Here in California, the popularity of artificial grass has skyrocketed in the past decade or so. That’s no surprise, given the extreme and extended drought we endured and its lingering consequences. No one can accurately predict whether we’ll slip into drought conditions again any time soon, but being prepared for that is undoubtedly the best plan.
Regardless, water conservation as a way of life is here to stay. Add to that the fact that most of us try to be environmentally conscious in other ways, and artificial grass looks better and better. Switching to synthetic grass is a significant financial and lifestyle investment – one that can repay you handsomely over the years, in multiple ways.
Is fake grass the right solution for your home and family? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what it’s like to actually live with artificial grass, day in and day out.
Pros and Cons of Natural Vs. Artificial Grass
Fake grass has changed so much since it was invented, that today it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between high-quality faux products and real living grass. But there is more to artificial grass than meets the eye, and as a home owner you should consider the pros and cons of both surfaces before deciding what’s best for you.
Artificial grass costs more to install than a natural grass lawn. Once it’s in place, though, it requires little other than simple upkeep to retain its lush beauty and functional performance characteristics. With natural grass, you offset the low initial cost with ongoing expenses for equipment, supplies, water, and time to keep the grass healthy and trimmed. That never ends. And it can be a struggle to achieve the aesthetic and play-worthy results you want.
For your home’s physical environment – your yard – natural grass can pose additional problems. It won’t grow where it’s too shady or acidic, such as under conifers, and it’s inconvenient or impossible to mow small, irregular, or steep areas. Fake grass doesn’t need nutrients, water, or sunlight. For our natural environment, the chemicals needed to sustain a natural grass lawn are anything but sustainable once they leach into the soil or run off into the waterways.
Artificial grass can even help boost your home’s value.
Maintaining Artificial Grass
Anyone can quickly learn how to maintain their artificial grass, because there’s not much you’ll have to do. Instead of time-consuming mowing, trimming, feeding, etc., a few basic tasks will keep your faux grass looking its best. For example, a rinse with the hose will remove summer dust.
One thing that won’t change is raking. Leaves fall, without regard for what type of lawn you have. We recommend picking up large debris right away, for aesthetic and safety reasons as well as to protect your artificial grass. Then you can use any number of standard yard care tools to rake up smaller debris without damaging your synthetic turf.
If you have a dog or cat, regular maintenance is even easier than with natural grass. Urine will drain right through quickly (with no worries about yellow spots), and of course you’ll want to pick up any feces right away, before someone steps in it. Follow that with a quick rinse, and your grass is good to go.
Like natural grass, the blades of artificial grass can become flattened in high traffic areas over time. Unlike the real thing, you can re-fluff fake grass with a few strokes of a stiff, natural-bristle broom without damaging the blades. If you’re into machines, a power broom will make it faster and even easier to rake and fluff your faux turf.
Beyond these simple activities, you may never have to do more to maintain your artificial grass. However, as we all know, accidents can happen. They may be acts of Mother Nature or human-caused issues from food or paint spills to dropping a hot BBQ coal on the lawn. You can wipe away any mess using vinegar, a household cleaner, organic turf spray, or paint thinner in the case of spilled paint, then rinse.
Top-of-the-line artificial grass won’t fade or stain. In rare cases where actual damage occurs, our Heavenly Greens team is expert at making repairs.
Safety and Artificial Grass
Home owners are always concerned about safety around their home, particularly if your family includes kids and pets. When it comes to safety, artificial grass builds peace of mind in several ways. For example, most people don’t realize it’s a safer play surface than natural grass. This is one reason why so many municipalities, schools, and similar facilities have turned to synthetic grass for their playgrounds.
Artificial grass is physically safer because it doesn’t get slippery when it’s wet, reducing the risk of slips and falls. It doesn’t wear down, develop uneven depressions, or grind into holes, no matter how vigorously or how often kids play. That also reduces risk of falling as well as turned ankles and other injuries. For youngsters, artificial grass installed with specialized FallSoft technology cushions falls from as high as 5 feet.
Fake grass is healthier than live grass, too. It is 100% allergen-free and non-toxic, so it doesn’t bring any harmful chemicals into your yard. And since it’s not real grass, it doesn’t require any potentially dangerous fertilizers or pesticides to grow. Nor does it produce noxious pollen that triggers allergies in humans and pets. And 40 years of studies continue to show that the infill material used with artificial grass installations for playgrounds is not a health hazard.
