What is Artificial Grass

What Is Artificial Grass? Is It Good for Your Lawn?

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Are you tired of having to cut the grass every week? Does your lawn have aggressive weeds that you need to get rid of constantly? If you answered yes to even just one of these questions, artificial grass could be an excellent alternative for you. But what is artificial grass? This post is about the materials, what makes this type of grass unique, and some tips for caring for your newfound lawn.

How Artificial Grass Became So Famous

It seems like everyone is having artificial grass installed in their back garden. Houston Astrodome baseball field started using it last 1966. Since then, its popularity has soared and is now found in millions of gardens and parks worldwide.

The second and third versions of artificial grass became a huge staple for FIFA at the 2010 World Cup Games. From this, homeowners installed synthetic grass, and Hollywood parties encouraged people to “go green” in a new lifestyle change. Over a generation later, artificial grass is reaching new heights!

What Is Artificial Grass Made Of?

Artificial grass is a fully recyclable material made from synthetic turf and different types of plastic. Depending on the artificial grass, polypropylene, polyethene, latex, polyurethane, or a combination of these materials.

How Is Artificial Grass Made?

UV stabilisers with colouring agents make the grass appear green. The mixture pressing into the synthetic material and the extruder head plays a role in the fibres’ shape. Combining these materials also determines the quality of the synthetic grass, making a big difference between realistic-looking grass blades and poor-quality artificial grass.

For an artificial lawn to look like natural grass, the manufacturing process involves replicating the appearance of real grass blades.

Step 1: The Rotating Process

These grass blades will go to a carding machine for the rotating process to tighten the strand—similar to how you wove a yarn.

Step 2: The Heating Process

The yarn then goes through a heating process. The artificial grass will go into a tufting machine where needles will pierce underneath the turf.

Step 3: The Coating Process

Coat the artificial turf with latex underneath before it goes in an oven to cure the latex.

Step 4: The Quality Inspection Process

After the manufacturing process, artificial grass will then go to quality inspection.

If there are no issues, the synthetic grass is now ready to be sold.

Is Artificial Grass Bad for the Environment?

Artificial grass is environmentally friendly. It doesn’t waste water as natural turf does since it uses synthetic material that looks like real grass. It saves 170 litres of water every 10 minutes of watering grass (the typical amount for caring for natural grass). This water-saving aspect makes artificial grass highly beneficial for those looking for a low-maintenance garden, too.

Furthermore, artificial grass also means that you don’t need pesticides and weed killers, which is an environmental benefit.

What Does Artificial Grass Feel?

Artificial grass doesn’t feel as soft as natural grass, as you may expect with a synthetic material. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not pleasant to walk on. You can easily walk on your green lawn on bare feet, although it’s not as soft as sand.

This material also makes artificial grass suitable for children to play sports. Flatten the landscape, and the blades can be grown in various lengths and quality, allowing you to customise your garden.

Therefore, children can explore outdoors even when it has been raining, without experiencing big water puddles in the soil. It also benefits you because children won’t be stomping muddy footprints indoors—like they would with natural grass that has accumulated soil and dirt from the rain.

Moreover, you can increase the comfort and safety of artificial grass by adding shock pads underneath. This method can increase the impact and injury of a fall, which is well worthwhile if you have an outdoor playground in your garden.

Caring for Artificial Grass

The best thing about artificial grass is that it’s easy to maintain. Once you install artificial grass in your garden, you won’t need to take care of it like natural grass. You won’t need to mow it, for starters, and you won’t need to invest in any fertilisers or greening solutions, which will save you money and time.

The only natural way to maintain artificial grass is by removing any noticeable pieces of debris on the surface, such as leaves that have piled on the grass. You can clean your artificial grass using a stiff broom to remove any organic matter. And, if it’s dry, you might also consider using a vacuum to keep it free from dirt and keep it as clean as the carpet inside of your home.

Moreover, if you want to clean it, you can do so easily. Mix a detergent (preferably one that’s free from chemicals) with warm water. Wash the artificial grass with the solution if you have pets that like to use your outside space for going to the toilet. It’s also worthwhile keeping the fake grass clean if you have young children who want to play in gardens because they tend to pick up things from the floor and place it into their mouth.

Caring for Your Artificial Grass and the Maintenance Involved

Once installed, you’ll need to care for your artificial turf to keep your lawns in their best condition all year round.

Stain Removal

Artificial grass is prone to stains, which can make marks stand out. One of the best ways to remove marks is by using hot soapy water and scrubbing the lawn area with stains. Alternatively, for more intense stains, consider mineral spirits with a cloth. You can also use diluted detergents, but it’s best to double-check that it’s compatible with an artificial green lawn.

Seasonal Maintenance

Year-round, you’ll spend time brushing your plastic green lawn. However, you’ll need to take your maintenance to new heights with each change of the season. For example, you’re more likely to get pollution from cars driving nearby, so you may need to wash your lawn more often during these times. It will keep it looking like a natural lawn with a green hue.

Also, you’ll need to protect your artificial grass against frost damage or heavy snowfall, which will melt naturally onto your lawn. Ensure that you remove large blocks of snow and ice from your turf, which could contribute to thinning the artificial grass.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t use harsh chemicals, such as bleach, on your lawn. Hot soapy water should be enough to remove stubborn stains. Try this step at least twice—on separate occasions–before reaching for a tougher substance.
  • Don’t park vehicles on the grass. Bicycles, wheelbarrows, and wheelchairs shouldn’t leave any indentation marks. Although you might want to regularly move them around a particular square to check that they are not leaving early marks in the grass.
  • Avoid using sharp objects, such as studded boots and high heels, on your grass, as these can dig into the ground.
  • Trim back hedges and trees surrounding your garden limit the number of leaves and debris that falls onto the grass.
  • Keep hot objects away from the grass, including bonfires, fireworks, and barbecues should be kept on a solid surface.
  • Remain alert when animals or children are playing, walking, or running on the grass. When the weather becomes warmer, it’s tempting to let them play unattended. But when you’re not watching, they could dig into the lawn, creating bald patches of grass that won’t grow back.
  • Avoid exposing mirrors or objects that have a reflective surface near the grass, as this could leave burn marks.

Going Green with Synthetic

Artificial grass is an excellent option for you if you want to have a beautiful lawn but do not have the time to maintain it. There are so many pros and cons to owning this type of grass, including not having a single weed on your lawn. The installation may cost more, but it is still an excellent investment. Synthetic grass requires less maintenance, and you don’t need water to keep it looking fresh and green. What’s more, you no longer need to use pesticides, which are harmful to the environment.

Did you have fun reading this article? Do you have other tips on installing this grass? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top