Synthetic Grass NZ: Benefits and Top Brands

Synthetic Grass NZ: Benefits and Top Brands

Synthetic grass has become a game-changer for New Zealand property owners seeking low-maintenance, water-efficient landscaping solutions. At Unreal Lawns & Courts, we’ve witnessed firsthand the growing popularity of artificial turf across residential and commercial spaces.

This comprehensive guide explores the advantages of synthetic grass NZ options and highlights the top brands available in the market. We’ll also provide essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect artificial lawn for your specific needs.

Why Synthetic Grass Transforms NZ Landscapes

Effortless Maintenance and Water Conservation

Synthetic grass has revolutionised landscaping in New Zealand, offering a multitude of benefits that cater to our unique climate and lifestyle needs. The most compelling advantage of artificial turf is its minimal upkeep requirements. Natural lawns demand regular mowing, watering, and fertilising, but synthetic grass stays pristine with little effort. This translates to substantial time and cost savings for property owners.

A five-year research initiative demonstrated a 40% water savings over the leading bermudagrass, without loss of turf quality.

Year-Round Visual Appeal

New Zealand’s varied climate can wreak havoc on natural grass, but synthetic turf remains lush and vibrant regardless of the weather. Whether it’s the scorching summer heat in Auckland or the frosty winters in Queenstown, artificial grass maintains its colour and texture. This consistent appearance enhances property aesthetics throughout the year, potentially boosting real estate values. The National Association of Realtors suggests that well-maintained landscaping can increase property values by up to 12%.

Versatility for Every Space

Synthetic grass adapts to a wide range of environments, making it an ideal solution for diverse landscaping needs. From residential backyards to commercial spaces, sports fields, and even indoor areas, artificial turf offers flexibility that natural grass simply can’t match. It’s perfect for rooftop gardens where weight and water drainage are concerns.

Durability in Harsh Conditions

Artificial grass stands up to heavy foot traffic, extreme weather, and intense use without showing signs of wear. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like playgrounds, sports fields, and commercial spaces. The durability of synthetic grass ensures that it maintains its appearance and functionality for years, even under challenging conditions.

Eco-Friendly Alternative

While it may seem counterintuitive, synthetic grass can be an environmentally friendly option. It eliminates the need for harmful pesticides and fertilisers, reduces water consumption, and cuts down on emissions from lawn maintenance equipment. Many modern synthetic grass products are also made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan, further reducing their environmental impact.

As we explore the top synthetic grass brands available in New Zealand, you’ll discover how these benefits translate into real-world applications for various properties and landscapes.

Leading Synthetic Grass Brands in NZ

New Zealand’s synthetic grass market offers a variety of high-quality options for homeowners and businesses. Here’s a list of the top brands that consistently deliver exceptional products and services.

Unreal Lawns: Premium Quality and Professional Installation

Unreal Lawns stands at the forefront of the industry as a leader in premium artificial grass solutions. Their products boast a realistic appearance and durability, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. Unreal Lawns offers a range of turf options suitable for various purposes, from lush backyard lawns to resilient sports surfaces.

What distinguishes Unreal Lawns is their commitment to professional installation. Their expert team completes every installation to the highest standards, which maximizes the longevity and performance of the synthetic grass. This attention to detail has earned them an excellent reputation in the New Zealand market.

Artificial Lawn: Wide Range for Diverse Needs

Artificial Lawn has made its mark by offering an extensive range of synthetic grass types. Their product line caters to diverse needs, from soft, child-friendly turf for play areas to more robust options for high-traffic zones. This versatility makes Artificial Lawn a preferred choice for landscape architects and property owners seeking specific solutions.

One of Artificial Lawn’s strengths lies in their focus on UV-resistant materials. This feature proves particularly important in New Zealand’s harsh sun conditions, as it helps maintain the grass’s colour and integrity over time. Their products have demonstrated impressive resilience against fading (a common issue with lower-quality artificial turf).

