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.
Best artificial grass at a glance:
People invest in synthetic grass for their balconies, small courtyards, or any outdoor areas to achieve the feeling of a garden and take the stress out of gardening. Artificial grass is simple to fit, easy to tend to, and, with the help of some artificial grass cleaner, can look 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 also need to consider the thickness and pile height of the grass and the length and width.
While artificial grass is far more expensive than a kilogram of grass seed its longevity means that it could be a once-in-a-lifetime outlay depending on how much wear it sees and your living situation. Here are our top picks of the best artificial grass that you can buy online today.
The best artificial grass
Best artificial grass overall
Tuda Grass Direct 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 reviewers report the edges are easy to cut if need be.
Pros
- Free samples available to check suitability
- Water-resistant latex backing
Cons
- Colour consistency can be variable
Best short pile artificial grass
GardenKraft If you're just looking for a green ground covering without the texture a longer-length pile brings, you may want to consider a short pile grass. This GardenKraft grass measures in at just 15mm offering a tidy and easy to manage solution for your outside space.
This is available in light or dark green, depending on which will best suit your garden aesthetic. This should be a long lasting solution as it's maximum rated for UV defence protection and has heavy-duty stitched backing.
Pros
- Short pile is best for sloped areas
- This comes in two different shades of green
Cons
- There are no drainage holes pre-drilled
Editor's choice
Tuda Grass DirectIf 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.
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 - nearly 50 - to suit your outside space.
Pros
- This grass needs no sand infilling
- Available in a wide range of different sizes
Cons
- Grass blades thicker than some options
Best artificial grass for dog owners
WALPLUS Households with dogs can benefit from an artificial grass lawn. Dogs should quickly adapt to the new outdoor surface, you'll see less muddy pawprints in your home, and you can keep your outside space clean and odour-free by sluicing down the fake turf on a regular basis.
This WALPLUS option is specially designed for dog-friendly homes as it offers a permeable backing, complete with drainage holes, that will allow water - and other liquids - to easily drain through the artificial turf. This has a 30mm pile height and comes in pieces measuring one metre by 80cm.
Pros
- Highly permeable backing for water drainage
- Made from high-quality polyethylene and polypropylene yarns
Cons
- This is only available in one shade of green
Best realistic-looking artificial grass
Tuda Grass DirectThis natural-looking artificial grass from Tuda Grass Direct is a surefire way to upgrade your balcony, patio, or garden. It is soft to the touch, easy to clean, and a breeze to install. Reviewers report this is soft and comfortable to walk on.
The reason this looks so natural is that the grass is made up of two different shades of green and has brown curly fibre running through it which happy customers say makes the overall appearance of this grass very realistic.
Pros
- Drainage holes are pre-embedded in the turf
- This has very realistic looks thanks to the different shades
Cons
- A little thin compared to pricier options in this list
Best artificial grass tiles
Juvale If you're looking for artificial grass to cover a small area, a balcony or a courtyard perhaps, opting for faux turf tiles could be the way to go. These square grass mats measure in at 12 inches, or 30.5cm, and come in packs of four, so it will be a simple process to work out how many you need.
These tiles aren't the most realistic-looking option, but will bring a vibrant, fresh green tone to any small outdoor space you want to spruce up.
Pros
- This is a great solution for small areas
- Made from a safe, fire-resistant material
Cons
- These tiles are only sold in packs of four
Best budget artificial grass
Tuda Grass DirectAn affordable option is this artificial grass from Tuda Grass Direct. This has an average 26mm pile height, so should suit most outdoor garden needs and is good for areas of moderate wear.
The 'Lisbon' is child- and pet-friendly and offers UV protection, so it will stay luscious and green no matter how strong the sun is. When it comes to rain, this boasts a water-resistant latex backing with drainage holes for rainwater runoff.
Pros
- Easy to cut to the shape you need
- Straightforward to clean with drainage holes
Cons
- Not the thickest option we're featuring
How we chose the best artificial grass
All of this artificial grass has been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the pile height, UV resistance, and durability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of artificial grass to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
What is a membrane and do I need one?
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.
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.
How to install fake grass yourself
Here is a step-by-step guide for installing fake grass on to 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, use a garden rake to remove any stones and roots that might get your turf's way.
3. Then, lay a base of granite dust or sharp sand 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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Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.