The rise in popularity of artificial grass

When the days start getting warmer in the UK, most of us start dreaming of BBQs in the garden and lounging around in the sun (beer, anyone?). But for many people in Britain, that vision of a glossy, green lawn is shattered by a harsh reality: sparse, dry grass.

In 2010, when BBQ launched its first synthetic turf, more than 7,000 square meters flew off the shelves over the space of a few weeks. Faking it has never been so popular.

When You Should Consider an Artificial Lawn

Gardens in heavy shade seldom do well, no matter what you try. If you’re tired of pouring so much of your time into your back garden, then lay down artificial grass. It’s low maintenance and doesn’t dissolve into a mud bath, whatever the weather.

Obviously, if you have kids or dogs, synthetic grass has serious appeal - no more mucky paws or green stains on shirts. Your artificial lawn could take some serious whack and provide a soft surface for any falls during play time.

You Can Lay It Yourself

It’s so simple that you can lay your own artificial grass. More than 50% of all customers decide to DIY it, just like carpet. You can shave money off the price by opting to put down your artificial lawn yourself.

For more realistic products, you can expect to pay for quality. More luxurious brands will cost you between £25 and £30 per square metre. However, if you couldn’t care less about realism, and just want a safe surface for the kids to play on, you can get your grass for £10 per square metre. Don’t worry if you have an uneven surface to work with, as artificial turf will smooth out the lumps and bumps.

Life Expectancy

Although many synthetic lawns last for decades, their true life expectancy is guaranteed for anywhere between five and ten years.

Environmental Considerations

In some ways, by setting down artificial turf, you’re doing the environment a favour – you no longer have to water your lawn, use fertiliser, or mow the grass. Although some synthetic grass is made from oil-based plastic, there are many products that are constructed from recycled bottles. On the other hand, with a fake garden, you won’t have quite the same biodiversity as a living lawn.

Convincing Others

To keep your lawn looking immaculate, you’ll have to occasionally give it a scrub down. You can do this with your hoover, if you like, but it will spoil the illusion of an abundant, natural garden. At least you won’t have to drag out the mower though.

Limitations

Although artificial grass is exceptionally versatile, you’ll struggle with slopes. If you have a particularly steep garden, the sand base will eventually gather at the bottom of the lawn, ruining all your hard work. Plus, you can’t attack your children with handfuls of freshly cut grass. Oh well, never mind – you can’t always win.

This post has been contributed on behalf of Nearly Grass. Click here for their artificial turf supplies, and enjoy a gorgeous, low-maintenance lawn this summer!