If you are looking for a luscious lawn with minimal effort, then artificial grass may be the perfect hack for you. You most typically see astroturf or fake grass on football or hockey pitches - because, let's face it, it is far better slipping on synthetic grass than straight into the mud.
Fake grass doesn't have to be reserved for sports, though. People invest in synthetic grass for their balconies, small courtyards, or any outdoor areas to achieve the feeling of a garden or take the stress out of gardening. Artificial grass is easy to apply, easy to tend to and looks fresh and lush all year round.
There are many choices when it comes to choosing the look of your grass. This includes a variety of colours, from greens to brown or sandy colour options. You can also customise the thickness and growth of the grass and the length and width.
Best artificial grass options at a glance:
Best overall: Luxury 30mm Pile Height Artificial Grass -View offer on Amazon UK
Editor's choice: Prestige 35mm Pile Height Artificial Grass - View offer on Amazon UK
Most affordable: Berlin 26mm Pile Height Artificial Grass - View offer on Amazon UK
While artificial grass is more costly than astroturf - and far more expensive than a kilogram of grass seed - its longevity means that it could be a once-in-a-lifetime outlay depending on your living situation.
What to consider when buying artificial grass?
When purchasing fake grass, check if it has UV protection to prevent bleaching and discolouration. It is also good to see if it has robust latex undersides that help drain off any water, keep it in the right shape and form, and protect it against general wear and tear. Some options prioritise robustness which is a good factor to consider if you have small children and pets.
Here are our top picks of the best artificial grass that you can buy online today.
The best artificial grass
Best overall
Our top pick on this list has glowing reviews, and there are no surprises as to why. At an affordable price, the Tuda Grass Direct artificial grass is made to last and looks fantastic and natural. Not to mention, it is easy to roll out and clean, so you can have an effortless lawn in no time. At an attractive price, the Tuda Grass Direct grass will last you ages without any fading, is highly durable and looks fab. In addition, the grass is very easy to lay down and even easier to clean, and edges are easy to cut if need be.
Customer review: " Lovely looking artificial grass. Easy to lay as it came rolled on a hard cardboard shell and not folded. Easier to cut with scissors rather than a stanley knife after getting the edge marked along slabs. Used the stanley knife and screed straight edged pressed hard into the raised areas at wall and wooden part to cut along here. 2 Hours to lay on a bed of sharp sand from start to finish, then pegged. This was a 4x5 metre patch of garden. What's not to like."
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Doesn't fade
- Free samples available and child and pet-friendly
Cons
- Different batches may vary in quality and length
Editor's choice
If you have a pet or young children, then Prestige's 35mm artificial grass is a suitable pick as it is soft to the touch, reasonably priced and durable. This artificial grass is also UV protected, so it will not discolour due to direct sunlight. Additionally, the durable latex backing manages drainage to help the grass spring back up after compression to keep its pristine look. This product is easy to clean and comes in various sizes to suit your garden.
Customer review: "Great quality looks great and easy to lay and cut not so lightweight so it feels sturdy. Easy to keep clean and comfy for kids to sit and play on. Have vacuumed and used a broom for falling leaves."
Pros
- Affordable, no sand infilling, low maintenance
Cons
- Grass blades thicker than some options
Most affordable
This natural-looking artificial grass is made from two shades of green and is a surefire way to upgrade your patio or garden. It is soft to the touch, easy to clean and a breeze to install.
Customer review: "Very happy with this turf. I bought 2x2.5m lengths and just laid them down on top of my paving slabs and put pots around to keep it in place. Been there a week and hasn’t moved. Has transformed the look of the garden, added colour and fun to what was a drab place. Realistic colour, really comfy and soft to walk on too. Would buy again."
Pros
- Drainage holes embedded
- Easy to install
- Looks realistic
- UV protection
- Highly affordable
Cons
- A little thin compared to pricier options in this list
Recommended
Another affordable option is this 26mm artificial grass from Tuda. It is child and pet-friendly and offers UV protection, so it will stay luscious and green no matter how strong the sun is.
Customer review: "Easy to cut, blends in perfectly when cut into smaller pieces to accommodate awkwardly shaped garden spaces. Excellent drainage and easy to sweep. The colour is very natural looking, and it doesn’t feel coarse under the toes like some poor quality turf do. Could not be more pleased with it ! :)"
Pros
- Easy to cut and shape, and straightforward to clean
Cons
- A bit thin
Best luxury option
Looking for a luxurious option? This artificial grass has a thick, luscious appearance and a lovely natural finish. Plus, it comes in a range of lengths from 40mm, 35mm, 30mm, and the shortest at 26mm. The plastic grass is delicate to the touch and guarantees to live up to 10 years of use. The latex backing offers drainage, with sand infill being optional.
Customer review: "I must say I was dubious ordering artificial grass online but I am so chuffed with this grass. I got the Stratford 30mm, which not only looks great, it feels nice underfoot and is heavy enough to go down with no underlay. No more weeding the patio for me this summer 😁"
Pros
- Excellent quality available in a range of styles
Cons
- Pricey
Membranes
The membrane is an essential component of placing synthetic grass. It offers a barrier between the ground and the latex underside of the lawn. It also helps to improve the grass's durability and prevents weeds from growing in the soil below.
Here is our pick of the two of best membranes:
This versatile, water-permeable, UV-resistant membrane is suitable for patios, paving, and artificial lawns. Not to mention it works great for weed control.
This impressive and durable option from Elixirgardens drains water off with ease and claims to have a 30-year lifespan.
How to install fake grass yourself
Here is a step-by-step guide for installing fake grass on to the soil.
1 Before you begin, start by planning what areas you expect to cover with your artificial grass and estimate how much material you will need for the area.
2 Then, remove any grass in your garden and dig out around two inches of your soil. Next, remove any stones and roots that might get your turf's way.
3 Then, lay a base of granite dust until you get the right level and spread it evenly.
4 After, you will need to roll out your weed membrane on top of your granite dust base to ensure that no weeds come through your artificial grass.
5 Lastly, layout your synthetic grass on the prepared area. Ensure you have a sharp knife at your disposal to cut any excess grass to achieve your desired appearance.
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