Artificial Grass

Modern artificial grass is a far cry from the plastic astroturf of the 90s. Today's premium ranges are multi-tone, C-shaped-blade constructions that look convincingly real at 5 m, drain heavy UK rainfall, and last 15–20 years with zero mowing, watering or moss treatment. It's the top-selling garden 'flooring' upgrade in urban and suburban UK homes, and increasingly used indoors for gym flooring, playrooms and balconies.

Pros

• +Zero maintenance — no mowing, no watering, no weeding, no moss
• +Usable year-round — no muddy patches, no bare summer grass
• +Pet-friendly with proper drainage and monthly rinse
• +Kid-friendly with a shockpad underlay
• +Balconies, roof terraces and playrooms — indoor uses are growing

Trade-offs

• −Heats up in direct summer sun (dark-blade ranges especially)
• −Doesn't add to biodiversity like real lawn does
• −Requires proper sub-base prep — cheap fits fail in 2 years
• −Not fully recyclable at end of life

FAQs

• How long does artificial grass last?

  15–20 years for a quality range with proper sub-base. Cheap grass on a poorly prepared base fails in 2–5 years.

• Is artificial grass safe for dogs?

  Yes — most modern ranges are pet-friendly. Ensure the sub-base drains freely, rinse weekly, and deep-clean monthly with an enzyme cleaner to neutralise urine.

• Does artificial grass get hot in summer?

  It runs hotter than real grass in direct sun — darker ranges more so. In extreme heat (30°C+), a light hose-down cools it within seconds. Not a problem for 340 days a year in the UK.

• Can I fit artificial grass myself?

  Small areas under 10 m²: yes. Larger areas: hire a professional. The sub-base preparation is the make-or-break step and needs proper compaction equipment.