Artificial grass checklist: which should you choose for your lawn?

When choosing artificial grass for your lawn, there are several factors to consider. Deciding on the best option for your project can be a time-consuming and daunting task. Before you start looking for artificial grass, consider your requirements, such as the amount of traffic your lawn receives, the size of the area, and the desired look and feel. This will help you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision.

Here is a checklist of things to keep in mind:

1. How much foot traffic are you expecting?

This question is as simple as it is important and will help you answer the questions below.

2. Which color do you prefer?

Artificial grass comes in various shades of green, brown, and beige. Choose a color that complements the surrounding environment and matches your aesthetic preferences.

3. How long should your artificial grass be?

The pile height refers to the height of the blades of grass. As you might have noticed, pile height can differ greatly. If you have children horsing around or playing football on your lawn, strong blade resilience is crucial. So, avoid extremely long pile heights. Otherwise, you risk ending up with run-down artificial grass or even broken blades. If your lawn is mainly for aesthetic purposes, resilience and pile height are less of an issue. Shorter pile heights are better for high-traffic areas and pets, while longer pile heights offer a more natural look and feel. Long looks more natural and feels softer, but isn’t always ideal for heavy foot traffic.

4. How dense should your lawn be?

The greater the pile density, the more even or ‘perfect’ your grass will look. That’s why more and more people go for limited pile densities: wider gauges look more random, thus more natural. The challenge for products with wider gauges, however, is to offer the same resilience levels as dense artificial grass. Dense turf tends to be more resilient because the blades help each other to stand up after being stepped upon.

5. Does you live in a wet climate or have a pool?

Make sure the artificial grass has adequate drainage to prevent water buildup, which can cause damage to the grass and underlying surface. This is especially important if you are putting around a pool. Pools can create a lot of water runoff that needs to be quickly absorbed and drained away.

Artificial grass checklist: which should you choose for your lawn?

6. What is your budget?

There are many different artificial grass options for every budget and every project. From forested lawns to perfectly manicured putting greens, there is a different turf to match any lifestyle.

7. What are the maintenance requirements?

Some artificial grass requires more maintenance than others, so choose one that is easy to clean and maintain. Regular brushing and occasional cleaning with water and mild detergent are typically enough to keep the grass looking good.

8. Do you have pets?

Dogs can be tough on artificial grass, so choose a durable and high-quality grass that can withstand heavy use and foot traffic. Choose an artificial grass that is designed to control odor, as dog urine and feces can create unpleasant smells. Some artificial grass products have built-in antimicrobial agents that help prevent odors.