One of the most common questions we hear is, “Does artificial grass get too hot in summer?” The simple answer is yes—but not all artificial grass performs the same. Modern fibre technology has made significant improvements, helping create more comfortable outdoor spaces for New Zealand homes.
In this guide, we’ll explain why artificial grass gets hot, what affects surface temperature, and how choosing the right product can help create a more comfortable outdoor space for New Zealand conditions.
Why Artificial Grass Gets Hot
Artificial grass gets hot because the surface absorbs energy from the sun. Several factors can affect how warm it becomes.
Direct Sunlight
The more direct sun a lawn receives, the warmer the surface can become. North-facing areas, open backyards, pool surrounds, and spaces with little shade usually heat up faster.
Fibre Colour and Material
Darker materials generally absorb more heat than lighter materials. The colour, density, and fibre construction of artificial grass can all influence how much heat is retained.
Surrounding Hard Surfaces
Concrete, paving, retaining walls, and fences can reflect or hold heat around the lawn. This can make some outdoor areas feel warmer, especially in enclosed spaces
Airflow and Shade
A lawn with good airflow and some natural shade will usually feel more comfortable than a fully exposed area with little air movement.
Installation and Base Preparation
A professionally installed lawn with the correct base, drainage, and finishing details can help the surface perform better over time. While installation alone does not stop heat, it contributes to overall comfort, drainage, and long-term performance.
Can You Reduce Artificial Grass Heat?
Artificial grass will always be affected by direct sun, but modern products are now designed to improve comfort.
Premium artificial grass products now use advanced yarn technology, UV-stable fibres and improved manufacturing techniques to help reduce heat absorption and improve comfort compared with older or lower-quality turf.
This is where Cool Turf Technology makes a difference.
How Cool Turf Helps Improve Comfort
Cool Turf is designed to create a more comfortable artificial grass surface during warmer months.
It uses heat-reducing yarn technology that reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat than standard artificial grass. This helps reduce surface temperature and makes the lawn more comfortable underfoot during New Zealand summers.
Cool Turf is also part of Unreal Lawns’ premium 5-in-1 artificial grass system, combining:
Cooler Underfoot
Heat-reducing yarn technology designed to improve surface comfort.
Antibacterial Protection
A cleaner surface for families, children, and pets.
Anti-Moss Technology
Designed to help resist moss and algae growth in damp or shaded areas.
Pool Friendly Performance
Suitable for both chlorine and saltwater pool surrounds.
Premium Engineering
Designed for long-term performance in New Zealand conditions.
Is Cool Turf Completely Cool in Direct Sun?
No artificial grass stays completely cool in direct sunlight for long periods.
That is important to understand.
Cool Turf is not magic, and it will still warm up on hot days. However, it is engineered to reduce heat absorption and improve comfort compared with standard artificial grass.
This honest difference matters. The goal is not to create a surface that never gets warm. The goal is to create a lawn that performs better, feels more comfortable, and gives families more usable outdoor time during warmer weather.
Where Cool Turf Makes the Biggest Difference
Family Backyards
Artificial grass is popular with families because it removes mud, mowing, watering, and weekend maintenance. Choosing a cooler product can make the space more enjoyable during summer.
Learn more about Residential Artificial Grass
Pool Areas
Pool surrounds are often exposed to full sun, and nearby paving can increase surface heat. Cool Turf is a strong option for pool areas because it combines improved comfort, fast drainage, and pool-friendly performance.
Discover why Cool Turf is ideal for pool areas
Pet-Friendly Gardens
Dogs and pets can be sensitive to hot outdoor surfaces. Cool Turf helps create a more comfortable lawn, while antibacterial protection and fast drainage support a cleaner pet-friendly space.
Explore Artificial Grass for Pets
Schools and Early Learning Centres
Play areas need to be durable, clean, and comfortable. Heat-reducing turf can help improve comfort in high-use spaces where children spend time outdoors.
Learn about Artificial Grass for Schools & Early Learning
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Tips to Keep Artificial Grass Cooler
Choosing the right product is important, but your outdoor design also makes a difference.
