0
0
Posted: 25th September 2024 | Author: Adam Brown | Category: Garden
Back to news
The debate of whether to choose real or fake turf for your garden has been going on for years, and it seems we’re no closer to a general consensus than we were when it started. For some people, artificial grass is the best solution for their space and needs; for others, real turf is the only way to go. Wondering which category you fit in? Keep reading to learn more about artificial grass to help you make your choice.
One of the perks of having grass in the back garden is that you have somewhere to relax when the sun is shining. Grass is a great surface for children and pets alike to play on, and it makes an ideal setting for an outdoor lunch when the weather is fair. However, one concern many people have is that artificial grass will get very hot during sunny weather.
While it’s true that artificial grass will get hotter than real turf - real grass is full of water which helps to keep it cooler - there’s no need to worry about your artificial lawn getting hot enough to burn. So long as you’ve chosen an artificial turf from a reputable supplier, you can be sure that it is safe to walk on and use during hot spells.
Additionally, if you’re at all concerned about the heat of artificial turf in hot weather, you can take precautions such as not allowing pets on the grass, encouraging children to wear shoes while out in summer or laying down a blanket to sit on the lawn. While artificial grass shouldn’t ever get hot enough to burn - and indeed it’s usually cooler than surfaces such as concrete or paving slabs - these measures can help to keep everyone comfortable.
Unlike real grass, artificial turf will eventually need to be replaced, as the material cannot replenish itself the way grass can simply grow back. Some people worry they’ll have to replace their artificial grass often and won’t see the benefit.
In general, most artificial grass will last for around seven to 15 years, keeping your garden looking neat and lush for a long while after installation. This figure can even rise to 15 to 20 years when you choose a high quality turf, have your artificial grass installed by an experienced professional and take care of it well.
The main consideration when it comes to the longevity of your turf is the trade-off between frequent and infrequent maintenance. Real grass can last longer than its artificial counterpart, but it requires regular care to keep it looking its best for all those years. Artificial turf, on the other hand, while it may need to be replaced more often, needs very little maintenance. It all depends on your needs and preferences.
For many pet owners, the idea of their furry friends accidentally ruining their artificial grass when nature calls is a big concern. However, in most cases, there’s nothing to worry about. Provided your artificial turf was laid well with good provision for drainage, any urine should drain through in the same way that rainwater would.
Worried about lingering smells? Rinsing the area with water can help to dispel any remaining odours quickly after your pet has been to the toilet, but it’s not always easy to get there soon after the event. In this case, you can clean your artificial grass using a mild, pet-safe soap. Clean the area gently, then rinse any residues away with cool water. Let your artificial grass dry naturally before walking on the area again.
Other spillages or waste left on your artificial grass are just as simple to clean up. All you need to do is scoop up anything solid, and then proceed with the washing instructions detailed above to remove liquids or stains.
For many, the ecological impact of artificial grass is one of the biggest concerns. However, it’s not as simple as a yes or no question.
Firstly, if you’re choosing between artificial turf and the real thing, then you might be thinking that real turf is better because it provides a habitat for creepy crawlies and all sorts of other creatures in your garden. This is something worth considering, but it’s also important to take into account the other flora in the area that could also provide these habitats. In fact, a bed of shrubs, flowers and various species of plants will likely result in greater biodiversity than a simple lawn - because grass is just one species.
Next, there’s carbon dioxide reuptake to consider. While grass might not be the biggest of plants, it does absorb carbon dioxide the same way that all plant life does, helping to reduce the amount of this greenhouse gas in our atmosphere. Replacing it with artificial grass means taking away that carbon sink - but many people choose to fill the rest of their garden with other plants which are great at absorbing carbon to make up for this.
Additionally, you might also have concerns about the environmental impact of artificial grass before you even get your hands on it - i.e. those caused by the manufacture and transportation of your turf. These factors are outside of your control, but while artificial grass needs to be created and delivered, real grass can simply be sown from seed, or installed as existing turf. To limit the environmental impact pre-purchase, your best option is to choose a reputable supplier you can trust to do the right thing.
Another consideration is water usage. Real grass gets a bad rap during drought seasons because it takes a lot of water to keep your lawn lush and green. While many people use water harvesting methods and recycled water to help lessen the impact of this, choosing artificial grass means you won’t have to water it at all.
At the end of the day, as with all purchases, the most important thing is to sit back and consider all of your options, weighing up the pros and cons carefully to find the most suitable option for you and your home. As well as thinking about the information above, you’ll need to decide what matters most to you based on your own priorities - whether you’re after longevity, pet-friendliness or a cool, comfy garden surface for summer fun days.
Back to news
The Author: Adam Brown
With a background as a Mechanical Engineer, I started Nationwide Supplies alongside my brother with a vision to modernise what seemed a stuck-in-its-ways industry in the builders merchant sector. Since 2011 it has been my goal to source quality products at the correct prices to be able to offer a saving to customers along with high quality customer service which offers quick delivery and superior technical knowledge in the industry.