There are some safety precautions you should take if you install a fire pit in or near your artificial grass. A lot of home owners in the Bay Area have added these wonderful backyard features because they are useful virtually year-round. But we are all ultra-fire aware these days, so fire pit safety should always be top-of-mind. Faux grass is not flammable, but it can melt if a hot ember lands on it.
Creative Ways to Use Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is popular for front and backyard lawns, but there is so much more you can do with it to enhance your home. Really, you’re limited only by your imagination.
Who doesn’t love to sit on the grass? You can transform the functional into something fun, by using artificial grass to cover outdoor seating such as benches and swings. Make pillows to use as seat cushions for patio furniture or plump throw pillows to toss on the patio itself.
Go high. Elevate your creativity and your home’s livability by installing artificial turf on your porch, balcony, even your flat rooftop. It’s not like faux grass needs soil to grow. It doesn’t need water, either, although if it rains the moisture will drain away quickly, leaving you with a fluffy, foot-friendly surface in no time. Fake grass doesn’t need to be horizontal, either. You can use it to cover a wall.
Go indoors. Artificial turf is the original “indoor-outdoor” carpet, and it still works as a fun alternative to traditional indoor floorcoverings. Carpet your basement, or cut fake grass into fun shapes to make throw rugs for the kids’ rooms. Create an eye-catching grass-covered indoor wall.
You can make an indoor space more outdoorsy. If you are lucky enough to have a screened-in summer porch, clever use of artificial grass will help that space retain its summery atmosphere even in winter.
And don’t forget the family cat or dog. A good time in the out-of-doors starts with paw-friendly, grassy under-footing. For dogs, fake grass is ideal for enclosed runs or play areas and also as flooring inside a dog house. For adventurous felines, fake grass adds textural interest and soft comfort to sitting shelves and play structures.
Entertaining on Artificial Grass
One big advantage of switching to artificial grass is that it can turn your yard into Entertainment Central, all year round. It’s always ready to host parties, large and small, from milestone celebrations to simple family fun. Your year-at-a-glance party schedule might look like this:
As the weather warms, we all want to spend more time outdoors. Summer is the perfect time for brunches, luncheons, and dinners al fresco. Why not throw a themed party, with coordinated food, decorations, and games? You can set everything up on your artificial grass, or use your patio for food and seating, saving the lawn for official party games. On the other hand, who needs a theme? All that gorgeous grass calls for baseball and other sports, organized or strictly impromptu.
One theme that demands a party is graduations. Whether your child is moving up and out of kindergarten, grade school, high school, or college, they deserve festive accolades with family and friends. Did your pup just graduate from obedience school? Invite his doggie friends (and their owners) over for some show-off and a romp on your fake grass.
When the 4th of July rolls around, host a backyard fireworks party. Safety is critical on this holiday, as fireworks can be dangerous to people and pets as well as your home and artificial grass. Even sparklers can cause problems. With some simple, common-sense preparations, though, you and your guests will have a blast.
Halloween calls for a haunted house, and once again, your artificial grass is the place to be. You can’t punch holes in your grass, but there are other ways to safely secure walls and props. The same goes for holiday decorations you’ll probably want to display on your front lawn. Once you know the dos and don’ts of decorating on artificial turf, you can let your creative side go wild.
In between Halloween and the holidays, though, we have Thanksgiving. If you’ve never roasted your turkey outdoors, you’re in for a big treat. With family and friends gathered round, you can give thanks for one another and the fact that your artificial grass makes it so much more inviting to entertain outdoors in any season.
Cap off any (or every) great gathering with a marshmallow roast. Or invite the neighbors over for a BYOF s’mores party. (That’s Bring Your Own Fixin’s.) Your fire pit makes the perfect campfire, or you can roast these yummy treats over BBQ coals or even a gas grill. Make sure to keep hot marshmallows away from your artificial turf, though.
Fire Pits and BBQ in an Artificial Grass Home
Outdoor cooking is hot, hot, hot here in the South Bay Area, whether you’re entertaining or simply preparing dinner for the family. And many home owners have added fire pits to their back yards to enhance outdoor living, especially in the evenings. When using BBQs and fire pits near artificial grass, there are safety considerations you should keep in mind.
Safety precautions that protect your artificial grass protect your family and pets, too. That’s extremely important, because thousands of people suffer barbecue-related injuries every year. Whether the grill you use is fired with gas, charcoal, or electricity, it needs to be on a stable, level surface. That way you can avoid tip-overs that could cause serious injuries or start a fire.
