Artificial grass is a famous alternative to real, natural grass as it is easy to maintain. It can remain pristine and perfect with little maintenance, which means that fake grass never requires weeding and mowing like natural grass. If you are considering installing artificial grass, here are some of the things that you should know.
What is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass or synthetic grass is an alternative to natural grass that is made from synthetic fibers that are woven together to imitate the look of natural and real grass lawns. Artificial grass is entirely made from synthetic materials which were invented by Monsanto Industries in the 1960s. Along with this, the Houston Astrodome was the first to install artificial turf at the time when it was developed.
Since then, artificial grass has been developed and saw some significant advances in the decades since its invention. Modern artificial grass can come in a wide range of naturalistic shades of green and a soft surface that feels very similar to the texture of real and natural grass.
Cheap artificial grass can wear out very quickly and look unconvincing. However, if you are willing to invest some money and effort in a high-quality artificial lawn, you can get something that can give you a great-looking turf that does not require maintenance.
Types of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass has seen some evolution over the decades, and it no longer resembles the fake-looking and plastic product it once was. However, it is still made from petroleum-based plastics, which has typically three types:
- Nylon Artificial Grass
Considered as the most durable and long-lasting, nylon artificial grass is also the most expensive. It is the stiffest type of artificial grass, making it a good option for high-traffic areas. However, it might not be ideal for places that kids or pets typically use.
- Polyethylene artificial grass
This type of artificial grass has a realistic look and texture. It is also considered a good mid-range option for those who are considering having an artificial lawn. While it is not as durable as nylon, its softness makes it the perfect kind of artificial grass for play areas and zones where people can walk barefoot.
- Polypropylene artificial grass
This type of artificial grass is the least expensive and also the least durable. It cannot stand up to high traffic, but it can be used for smaller areas that do not get a lot of regular use.
Artificial Grass Maintenance and Cleaning
Artificial grass is not entirely maintenance-free, but rather, it is low maintenance. With that, here are some of the basic cleaning and maintenance steps that can help prolong the life of your synthetic grass.
- It is helpful to clean up stains and spills immediately using a mild household detergent. You can also opt to add a few drops of ammonia to remove tougher stains.
- Picking up your pet’s solid waste as soon as possible and hosing down the area can also help in maintaining artificial grass.
- It is essential to hose down the lawn periodically to remove accumulated dirt and debris.
- Raking the lawn with a soft, non-metal rake for cleaning can help preserve the life of the fibers in your artificial grass.
- Investing in a leaf-blower with a vacuum function can also be helpful to ensure cleanliness and maintain your artificial turf in the long run.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
Similar to a lot of things, artificial grass also has its positive and negative traits.
Pros
- It is nearly maintenance-free. You do not need to worry about mowing, fertilizing, or aerating grass.
- It is evergreen as it maintains its green color all year. Aside from this, you can also choose which shade of green you want for your artificial grass.
- It looks real as it closely resembles real grass with yellow-colored blades that simulate thatch.
- Long-lasting and high-quality artificial grass that is well-maintained can last for 20 years or more.
- You can save some money on the minimal water usage of artificial grass as it does not require much watering.
Cons
- Artificial grass can get really hot as it heats up under the sun that can reach a point where it is uncomfortable to stand on or enjoy.
- Artificial grass is not as soft as real grass as it can be abrasive. It is not as soft for kids to safely land on when playing.
- Artificial grass can also have a negative environmental impact, as it is not easy to recycle despite having low water consumption.
Things to keep in mind when choosing artificial grass
Installing artificial grass can be a huge investment, which is why making the right choice based on your needs and preferences is important. With that in mind, here are some things that you should consider when buying artificial grass.
- Quality
One thing you need to consider when buying an artificial turf is its quality, especially how it feels when you touch it. Along with this, you should also consider if it is well-stitched and has a consistent color. However, good-quality artificial grass can be more expensive than other options.
- Pile Height
The pile height or the length of the grass blades on top of the turf is also another aspect to consider. If you want a lush-looking turf in your space, then you can opt for one that has a taller pile height. On the other hand, longer grass blades can look heavier and make your lawn look flat.
- Density and Weight
The next thing to consider when it comes to buying artificial turf is its density. A dense turf contains more yarn, and it can be more expensive. Furthermore, a dense artificial turf can provide an attractive aesthetic appeal to your space.
Conclusion
If you want something low maintenance, installing artificial grass can be a great option. Artificial grass is easy to maintain, and it is also long-lasting. It can save you some time and effort. It also helps in simplifying your life all while allowing you to have a great-looking turf.
For premium synthetic grass solutions, you can always choose Easy Turf. We offer quality life-like turf suited to Australia’s harsh climate conditions and provide quality artificial grass installation for commercial, sporting, and residential landscapes. You can contact us at 1300 475 499 or 1300 475 498. You can also visit our official website at www.easyturf.com.au to learn more about our products and services.
