Fake Grass is Growing

With an increasing awareness of the importance of water conservation, many people are looking for alternatives to natural grass. Water restrictions, upkeep, and difficulties in growing natural lawn are just some of the reasons why there is a growing demand for a synthetic surface that can replace natural grass. A product that looks like grass, and has all of the benefits of natural grass, yet without any of the mowing, watering, or maintenance is proving to be the perfect answer to difficult areas in a garden or sports area.

Synthetic grass, also called astroturf, artificial grass, or fake grass, has come a long way from the plastic looking grass seen on 1970s TV shows. Nowadays synthetic grass is serious business and the new synthetic grasses really do look and feel like real grass. Sure the new synthetic surface does not look exactly the same, but it looks real enough to make it very difficult to tell the difference without closer examination.

Traditionally the main type of outdoor artificial grass has been a short pile, carpet like product that requires a sand infill to make it durable. This grass is often seen on tennis courts or in playgrounds at kindergartens. Whilst the short pile grass remains popular for its durability and value for money, the new long pile grass is proving to be very popular for its grass like characteristics and close resemblance to real lawn. The new synthetic product can be up to 40mm (over 2 inches) in height and is made from polyethylene fibres which are woven into a rubber backing similar carpet, to produce a very strong and durable product.

An increasing number of synthetic grasses have even been approved by FIFA for use in the surfacing of football fields, with the long pile grasses being softer and allowing athletes to slide without getting carpet burns, and yet still providing traction underfoot. Often the new synthetic grasses have a thin layer of rubber granules or sand trapped within the base of the fibres to provide a cushioning effect. For maximum comfort artificial grass can be installed over an impact absorbing rubber base similar to that used for Olympic running tracks or found as under surfacing around play equipment.

The new synthetic lawn is also being installed at home particularly in areas where home owners simply do not have the time or resources to do all that is required to achieve a lush natural lawn or on a balcony. In a garden setting, synthetic lawn can be perforated to let rain through and to reduce the impact on nearby trees and plants. It also has the advantage of being able to taken up and re-installed in a different area.

Artificial grass can be installed directly over a number of bases depending on application; including dirt, compacted road base, wetpour rubber base or concrete. It can be fixed in place by nailing it to a surrounding timber border, or by pegging it to the ground. Often the weight of sand and rubber infill may be enough to hold it securely in place.

Good quality synthetic grass is expensive and that remains a hindrance to its growth. Yet in many instances the expense is outweighed by the advantages. There is no doubt that the demand for synthetic grass will continue to grow.

Next time you walk past lush green lawn that appears to be too good to be real, take a second look. It may well be that its not.

Pictures of the new long pile synthetic grasses may be found at playcover.com.au.

Copyright Nick Warren 2007. This article may be used for free providing the text and references remain intact and unchanged.