Give Your Backyard a Makeover with Artificial Grass
Is your backyard lacking that wow factor? Do you dream of having a lush, green oasis right outside your door, but don't have the time or money for high maintenance landscaping? Artificial grass could be the solution you're looking for.
Installing artificial turf in your backyard can completely transform the space, providing a pristine and perfectly manicured look year-round. But it offers so much more beyond aesthetics. Artificial grass is durable, easy to care for, environmentally friendly, and provides a safe surface for pets and kids.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about using artificial grass to give your tired backyard a makeover. Let's get started!
What is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf, is a man-made alternative to natural lawn grass. It is constructed from synthetic materials to emulate the look and feel of lush, green grass.
The origins of artificial grass date back to the 1960s, when it was first created as a substitute for natural turf on sports fields and stadiums. The first generations of "Astroturf" were short-pile carpets made from nylon. Today's artificial grasses are much more advanced and realistic.
There are a few different materials used in making modern artificial turf:
- Polyethylene - The most affordable and durable fiber option
- Nylon - Provides a very soft, natural appearance
- Polypropylene - Gives a vibrant, lush look
These synthetic blades are tufted into a permeable backing to create the grass fabric. Then it is infilled with materials like sand and rubber to provide stability and cushioning. Advanced manufacturing techniques create blades of varying heights and widths to closely mimic natural grass.
Types of Artificial Grass
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting artificial turf for your backyard project:
Blade Height
This refers to the length of the grass blades. Longer blades create a lush, country club style look. Shorter blades have a neater, more manicured appearance. Mid-range heights are ideal for most backyards.
- Low blade heights - 0.5" to 1.5" - Great for pet areas
- Medium blade heights - 1.5" to 2" - Ideal for yards, play areas
- High blade heights - 2"+ - Provides a lush, decorative look
Infill vs. Infill-Free
Infill consists of materials like sand and rubber layered between the blades to support them. It provides cushioning and stability. Infill-free turf has no infill, relying on the backing for support.
Infill-free is cheaper and better for pets using the lawn. Infilled turf is more lush and natural looking, but the infill can get compacted down over time.
Thatch Layer
Some artificial grass has thatch - a thin layer of tan or green fibers beneath the blades. This helps the grass better emulate the look of natural lawn thatch. It also provides extra cushioning.
Benefits of Artificial Grass
Using artificial turf in your backyard makeover provides a long list of positives:
Extremely Low Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of artificial grass is the minimal upkeep required. There's no more weekly mowing, watering, aerating or fertilizing. Just the occasional rinse with a hose to remove debris is all it needs.
Saves Time and Money
You'll save hours every week not having to mow or otherwise maintain a lawn. Plus you'll conserve water, fuel, and money spent on fertilizers, tools, and professional landscaping.
Lush Year-Round
Synthetic grass stays vibrantly green no matter the season. Your lawn will be emerald green even in the dead of winter or peak of summer.
Withstands Heavy Use
Artificial grass is highly durable and designed to withstand years of heavy foot traffic from kids and pets. It won't get muddy or develop worn down paths.
Kid and Pet Friendly
It's a safe play surface for children and pets, providing good traction and drainage. There are no chemicals or fertilizers that can be harmful to kids or animals.
Environmentally Friendly
Artificial grass is eco-friendly in many ways. It conserves water, eliminates fuel for mowing, and many types use recycled content. Some turfs are also lead-free and VOC-free.
Long Lifespan
With proper installation, quality artificial grass will last anywhere from 15-25 years. It's a long-term investment that can increase property value.
Artificial Grass Backyard Applications
One of the great aspects of synthetic turf is its versatility. Here are some of the many ways you can utilize it in residential backyard designs:
Pool Surrounds
Artificial grass is perfect for creating a lush, tropical look around backyard pools and hot tubs. Its permeable surface also drains well, preventing ponding or muddy messes.
Pet Yards
Dogs and cats are drawn to soft, green grass to relax in. But their bathroom habits and digging can quickly ruin a natural lawn. Synthetic grass stands up well to pets.