While you’re grilling, keep a roll of paper towel or a cloth at hand to wipe up spills and splatters. And keep hot utensils on a tray or “leashed” to your grill, so they don’t fall onto bare toes or your fake grass. And always cover your fire with a screen when you’re not using it, to keep sparks or embers from escaping.
Many home owners have discovered building a permanent outdoor kitchen solves set-up problems and makes it even easier to organize outdoor food activities. Even if you love the act of grilling, the more efficient you are, the more time you’ll have to spend with family or guests.
Of course, you can use your fire pit for grilling or roasting marshmallows, too. There is no reason you can’t install a fire pit right in the midst of your artificial grass lawn. With the proper design and construction techniques, you’ll have a backyard addition that is both attractive and cozy.
Kids and Artificial Grass
Kids love artificial grass. Moms and dads love it, too. There are so many reasons to love artificial grass, our Heavenly Greens team had fun creating a “Top 10” list that pretty much sums it up. One of our favorites? “#10: Artificial grass promotes family harmony.” No kidding – without natural grass to tend, you can stop arguing with the kids about whose turn it is to get out there and mow!
Yard work aside, though, artificial grass brings multiple benefits to your at-home kid zone. First, there’s the fun quotient. You can do almost anything on a fake grass lawn, from the usual sports to party games. You can sit on the grass and play board games, or outline a giant chess or checkers board.
No reason to stop when the sun goes down, either. You can host a summer sleepover under tents or the stars. What could be more comfy under a sleeping bag than soft, fluffy faux grass? And if you have a fire pit, you already have a campfire.
Artificial grass makes your kid zone safer, too. It’s made of non-toxic, non-allergenic materials. It will never produce pollen that triggers grass allergies. And you never have to worry about residue from yard care chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. Fake grass isn’t slippery when it gets wet, and it doesn’t degenerate into bare spots, dips or holes, so kids have better footing while they play.
Pools and Artificial Grass
One backyard play area that really worries parents is the pool. You want your kids to have fun, but safety is paramount. Many of us here in the Bay Area have pools, so knowing artificial grass can improve pool area safety is a big relief.
For one thing, excited kids will run, no matter how often you warn them not to run around the pool. Artificial grass is softer and safer underfoot. We noted earlier that fake grass doesn’t get slippery when it’s wet, and that’s a major advantage next to your pool. Water that splashes drains away quickly, and the blades dry fast. Fluffy grass is barefoot-friendly, too, especially compared to the usual coping and concrete or pavers used around pools.
Artificial grass also improves the aesthetics of your pool area. You can “plant” it right up close to your pool edge, which is prettier and cooler than a traditional hard surface surround and gives your yard a broader, seamless look. You can tuck in walkway pavers or flagstones, without the headache of repeatedly trimming live grass around their edges.
Nonetheless, there are steps you should take to physically secure your pool when you aren’t there to supervise. The younger your children, the more critical this becomes, although even teenagers can drown in a backyard pool. Installing a 4-foot fence with a self-closing and self-locking gate is the best plan. Many home owners add a rigid cover, too.
Sports and Artificial Grass
Sports fans of all ages, sizes, and shapes love artificial grass, as well they should. After all, synthetic turf was invented for use in the Astrodome. Of course that was a long time ago. Today’s artificial grass is a whole new ballgame – better than ever, and just the surface for any type of sport.
Baseball and football may have been the first, but now it’s equally easy to find professional (and backyard) players enjoying soccer and lacrosse on artificial grass. If your family is into net games, you can set up volleyball or other outdoor games such as badminton or even tennis on your faux lawn. Punching holes for poles and markers will damage artificial grass, but faux grass is so popular nowadays, it’s easy to find specially-designed equipment.
Bocce ball is popular now, because the whole family can play. There is artificial grass specifically designed for bocce courts. And then there’s golf. The kids can play whiffle golf on your faux lawn, but older golfers will appreciate having a backyard putting green. Whatever your skill level, there’s a style of putting green turf just for you. And you can build in whatever features and challenges you want.
Adding a backyard putting green is an investment that offers multiple benefits. It can not only improve your golf game, it can boost your home’s aesthetics and resale value.
