Artificial Grass Backyard Landscapes for a Modern Refresh

A beautifully landscaped backyard is a joy to behold. But maintaining a lush, green lawn requires considerable time, effort and resources. Mowing, watering, fertilizing - it all adds up over the gardening season. For homeowners seeking a lower maintenance alternative, artificial grass offers myriad backyard possibilities.

Artificial turf has come a long way from the days of astroturf. Today's artificial grass looks and feels remarkably realistic. Advanced polypropylene and polyethylene blend materials are soft underfoot yet highly durable. Backed by proper drainage and base preparation, artificial lawns stand up well to pets, children and events without showing wear.

Benefits of Artificial Grass for Backyard Landscapes

Low Maintenance & Water Savings

Once installed properly, artificial grass requires virtually no upkeep compared to natural sod. There's no need for weekly mowing, watering, fertilizing or pest control. Artificial lawns retain their fresh, manicured appearance year-round regardless of season or weather.

For many homeowners, the water savings alone make artificial turf worthwhile. Natural grass requires about 55 gallons of water per square foot annually. Drought-tolerant artificial grass virtually eliminates this major use of freshwater resources.

All-Season Usability

While regular turf turns brown or muddy in winter, artificial grass maintains its vibrant color and cushioned feel. Your backyard can be enjoyed spring, summer, fall and winter with artificial turf. Snow brushes right off the blades without damage.

Synthetic grass also avoids problems like dead spots, weeds and pests. It's ideal for households with pets who will track in mud and dirt otherwise. Artificial turf stands up to heavy foot traffic areas without showing wear patterns.

Soft & Realistic Appearance

Gone are the days of rough, fake-looking astroturf. Today's artificial grass uses advanced polyethylene and polypropylene grass blade materials. This gives each blade a soft, natural feel while retaining shape and color over decades of use.

Quality artificial turf is near-indistinguishable from real grass at a distance. A mix of blade lengths, shapes and colors creates a beautifully realistic landscape. With so many options available, you can select an artificial grass to match your tastes.

Safety & Pet Friendliness

Artificial grass is a safer surface than concrete or gravel for kids and pets. It provides a soft landing for play areas. The durable blades are pet-friendly as well, resisting damage from paws, urine and waste.

Proper drainage is key for any turf installation. Artificial grass uses perforated backings and gravel bases to allow liquid to pass through. This prevents puddles or odors. A regular hosing keeps artificial lawns clean for kids and furbabies.

Increased Home Value

Investing in artificial grass can increase a home's value. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) found 83% of recent homebuyers wanted low-maintenance yards. Curb appeal matters, and artificial grass offers year-round greenery with minimal upkeep.

For homes with children or pets, artificial turf avoids "dead grass" spots. It retains bright colors without browning. Beautiful landscaping can increase a home's value upon resale. Artificial grass gives buyers fewer lawn care worries.

Elements to Consider for Artificial Grass Backyard Design

Measurements & Layout

Proper planning and measurements ensure full backyard coverage. Experts recommend adding an extra 10% edge space for a seamless layout. Consider which shape - square, rectangular or custom - best suits your landscape design.

Factor in placements for patio furniture, playgrounds, gardens and hardscapes. Image how the space will be used to optimize artificial grass placement. Mark sprinkler locations to avoid during installation.

Type of Artificial Grass

Polyethylene and polypropylene blend artificial grasses are popular for their realism and softness. Nylon grass blades withstand heavy use in high foot traffic areas. There are also artificial putting greens for backyard practice.

Consider pile height, fiber thickness and turf weight to match your needs. Keep pets and play areas in mind. A professional can recommend the best artificial grass options for your goals and budget.

Drainage & Base Preparation

Proper drainage and base prep prevents artificial grass problems down the road. Experts recommend excavating 2-4 inches of topsoil before adding crushed stone or gravel. A permeable weed barrier is added before artificial turf installation.

Grading any uneven areas provides a flat base to avoid dips or bumps. Aadequate drainage prevents puddles which can lead to mold, mildew and sinking. A porous backing allows rainfall to filter through artificial grass.

Borders & Accessories

Borders provide a polished finish along edges, fences or hardscapes. Aluminum, stone, brick and concrete are popular border options that keep artificial grass edges firmly in place.

Accessories like turf underlayment improve drainage and comfort. Infill materials like sand or rubber offer added support. Seaming tape creates seamless transitions between turf sections.

Installation Process for Artificial Grass in Backyards

Remove Existing Grass & Prep Area

Installation starts by removing any existing grass or vegetation. A sod cutter or shovel removes top layers of sod and soil. Next, the area is graded flat and loose materials removed.

Sprinklers and irrigation systems should be capped or relocated if necessary. Proper base preparation is key to prevent dips, bumps or uneven sections later on.

Install Base Materials

A porous weed barrier is laid over the cleared area, secured in place with staples. This prevents weeds from disrupting the artificial grass backing later on.

Next, a layer of crushed stone or gravel is added and flattened for drainage. A concrete perimeter border keeps the base and turf edges in place long-term.

Fit, Cut & Secure Artificial Turf

Artificial grass sections are rolled into position and trimmed to fit using a utility knife. Sections are secured in place temporarily with stakes while proper seaming and edge attachments are made.

Adhesive seaming tape prevents visible seams between sections. Edging is also secured around borders and boundaries to finishes installation.

Fill Infill & Groom Surface

Infill material like sand or crumb rubber is brushed deeply into the artificial grass backing for support and realism. This helps blades stand upright while cushioning foot traffic.

Finally, a push broom is used to fluff and groom the synthetic fibers. The finished lawn is ready for use after excess materials are cleared away.

Caring for Your Artificial Grass Backyard

Regular Clearing of Debris

While low maintenance, artificial turf does require some routine care. Leaves, dirt and other debris should be cleared using a stiff brush or turf rake. This maintains the grassy appearance.

Pet waste should be promptly removed to prevent odors and staining. A garden hose occasionally rinsed away dust and pollen as needed.

Occasional Disinfecting

For households with pets, occasionally disinfecting artificial grass prevents odors. Pet-safe antibacterial sprays or mild soap and water lift away odors, urine and waste.

Rinsing right after application prevents soapy residue. Avoid harsh bleach solutions which may damage artificial grass materials over time.

Brushing Against Grain

Occasional "fluffing" helps synthetic grass blades stand upright, maintaining the lush appearance. Using a push broom, brush fibers against the grain to lift and separate.

This simple routine detangles matted areas from foot traffic. Rotating furniture helps avoid permanent depressions in the turf as well.

While durable, artificial grass is still vulnerable to furniture indentations if left too long. Rotating positions avoids permanent depressions. Plastic floor protectors under legs distribute weight.