Play Areas
The cushioned surface of artificial turf makes it ideal under and around swingsets, jungle gyms, and other play equipment. It provides a safe play space for kids.
Putting Greens
Every golfer dreams of having a backyard putting green. Synthetic grass designed for golf provides the perfect smooth, tight-turf surface for practicing your short game.
Landscape Accents
Use artificial grass as a landscape accent to highlight flower beds, borders, pathways and other features. It provides eye-catching color and texture.
Design & Installation Tips
Proper planning, preparation and installation are key to maximizing the longevity and performance of your artificial grass. Here are some best practices:
Base Preparation
The surface below the turf must be properly compacted and graded for good drainage. A porous aggregate base topped with concrete sand helps stabilize the lawn.
Layout & Seaming
Plan where your seams will go for the best look. Cut edges carefully for clean transitions. Adhesive tape and nails help secure seams.
Infill Application
Infill materials provide important support, drainage and cushioning. Spread and groom infill materials per manufacturer instructions after installation.
Costs
Quality synthetic grass will cost $7-$20 per square foot installed. It's an investment, but the long lifespan and low maintenance provide major cost savings long-term.
Caring for Your Artificial Lawn
While very low maintenance compared to natural grass, your new artificial turf does require some simple periodic care:
- Rinse with garden hose to remove debris
- Groom fibers with a stiff brush
- Replenish infill materials as needed
- Flush out pet waste
- Weed preventer application
Tested cleaning products are safe for periodic deep cleaning. Avoid excessive heat from reflected sunlight, which can damage the lawn over time.
Transform Your Backyard Today
As you can see, installing artificial grass is a fantastic way to reinvigorate your outdoor living space. It provides the lush curb appeal of a pristine lawn with none of the difficult upkeep. You'll save time, money and stress spent maintaining grass.
The applications are endless, whether you want to create a pet oasis, playground, putting green, or picture perfect landscaping. With a virtually endless array of options, it's easy to find artificial turf perfect for your needs and budget.
So don't wait any longer! It's simple and affordable to order turf online and have it professionally installed. This spring is the perfect time to undertake your backyard makeover project and start enjoying a new and improved outdoor living space.
Pet Play Areas
Artificial grass is a perfect solution for creating safe and clean play areas for your pets. It eliminates the need for digging, which can damage the natural grass in your yard. It also helps to prevent muddy paw prints, as artificial grass drains quickly and does not retain moisture. Add a few toys and some shade, and your pets will have a fun and comfortable space to run around in.
Playground Surface
Artificial grass is a safe and soft surface for playground equipment. It cushions falls, reduces injuries, and eliminates the need for frequent maintenance and replacement of natural grass. It also helps to prevent mud and dirt from being tracked onto your home, keeping your home clean and tidy.
Shade Structures
Combining artificial grass with shade structures creates a relaxing and inviting space in your backyard. The grass provides a soft and comfortable surface for lounging, while the shade keeps you cool and protected from the sun. It's a perfect spot for enjoying a book, sipping a drink, or having a picnic with friends and family.
Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Spaces
Artificial grass is a versatile and functional surface that can be used to create outdoor dining and entertainment spaces. It's a perfect choice for hosting parties, as it provides a clean and easy-to-maintain surface for your guests to enjoy. Add some seating, lighting, and decor, and you've got the perfect spot for entertaining.
Water Features
Artificial grass can be used to create beautiful water features, such as ponds, streams, and fountains. It provides a soft and natural-looking surface for the water to flow onto, while also helping to prevent erosion and protect the surrounding areas. It's a perfect choice for creating a tranquil and peaceful oasis in your backyard.
Garden Beds
Artificial grass can be used to create garden beds that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It helps to prevent soil erosion, as well as weed growth, while also providing a soft and comfortable surface for walking and sitting. It's a perfect choice for creating a low-maintenance and attractive garden area.
Artificial grass is a perfect choice for creating outdoor sports courts, such as tennis, basketball, or pickleball. It provides a consistent and cushioned playing surface that stands up well to heavy athletic use. The even turf allows for good ball bounce and traction.