhanced durability, stronger fibres, and additional cushioning for comfort and safety, ensuring a reliable surface for all activities.
By identifying your needs and prioritising features like durability, comfort and maintenance, you can select artificial grass that perfectly complements your garden’s purpose and appearance.
Installation Options: DIY vs Professional Services
Once you’ve decided on a type of artificial grass, the next step is to install it. You can either do this yourself or hire a tradesperson.
DIY installation is more affordable, but achieving professional results requires time, effort, and basic knowledge.
If you enjoy embarking on DIY projects and have the necessary tools and equipment, this option can be rewarding and cost-effective.
Read our full artificial grass measuring and fitting guide for extra help!
When to Hire a Professional Installer
If time is of the essence, or you’re uncomfortable undertaking what can be a difficult task, hiring a professional ensures a flawless finish.
A professional tradesperson will have the knowledge and expertise to handle difficult installations and ensure proper drainage and stability.
They can also offer valuable advice on maintenance and product care to keep your lawn looking and feeling pristine.
In need of some artificial lawn accessories? We have everything from adhesive and underlay to grass pins and weed membranes.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Artificial Grass Looking New
Artificial grass is a relatively low-maintenance option for your outdoor space, but a little care and attention go a long way when it comes to keeping it fresh throughout the year.
Here are a few quick tips:
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Regular Brushing: Use a stiff brush to prevent flattening and remove debris. Brush in multiple directions to maintain the upright position of the grass fibres. Our Telescopic Artificial Grass Rake is also an excellent tool for removing debris and gently lifting the blades.
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Rinse Frequently: Wash away dust and pet waste with water. Using a mild detergent for deep cleaning can further enhance hygiene.
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Remove Weeds: Occasionally check for weeds around the edges. Installing a weed membrane or weed barrier during installation reduces the likelihood of weed growth.
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Apply Sand Infill. This keeps the grass upright and enhances its durability. Sand infill also improves weight distribution, preventing movement or shifting over time. There are various types of sand infill, but silica sand infill is one of the most popular and affordable infill options for artificial grass on the market.
Artificial Turf for UK Gardens
From small urban spaces to larger lawns, artificial turf is quickly becoming the go-to choice for UK gardens.
Synthetic turf offers a practical, low-maintenance alternative for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of caring for a natural lawn.
Artificial turf also keeps your garden lush all year round, no matter the season.
Whether you're looking to create a safe area for children, a pet-friendly playpark, or a relaxing space for socialising with friends and family, there’s a solution tailored to your needs.
Now that you’ve considered all the necessary factors, it’s time to build your dream artificial lawn. Get started by picking one of our beautiful artificial grass designs now!
FAQS
Question: What is the best artificial grass for my garden?
Answer: This depends on use, foot traffic, and personal preference. Choose durable turf with high density and short pile height for high-traffic areas. For a natural look, choose turf with mixed blade colours and varying lengths.
Question: How do I choose the right type of artificial grass?
Answer: Consider factors such as usage, pile height, density, backing material, and infill. Shorter pile heights are durable and easy to clean, while longer pile heights feel softer and can look more realistic.
Question: What are the different types of artificial grass available?
Answer: Artificial grass types include polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon. Turfs also vary in pile height, density and blade colours to replicate different grass types.
Question: Is artificial grass safe for pets and children?
Answer: Artificial grass is safe for pets and children. However, it’s worth remembering that it may get hot in direct sunlight. It's low maintenance and non-toxic but needs cleaning to remove pet waste and to keep it clean.