Tiger Turf: Sports Surface Specialists

Tiger Turf has carved out a niche in the sports and recreation sector. Their synthetic grass products meet the demanding requirements of various sports, from football and rugby to tennis and cricket. The company’s expertise in creating surfaces that optimise player performance and safety has made them a top choice for schools, sports clubs, and professional venues across New Zealand.

Tiger Turf has successfully applied their technology to landscaping applications as well. Their residential and commercial turf options benefit from the same durability and performance characteristics as their sports surfaces, offering a robust solution for high-use areas.

SmartGrass: Eco-Conscious Innovation

SmartGrass positions itself as an eco-friendly alternative in the synthetic grass market. Their products focus on sustainability, using recycled materials where possible and ensuring that their turf remains recyclable at the end of its lifespan. This approach appeals to environmentally conscious consumers who want to reduce their ecological footprint.

A unique offering from SmartGrass is their Earth Series™ synthetic grass, which drains 5x faster than regular artificial turf and even faster than real grass. This feature ensures quick disappearance of rain and pet urine, making it a practical choice for various applications.

Each of these brands brings something unique to the table, catering to different needs and preferences in the New Zealand market. The next section will explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right synthetic grass for your specific situation, helping you navigate through the options available.

How to Choose the Right Synthetic Grass

Pile Height and Density: Key Factors

The pile height of synthetic grass ranges from 30mm to 40mm. Medium pile heights (30-35mm) offer a great balance for general use, while longer piles (40mm) provide a luxurious, soft appearance, perfect for residential applications. Density affects the grass’s fullness and durability. Higher density (15,000-18,000 stitches/m²) results in a more realistic look and better wear resistance.

UV Resistance and Colour Retention

New Zealand’s harsh sun can affect synthetic grass. Products with strong UV resistance prevent fading and maintain colour vibrancy over time. Many manufacturers use UV stabilisers in their fibres, but quality varies. Ask for specific UV protection ratings and expected colour retention periods. Some high-quality products maintain their colour for up to 10-15 years with proper care.

Effective Drainage Systems

Effective drainage is essential for synthetic grass, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Products with perforated backing allow water to flow through at a rate of at least 30 inches per hour. This ensures quick drying and prevents waterlogging, which can lead to mould growth and unpleasant odours. Some advanced systems offer even faster drainage rates, making them excellent choices for areas with frequent rain or high water exposure.

Warranty and Lifespan Expectations

A good warranty indicates a manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Most reputable brands offer warranties ranging from 7 to 15 years. However, the actual lifespan of synthetic grass can extend beyond 20 years with proper care and maintenance. When comparing warranties, pay attention to what’s covered – some may only protect against manufacturing defects, while others might include guarantees against fading or excessive wear.

Installation and Cost Considerations

Professional installation is important for the longevity and performance of your synthetic grass. While DIY kits are available, they often lack the specialised tools and expertise needed for proper base preparation and seam joining. Professional installation typically costs between $50 to $100 per square metre (depending on the complexity of the project and site conditions). Factor this into your budget along with the cost of the turf itself, which can range from $30 to $100 per square metre for high-quality products.

Final Thoughts

Synthetic grass NZ options have transformed landscaping for properties across the country. The advantages include minimal upkeep, water savings, consistent visual appeal, and resilience in various weather conditions. These benefits make artificial turf an attractive solution for property owners who want a practical and visually pleasing outdoor space.

Top brands in New Zealand offer unique strengths to meet diverse needs. Factors such as pile height, density, UV resistance, drainage capabilities, and warranty terms play important roles in determining the longevity and performance of artificial turf investments. Installation requirements and costs also require consideration for an informed decision.

For those who seek a hassle-free, attractive, and durable landscaping solution, synthetic grass from Unreal Lawns provides an excellent choice. Their premium artificial grass solutions combine aesthetics with functionality (offering low-maintenance options for residential and commercial spaces). Synthetic grass NZ options can transform outdoor spaces into lush, green oases that remain beautiful year-round.