In a world of absolutes, too often, we ignore the positive possibilities of a particular product because our opinions have been turned by negative opinions that are often louder and not so well informed.
This is a shame – because it could be that we are missing out on so much beauty and practicality because we have not taken the time to do our own research. When considering the transformation of an outside space, one such material is fake grass.
Fake grass has long been vilified by people who do not understand its specification for use in certain projects, nor the way that it can be a highly useful integrative product that contributes to the overall project aesthetic rather than being the primary focus. So if you have rolling acres in Rochester, covering it all with artificial grass is certainly not necessary. However, if you are a pensioner with limited mobility who can no longer cope with the small patch of lawn in your back garden, then absolutely, replacing the ‘work’ element of your garden can bring a myriad of benefits.
We have taken the opportunity here to bust a few myths around fake grass which might be deterring you from considering it as a viable alternative for outdoor landscaping.
It’s made from plastic so is bad for the environment
Fake grass is manufactured using a combination of polypropylene and polyethylene, both of which have been deemed a safe plastic and already used widely in gardening. It is laid on a special membrane that allows for the natural draining of water while preventing weed growth.
Those who speak against fake grass imagine that extensive tracts of outside space are going to be given over to these plastic lawns. The reality is that, apart from dedicated sports terrains, it tends to be used in smaller household projects either as an infill, finishing areas off, tidying up different corners and helping to make inaccessible corners easier to maintain. Nobody is looking to cover the countryside with plastic – rather complement and enhance its beauty.
It’s maintenance free
While this may seem like a positive trait (and it is), it is not actually completely true – a fake lawn does indeed require a degree of maintenance. However, it is much easier to care for than a natural lawn. Most importantly, it does not grow, which means that it does not require any mowing. Consequently, the hours spent pushing the mower up and down your garden have been eliminated.
Also, an occasional brush up keeps the fronds of artificial grass fresh and perky.
However, it will require occasional sweeping – particularly during the autumn months when the leaves are dropping. It will also occasionally need to be washed down, especially if you have a dog that uses a patch of the garden as a toilet. This is a simple affair that just requires a hosepipe and soft brush. Any water drains away through the porous membrane straight back into the ground below.
It’s turning every home into a candidate for Love Island
The pristine outdoor living space of the Love Island villa brought the use of artificial grass back into public consciousness again. However, as a product, artificial lawn has been around for much longer than Love Island – more than 50 years longer, in fact. While it was first developed in the 1960s in the States, primarily for sports, but as the technology and the quality of the lawns evolved, it was used more and more in residential properties. Ultimately, the material has become a viable alternative to other products which are used more extensively, such as paving stones.
