10 Gorgeous Artificial Grass Ideas for Enhancing Your Small Backyard

10 Gorgeous Artificial Grass Ideas for Enhancing Your Small Backyard

10 Gorgeous Artificial Grass Ideas for Enhancing Your Small Backyard

Having a lush green backyard is many homeowners’ aspiration, but nurturing real grass can be challenging in compact spaces. This is where artificial grass offers a practical and stunning solution. This extensive guide covers beautiful synthetic turf designs, layouts, installation tips, and maintenance specifically for enhancing small backyards.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Artificial Grass

Before delving into the designs, let’s first understand what aspects you need to evaluate when selecting artificial turf:

Grass Blade Material  : Nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene are common. Polyethylene is cost-effective but less durable. Nylon offers good durability and feel. Polypropylene is fade-resistant.

Pile Height : Pile height is the grass blade length.  For landscapes, 25-40mm is ideal. For play areas, consider 15mm short pile grass.

Density and Weight: Higher densities starting from 1000 g/m2 look more natural. Heavier grass has better resilience and longevity. 

Backing Material : The primary backing is either polyurethane or latex  Polyurethane increases strength.

Traffic Suitability: If pets or kids will frequently use the space, opt for heavy traffic suitable artificial grass specifically designed for high foot traffic. 

Color Options: From natural lush green shades to olive, brown, blue, and even multicolor or striped varieties, the options are versatile.

Water Permeability: Opt for properly draining artificial grass with perforations and ribbed backing. Ensure the base is adequately prepared.

 

10 Best Artificial Grass Designs for Small Backyards

 

Here are the top artificial grass designs suited for enhancing compact backyards:

 

1. Synthetic Turf Border/Edging: Create clean borders or edges around garden beds, pathways, and planting areas using artificial turf. The perfect way to add a green accent with minimal maintenance.

 

2. Faux Grass Ring Around Trees: Encircle trees with lush synthetic grass instead of mulch or rocks for an instant facelift. Also gives play or seating areas.

 

3. DIY Artificial Grass Planter Box  : Upcycle old wooden crates or make planter boxes out of synthetic turf overframe. Add pops of color with flowers.

 

4. Geometric Shaped Turf Sections: Use artificial grass to create geometric shapes like circles, triangles, etc. on patios or yards. Visually pleasing!

 

5. Designated Play Area for Pets and Kids: Cordoned-off play zones with fake grass make clean, safe play areas for pets and children. Add toys to enhance.

 

6. Faux Wall-to-Wall Grass: For a plush, seamless lawn look, cover every inch of compact yards with good-quality synthetic turf. Great for play spaces.

 

7. Multi Colored or Patterned Grass : Alternate between grass hues or get striped/patterned turf for extra flair. Works with modern or funky themes.

 

8. Artificial Grass Around the Patio Sitting Area : Encircle wooden or paved patios with synthetic grass. Makes for a comfortable seating space outdoors.

 

9. Fake Grass Pathways: Flanked pathways with artificial turf instantly add greenery and elevate drab yards or gardens.

 

10. Rooftop Synthetic Grass: Even rooftop or balcony spaces can get a green makeover with artificial grass designs! Quite low maintenance.

 

Artificial Lawn Installation Tips

1. Remove existing grass, vegetation, and debris completely before laying synthetic turf.
2. Create a compact, flat, and well-draining base using crushed rock. 
3. Install good quality turf underlay before artificial grass for stability, drainage, and cushioning. 
4. For a natural look, ensure the seams between grass strips/rolls are tight. 
5. Use adhesives and timber edging to securely fix the synthetic grass around the edges and seams.
6. Infill grass with sand and rubber granules once laid for stability and durability.

 

Ongoing Maintenance 

Brush Brush Brush – If you have a high-traffic area like schools or a daycare brush once a week. If for a residential area with not so much traffic, brush every 3 to 6 months.

1.  Remove Leaves – Brush, or blow leaves off to an area suitable to pick up and remove the leaves, giving you a clear area if needing to brush up your artificial lawn.
2.  Moss – If you happen to get moss growing on an artificial lawn, spray with a suitable moss killer and use a brush to brush it out.
3.  Weeds – Your new lawn is likely to grow the odd weed or two, don’t worry this can be common. Artificial grass requires infill sand, most commonly weeds grow due to the sand infill and are easy to remove by hand.
4.  Dust – In the dry summer months, we recommend using a sprinkler to clean artificial lawns and wash the dust-out that may be possibly covering the surface area.
5.  Sand – Ensure that your artificial lawn has the correct amount of sand infill approximately 10 to 12 kg per square area.

Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass

Pros:

1. Low maintenance compared to real grass. No mowing or watering is needed.
2. Retains green color and volume throughout the year irrespective of weather conditions. 
3. Durable for roughly 15-20  years with proper base and maintenance.
4. Safer surface for children’s play areas. No mud or allergens.
5. More environmentally friendly than natural grass as it needs no water, fertilizers, or pesticides.

 

Cons: 

1. Higher installation cost compared to  real grass.
2. Can get excessively hot in direct sunlight if the quality is not high density and the yarn type is not suited for heat.
3. Occasional cleaning is required, especially if pets use it.
4. Limited natural feel compared to lush real grass if artificial quality is not premium.

 

1. What Chemicals Clean Artificial Grass?

 

Periodic deep cleaning of synthetic turf is best done with a mild soap and water solution. Scrubbing with a stiff brush lifts dirt and stains. Moss cleaners applied per instructions remove moss buildup. For quick upkeep, blow or broom away debris to maintain a fresh, clean lawn.

2. How Long Does High-Quality Artificial Grass Last?

 

With proper base preparation and routine maintenance, high-end artificial grass with dense thatch and sturdy backing can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years. The lifespan varies based on the manufacturing quality, material, pile density, and frequency of use.

 

3. Do You Need To Wash Artificial Grass?

 

While occasional washing as needed . Use a soft brush and spray mild soap and water solution using a garden hose. Rinse thoroughly.

 

4. What Can Be a Better Option Than Artificial Grass? 

 

For those with ample backyard space and time for maintenance, natural grass may still be a better option. But for compact yards or owners who travel frequently, artificial grass beats real grass hands-down when it comes to practicality and convenience once installed properly.

 

References:

1. Artificial Grass Ideas for Your Business –https://unreallawns.co.nz/artificial-grass-ideas-ideas-for-businesses/

 

1. Artificial Turf for Sports Field– https://unreallawns.co.nz/artificial-turf-for-nz-sports-fields/

 

Conclusion: 

 

Artificial grass allows you to enjoy the aesthetic and utility of a lush lawn irrespective of backyard size or maintenance constraints. With creative thinking and the right materials, you can design a perfect synthetic turf haven to relax, play, or entertain!