Some backyard activities don’t require equipment. Yoga is a good example. Your fake grass provides comfortable, secure footing, or you can place your regular mat on top of the grass. And then there’s tumbling, gymnastics, and the always-popular lawn sport of playing with the dog. Whatever type of sports your family prefers, you can indulge to your hearts’ content, confident you’re playing on grass that is safe and healthy for your family.
Pets and Artificial Grass
Nobody knows how to have fun in the yard better than your dog. He lives to romp on the grass, play fetch, catch the Frisbee, and roll on his back like a big, grinning idiot. If you and the kids are there with him, all the better. Let’s play!
But your dear dog might like to have some space all his own, too. A nice, cozy house with its own private yard. Artificial grass is just the thing for dog runs. It’s a lot more paw-friendly than any hard surface or gravel, and it’s a lot less messy than something like bark dust that can get tracked into the house. And it’s certainly prettier. Your pooch may not care about that, but we know you do.
For dog runs, we recommend a style of fake grass that has low cut pile and a lower face weight, because that’s the toughest of the tough. We also recommend a specific type of infill that is not only durable and resilient but resists odors.
For anyone with pets, especially dogs, muddy paws can be the bane of your existence. When it’s wet outside, you have to set up a paw cleaning station by the door, complete with water bucket and towels. Or try to talk your dog into wearing booties. With artificial grass, you can skip all that.
Flooring your dog’s run with synthetic turf is a great start in fending off mud, but there are faux grass styles for lawns that are dog-friendly as well. Combined with our MaxxFlow drainage system, you can have a grassy surface that’s ideal for dogs and the rest of your family, too.
Faux grass stays mud-free, not to mention drier than natural grass. It’s also easy to clean when your pooch mistakes the grass for his potty area. A quick pick-up, if needed, and a little rinse is all you need. Now you’re ready to play ball. Again.
Hardscaping and Landscaping with Artificial Grass
Because artificial grass grows anywhere, it gives you literally unlimited opportunities to design exactly the type of landscaping you want for your home. You can even transform seemingly unusable space that’s a weird shape, deeply shady or otherwise challenging into something that’s lovely to look at and fully functional, too.
Artificial grass is amazingly versatile on its own, but it also coordinates beautifully with any type of landscape enhancement. That means you can create a space that is uniquely “you,” with a character all its own. And you can go far beyond grass and plants.
Hardscapes can provide one or several focal points in your landscape. They can be purely decorative, such as statuary or a bird bath. They can be primarily practical, such as a fire pit or patio or gazebo. Hardscapes can be made of stone, or wood, or metal. They can be permanent, or seasonally temporary. You can put them anywhere in your yard, including in the middle of your artificial grass lawn.
Another element that has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years is outdoor lighting. Traditional porch lights are there to help you get in and out of the door safely. But lighting can do so much more. Placed on poles, exterior walls, the fence, or in other spots, lights can illuminate your entire backyard. When you can see to move around, you can entertain after dark both indoors and out.
Soft lighting can also create cozy, intimate outdoor spaces. You can place small lights in series to define walkways. Or the edge of your driveway. Or the edge of your lawn. Lights can also spotlight a specific visual element adding nighttime drama to your landscape. And they can help make your home and the rest of your property more secure.
Besides, once you’ve created the outstanding landscaping of your dreams, don’t you want people to see it when they drive by? Without strategically placed lighting, your front yard is visible only during daylight hours.
Artificial grass is the perfect foundational element. It is always gorgeous, it’s very low maintenance, and it supports sustainable landscape design. You can surround your lawn with drought-resistant plantings that provide textural contrast and year-round color. You can incorporate interesting or practical hardscape elements. And you can light it to perfection. When you pull it all together, you have a beautiful, inviting picture that you can step right into and enjoy every day.
You can do a lot more living with artificial grass
Every home owner wants a place they can be proud of – property with curb appeal and increasing value. But this is where you and your family live, day in and day out. Artificial grass improves that day-to-day livability in ways natural grass cannot. And that’s definitely something to be proud about.
Our artificial grass experts at Heavenly Greens are ready to help you make the most of your yard, whether you want to replace your lawn, add a putting green or bocce court, or reconsider every square inch of your outdoor space. So why not schedule an in-person consultation?
Once we can see your property and hear your ideas or desires, we can make recommendations we know you will love. Your kids and dog will love our ideas, too. And of course we stand ready to make it all happen. All it takes is that one call to get started, and you can be living better with artificial grass soon.
