Artificial grass has come a long way since the first AstroTurf carpeted the Houston Astrodome in 1966. My own soccer-playing daughter recently told me she likes playing on artificial turf more than on natural grass.
For her own rooftop garden in Brooklyn, designer Julie Farris “chose artificial turf for a number of reasons: It doesn’t require watering or mowing, and there’s no need to replace grass damaged by heat or sun,” says Sophia, who visited her in high summer.
Above:Photograph by Sophia Moreno-Bunge for Gardenista.
What is artificial grass?
Artificial turf is made from a mixture of polymers (plastics), which make up the grass, combined with infill of sand and/or ground-up rubber to make it soft and shock absorbent.
Invented in 1964, it was first developed as a solution for dome-covered athletic fields which did not have enough sunlight to support natural grass.
Photograph by Liesa Johannssen for Gardenista.
Artificial turf stands up to pet use. As with fabrics, there are varying types of artificial turfs available at different price points.
Installation is like laying carpet; you want to stretch it tightly atop a secure base and hide the seams. (Top R) Staples close seams and (Bottom R) Spikes along the perimeter keep edges flat.
How is artificial grass installed?
Many companies specialize in the installation of artificial turf, but it is also possible to do it yourself. As with carpet, artificial turf is cut to fit during installation (the fewer seams the better), then nailed into place.
For more of this London balcony garden, see Ask the Expert: 10 Tips to Transform a Tiny Balcony into an Instant Garden with Isabelle Palmer.
Photograph by Jonathan Gooch for Gardenista.
How much does artificial grass cost?
The price varies according to area, but it is not inexpensive. Depending on the size, conditions, and type of turf, the cost can run from $10 to $20 per square foot, installed.
The Home Depot carries (L) RealGrass Deluxe Artificial Grass in 15-foot sections for $51.15 each.
What are the best places to install artificial grass?
With four active children and a dog, my Mill Valley neighbor enthusiastically endorses her low-maintenance lawn.
Photograph by Ellen Jenkins.
Adam Balckwelder, a landscaper in Marin County, CA, has used it successfully under redwoods, for a bocci court, and for dog runs ( certain types of turf are made specifically for dogs).
A synthetic lawn has the advantage over natural grass of never needing water (not to mention weeding, mowing, or fertilizing), but it still needs to be sprayed clean and occasionally disinfected (it does not have the self-sanitizing properties of natural grass).
How do you take care of artificial grass and how long will it last?
Some turf manufacturers have developed ways to separate the infill (sand or rubber) from the turf, allowing the material to be recycled.
Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
Artificial turf in Christine’s London backyard. For more, see Urban Space: Getting My Garden to Love Me Back.
See what happened when Sarah’s Napa Neighbors Installed a Fake Lawn. Browse our other Hardscaping 101 posts.
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