Add Natural Shade
Trees, hedging, shade sails, pergolas, and outdoor umbrellas can help reduce direct sun exposure.
Improve Airflow
Open garden layouts with good airflow can help outdoor spaces feel more comfortable.
Choose Surrounding Materials Carefully
Light-coloured paving, timber, and softer landscaping can help reduce reflected heat compared with darker hard surfaces.
Rinse the Lawn on Very Hot Days
A light rinse can temporarily cool the surface, especially before children or pets use the area.
Keep the Lawn Clean and Groomed
Regular brushing and maintenance help the fibres stand upright and keep the lawn looking and performing at its best.
Common Myths About Artificial Grass and Heat
Myth 1: Artificial grass is always too hot to use
Not always. Surface temperature depends on the product, location, sun exposure, shade, airflow, and surrounding materials.
Myth 2: All artificial grass products perform the same
They do not. Fibre technology, product quality, colour, density, backing, and installation all affect performance.
Myth 3: Cool Turf never gets warm
Cool Turf can still get warm in direct sun, but it is designed to reduce heat absorption and improve comfort compared with standard artificial grass.
Myth 4: Watering artificial grass is the only way to cool it
Rinsing can help temporarily, but product choice, shade, airflow, and landscape design all play an important role.
Learn More About Cool Turf
If heat is one of your concerns, these guides will help you compare your options and choose the right artificial grass for your space.
Helpful resources:
Cool Turf – Premium 5-in-1 Artificial Grass – Discover how Cool Turf combines cooling technology, antibacterial protection, anti-moss performance, pool-friendly durability, and premium engineering.
Stay Cooler This Summer with Cool Turf Technology – Learn how Cool Turf helps create a cleaner, cooler, and more comfortable artificial lawn during warmer months.
Artificial Grass NZ – Explore our complete guide to artificial grass, including products, installation, maintenance, and buying advice.
Residential Artificial Grass – Discover why more New Zealand homeowners are choosing low-maintenance artificial lawns for family living.
Artificial Grass for Pets – Learn how pet-friendly artificial grass helps create cleaner, more comfortable outdoor spaces for dogs and pets.
Artificial Grass Installation – See how professional installation helps maximise drainage, durability, and long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does artificial grass get hot?
Artificial grass gets hot because it absorbs energy from the sun, just like concrete, paving, decking, and other outdoor surfaces. The amount of heat depends on the product, sun exposure, airflow, shade, and surrounding materials.
Does all artificial grass get hot?
Yes, all artificial grass can become warm in direct sunlight. However, premium products with heat-reducing technology are designed to improve comfort compared with standard artificial grass.
Is Cool Turf cooler than standard artificial grass?
Yes. Cool Turf uses heat-reducing yarn technology designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard artificial grass, helping create a more comfortable surface during warmer weather.
Can artificial grass burn your feet?
Artificial grass can feel hot underfoot in direct summer sun, especially lower-quality or older products. Choosing a heat-reducing product, adding shade, and rinsing the surface on very hot days can help improve comfort.
Is artificial grass too hot for dogs?
Some artificial grass can become uncomfortable for dogs during hot weather. Cool Turf helps improve comfort, and pet-friendly systems with good drainage and suitable infill can create a cleaner, safer outdoor space.
How can I keep artificial grass cooler?
You can help keep artificial grass cooler by choosing a heat-reducing product, adding shade, improving airflow, using lighter surrounding materials, rinsing the lawn on hot days, and maintaining the turf properly.
Is Cool Turf worth it for sunny areas?
For many homeowners, yes. If your lawn, pool area, pet space, or play area receives strong sun, Cool Turf can offer improved comfort, lower maintenance, and long-term performance benefits.
Ready to Choose a Cooler Artificial Grass Solution?
If you’re planning a new artificial lawn and want a more comfortable outdoor space during summer, our team can help you choose the right Cool Turf solution for your home.
Whether you are creating a family backyard, pet-friendly lawn, pool area, school playground, or low-maintenance outdoor space, Cool Turf – the premium 5-in-1 artificial grass system is designed to deliver greater comfort, cleaner performance, and long-term value for New Zealand conditions.
