Get a Free Quote
Contact us for a free, no obligation quote for your new garden or driveway. We won’t be beaten for price, quality or service.
Artificial Grass: Everything you need to know about putting it in your Garden
In this post we are going to discuss artificial grass installation at home. We hope to give you everything that you need to know including the pros & cons of artificial grass. This will help you to make an informed decision about laying it in your back garden. We are very experienced contractors for laying astro turf, in the Dublin & Wicklow region and would be delighted to help you with any questions that you have.
What is artificial grass?
Artificial grass, also known as astro turf, is a manufactured synthetic surface made to resemble natural grass. It is primarily used as an alternative to real grass in back gardens & sports fields, where a low-maintenance, visually appealing, and durable surface is desired.
Astro grass is typically made from synthetic fibers, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which are designed to imitate the look and feel of natural grass blades. These fibers are often woven into a backing material and may be reinforced with additional layers for added strength and stability.
The construction of astro grass allows for good drainage, preventing water from pooling on the surface. It also eliminates the need for watering, mowing, fertilizing, and other maintenance tasks associated with natural grass. An artificial lawn can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it suitable for areas where real grass may struggle to grow or be easily damaged.
There are various types and styles of artificial lawns available, ranging in pile height, colour, density, and texture to match different preferences and applications. Some versions are designed specifically for residential lawns, while others are engineered for sports fields, playgrounds, or commercial landscapes.
Overall, artificial lawn offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for areas where natural grass may be impractical or challenging to maintain.
The Pros & Cons of Artificial Grass
Practical benefits of an artificial lawn for your garden
Artificial grass offers several benefits, which contribute to its growing popularity and use in Irish gardens. Here are some key practical advantages of adding it to your back garden:
Low maintenance: One of the primary benefits of artificial grass is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural grass, it does not need watering, mowing, or fertilizing. This saves time, effort, and money on lawn care tasks.
Durability: Synthetic turf is designed to withstand heavy use and can endure various weather conditions – perfect for the unpredictable Irish weather. It is resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, sports fields, and playgrounds. Artificial grass retains its appearance and functionality for an extended period.
Water conservation: Even with the amount of rainfall we receive in Dublin & Wicklow, natural grass requires a lot of watering in the summer months. Artificial grass does not require regular watering. By using synthetic turf, you can conserve water, reduce your water bills, and contribute to water conservation efforts.
Personal benefits of an artificial lawn in your garden
Year-round greenery: Regardless of the season or climate, artificial grass maintains its lush green appearance all year round. It does not wither or turn brown, providing an aesthetically pleasing landscape throughout the year.
Allergy-friendly: For individuals with grass allergies, astro turf provides a hypoallergenic alternative. Since it does not produce pollen or other allergens, it can create a more comfortable environment for allergy sufferers.
Versatility: Artificial grass can be installed in various locations in the garden to create different areas to spend time. It can even be used to create a practice golf area or a nice area for your pets to play. It can be customised to fit different shapes, sizes, and designs, offering versatility in landscaping projects with aesthetic looks.
Increased usable space: Unlike natural grass that may become muddy or worn out with frequent use, artificial grass provides a stable and usable surface. It allows you to maximize your outdoor space for activities such as sports, gatherings, and play without worrying about damaging the grass.
What are the negatives of artificial grass?
While artificial grass offers many advantages and benefits for Irish gardens, it also has some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are a few negatives associated with astro truf:
Upfront cost: Installing an artificial lawn can be more expensive than establishing a natural grass lawn. The initial investment includes the cost of materials, labor for installation, and any necessary groundwork or preparation. However, it’s important to note that over time, the cost may be offset by savings on maintenance and water bills.
Limited environmental benefits: While artificial lawns eliminate the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, it is made from non-biodegradable materials. At the end of its life cycle, synthetic turf typically ends up in landfills, adding to waste. However, efforts are being made to develop more eco-friendly and recyclable artificial grass options.
Limited natural feel: While astro turf can closely resemble natural grass, it may not provide the same sensory experience or natural texture. The feel and appearance of synthetic turf can differ from real grass, which can be a downside for those who prefer the authenticity of natural landscapes.
Potential for drainage issues: Although astro turf is designed to have good drainage properties, poor installation or inadequate base preparation can lead to drainage problems. If the surface does not drain properly, it can result in water pooling or accumulation, which can be a concern during heavy rainfall. Be sure to use an experienced contractor, such as us here at Greystones Paving, for your astro turf installation to avoid such issues.
What is the cost of artificial grass installation?
The cost of artificial grass can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the product, the size of the area to be covered, and the complexity of the installation/groundwork. Here are some cost considerations when it comes to installing an artificial lawn:
Material cost: Artificial grass is typically priced per square foot or square meter. The cost per square unit depends on the quality, brand, and specifications of the turf. Higher-quality products generally will to be more expensive.
Installation cost: The cost of installing an artificial lawn involves several factors, such as ground preparation, labor, and additional materials like base materials, adhesives, and infill. Installation costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the project and any specific requirements.
Additional costs: Depending on the project, there may be additional costs to consider. This can include removing existing vegetation, soil excavation, drainage system installation, edging materials, or any customization requests.
Here at Greystones Paving we are happy to provide a free consultation & personal quote for your artificial lawn installation. We will be delighted to answer any questions that you might have beforehand to help you make a decision what you want for your perfect garden.
Conclusion and Summary
In this post, we discussed artificial grass and everything that you need to know before installing it in your garden. Artificial grass is a manufactured surface designed to resemble natural grass and offers several benefits. It requires low maintenance, saving time and effort on watering, mowing, and fertilizing. It is durable, withstands heavy use, and maintains its green appearance year-round.
Artificial grass is allergy-friendly and a great alternative to natural grass in your garden. It provides versatility and increased usable space for various applications and it can work great alongside a patio or decking. However, like anything, there are some cons to artificial grass that you should be aware of if you are considering to use it in your garden. The cost of artificial lawns varies depending on factors like quality, size of the area, and installation complexity. Greystones Paving will happily meet with you to consider these factors and provide a personal quote for you.
If you would like to see some of our recent work, click here view our photos online.