Choosing artificial turf over natural grass is a smart move if you want a low-maintenance backyard. You still get the aesthetic look of grass but without the upkeep. You don’t have to stick to a watering schedule or worry about the best time of day to fertilize your lawn. Another perk of having artificial turf is its functionality and versatility.
While you have to be more gentle with natural grass, there are countless activities you can do with family and friends on artificial turf. High-quality artificial turf is durable, lasting up to 12 or 15 years, even with heavy use.
Here are some backyard artificial turf ideas to help you maximize your outdoor space. You can also ask the help of a lawn care specialist to install artificial turf in your backyard and perform regular maintenance to keep it in pristine shape.
Creative Projects for Homeowners
Your backyard might not be visible like your front yard, but that doesn’t mean it has less value. You can use artificial turf to transform it into a space of relaxation or play for your family and guests.
Here are some creative ways you can incorporate artificial turf into your backyard for various purposes.
Create a Dog Park
It’s nearly impossible to keep your lawn immaculate when you have rambunctious pets. Fortunately, that won’t be a problem with artificial turf. You can use it to create a mini dog park for your furry loved ones without worrying about holes or embarrassing urine spots. It will stay green all year, no matter how rowdy your dog gets.
Artificial turf is an ideal material for dogs, providing a soft and durable area for them to run and play. You’ll just want to hose it down once a week to keep the area smelling fresh.
Build a Backyard Playground
A backyard playground might encourage your children to get out more. Artificial turf can be a safer alternative to pebbles or mulch, providing a soft area for your kids to play on. The materials underneath the grass layer have cushioning properties, which can help soften the blow when children trip or fall. With artificial turf, rainy days won’t automatically equate to mud in your kitchen. Kids can play outside, and you don’t have to worry about having mud tracked inside.
You can let your creativity flow when designing your kids’ backyard playground, adding elements like a climbing frame, slide or trampoline.
Install It Around Your Pool
If you have a pool in your backyard, installing artificial turf around it may make it less prone to slipping. Kids and adults alike can roam barefoot after a refreshing dip. And because turf has excellent drainage, your backyard will be mud and puddle-free. That will keep your pool clear, providing an enjoyable swimming experience for everyone.
Aside from enhancing safety and cleanliness, artificial turf beautifies your pool area and adds an element of comfort. It makes you feel surrounded by nature, which is more relaxing than hard concrete. You can lay towels on the grass and relax as if you’re on vacation.
Make a Backyard Retreat
A backyard retreat lets you escape life’s stresses and find your inner calm without leaving your home. Installing artificial turf can make this nook extra cozy and comfortable. The greenery will add a lushness to the area without much maintenance. You can also enhance the space with string lights, lounge chairs and a hammock.
Try mixing artificial turf with natural greenery to create a visually appealing oasis. You can fill the space with potted flowers and plants or install a vertical garden to maximize the space.
Create a Backyard Sports Arena or a Putting Green
Football fields and sports stadiums wouldn’t be complete without artificial turf. This synthetic material is durable enough to withstand the roughest play from professional athletes. Although you can’t fit an entire sports arena in your backyard, you can create a mini version to encourage fitness and friendly competition at home.
You can add painted lines to your artificial turf for various outdoor sports and games. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you can turn your backyard into a putting green instead. Turf grass provides a natural roll for golf balls, mimicking actual course play.
Modernize Your Backyard Landscaping
If you want to update your backyard landscaping without the hefty cost, artificial turf and pavers might be the solution you’re looking for. Use the pavers to define seating areas, pathways and seating areas. You can add turf grass between them once you’ve laid them out. The combination of lush greenery and the elegance of the pavers will transform your backyard.
Lawn care professionals can help you execute these backyard artificial turf ideas. You can also ask them for low-maintenance modern front yard landscaping ideas.
What Is Best to Put Under Artificial Grass?
Artificial turf is a low-maintenance solution to natural grass. For it to look good, it needs proper installation. Placing it directly on top of the soil without a base would be a mistake that can lead to poor drainage and unsightly wrinkles. The uneven surface can also cause people to trip and fall.
Artificial turf requires a base material for stability and efficient drainage. Here are some tried and tested options you can use as your base.
Decomposed Granite Base
Made of small granite rocks, decomposed granite is an excellent base for artificial turf. It creates an even and compact underlying surface with sufficient permeability. Offering excellent drainage, you don’t have to worry about flooding during heavy downpours. However, one downside is its cost. It’s made entirely of granite, explaining the steep price tag. Another thing to note is that it can settle over time as it gets wet, creating an uneven surface.
Crushed Aggregate Base
A crushed aggregate base consists of concrete, asphalt and crushed rocks. These particles come in different sizes, from dust particles to small rocks. The various materials, textures and sizes help in compaction, creating an even, long-lasting surface. Homeowners can choose between fine and course materials to customize their base.
Class II Road Base
Class II road base is a premium option for homeowners who want a dependable base for their artificial turf. This durable material can last years, even with heavy use. It has no problem withstanding heavy foot traffic and persistent downpours. It’s a special mix of large and small aggregate bases with excellent compaction, permeability and drainage, making it ideal for patios, driveways and roads.
Knowing which base to use is just half the battle. You must also correctly install the base layer and turf grass for the best results. That’s where lawn care professionals come in. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done. They will ensure your turf grass looks seamless for the years to come.
How Often Should I Rake Artificial Grass?
While artificial turf requires significantly less upkeep than natural grass, it still needs some TLC. Keeping it clean will help it look its best and prevent ugly weeds from showing up. It will also help prolong its life and protect your investment.
So, how do you keep your artificial turf clean? Regular ranking is the answer. Doing this at least once a week will keep leaves, pollen, dust and other debris at bay.
If your artificial turf looks flat, raking will help the blades stand upright like natural grass. While it takes a lot to flatten turf grass, heavy activity will eventually take its toll. Children, pets and heavy outdoor furniture can all affect its look. Fortunately, raking can bring your turf back to life. Be sure to use a rake with synthetic fibers instead of metal bristles to prevent damaging your turf. Brushing the grass against the grain will have them looking bushy again.
Contact lawn care specialists if you don’t have time to clean your artificial turf. They will provide it with the professional maintenance it deserves. If you have natural grass in another part of your property, they can also give it the proper care it needs to thrive. They can even answer technical questions like ” aerating versus dethatching: what’s the difference? “
Let the Pros Take Care of Your Landscaping Needs
Artificial turf is an investment. Lawn care professionals can help you maximize it and prolong its life. Not only can they install and maintain it, but they can also help you implement your turf landscaping ideas.
ABC Can Create The Yard Of Your Dreams
If you’re the type of homeowner who relishes a beautiful yard but doesn’t look forward to the work that goes into creating it, ABC Home & Commercial Services can install artificial turf so you can have a low-maintenance yard. Afterward, our team of lawn care service experts can help you maintain it so your yard retains its curb appeal.
