Essential Guidance when Choosing Artificial Grass
Artificial Grass in Gardens – What Homeowners Really Need to Know
Written by Goodwin Gardens Ltd – specialists in artificial grass installation and design-led garden landscaping.
Artificial grass has become a popular option instead of normal turf lawns for homeowners across Cheshire who are looking for a clean, durable and low-maintenance lawn. When specified and installed correctly, it can provide a natural-looking surface that performs consistently throughout the year. More on the benefits of Artificial Grass are in our other blog post.
However, not all artificial grass is the same, just as substandard installation are false-economy. Performance, appearance and lifespan depend on material quality, pile structure and installation method, not just how it looks on day one.
Understanding pile length, weight and density
Artificial grass is often marketed by pile length alone, but this tells only part of the story. While longer piles can feel softer underfoot, they also require sufficient density and fibre quality to avoid flattening over time.
Key factors to consider include:
Pile length – affects softness and appearance
Pile weight (grams per square metre) – heavier products generally perform better
Density and stitch rate – determines how well the grass holds its shape
Cheaper artificial grass often uses lighter fibres with lower density, which leads to:
Premature flattening
Loss of colour
An unnatural, plastic appearance
A well-considered artificial lawn balances pile length with fibre strength and density to maintain a natural look long term. Using our samples, we can guide you on this decision.
What “pet-friendly” artificial grass really means
The term pet-friendly is widely used, but rarely explained properly. Technically, pet-friendly artificial grass should offer:
Effective drainage, allowing liquids to pass through quickly
Non-absorbent fibres, preventing odour retention
Durable backing, able to withstand regular cleaning
Without proper drainage and a correctly constructed sub-base, even the best artificial grass can develop smells or hygiene issues. Professional installation ensures waste can be washed through the surface rather than trapped beneath it.
Edging, fixing and bonding – often overlooked, but critical
One of the biggest differences between professional and poor artificial grass installations lies in the edges and fixings. Artificial grass must be securely restrained to prevent movement, lifting or visible joins.
Common edging and fixing options include:
Treated timber edging (these inevitably degrade over time)
Aluminium or composite edging systems (more expensive, flexible and resilient)
Masonry or concrete restraints (cheaper, sometimes easier to install)
In addition, high-quality adhesives and bonding tapes are used at joins to create seamless transitions that remain secure over time. This adhesive is also used with aluminium, composite and concrete edging systems.
The last consideration is proper cutting and shaping around curves, steps and planting areas to finally achieve a natural and long lasting finish.
Joining and cutting artificial grass to shape
Artificial grass is supplied in rolls, which means careful planning is required to minimise joins and place them discreetly. A key decision is first deciding on 2, 4 or 5m roll width. Poorly aligned joins are one of the most obvious signs of a low-quality installation.
Professional installers:
Align pile direction consistently
Cut cleanly to avoid frayed edges
Use correct jointing tapes and adhesives
Position joins away from main sight lines
When done properly, joins should be virtually invisible once brushed and dressed.
Why cheap artificial grass doesn’t last
Low-cost artificial grass products are designed to look acceptable initially, but they often fail quickly due to:
Low pile weight
Weak backing materials
Poor UV resistance
Inferior fibre recovery
Combined with inadequate ground preparation, these products can flatten, fade and degrade within a few years. Investing in quality materials and professional installation avoids premature replacement and ongoing frustration.
The importance of sub-base and drainage
Artificial grass performance depends heavily on what lies beneath it. A properly constructed sub-base ensures stability, drainage and longevity.
In our experience, the most effective sub-base typically includes:
A compacted Type 3 MOT base for permeability
A blinding layer of limestone dust to achieve a smooth, accurate finish
Correct falls to encourage surface water drainage
Type 3 MOT is preferred over Type 1 in many cases because it allows water to pass through more freely, reducing the risk of standing water beneath the lawn.
Does artificial grass really look like plastic?
Modern artificial grass has moved a long way from early products. High-quality systems use multi-tone fibres, varied blade shapes and realistic textures to mimic natural grass far more convincingly.
When combined with thoughtful garden design, planting and correct installation, artificial grass can look natural and sit comfortably within a landscaped garden rather than appearing artificial or flat.
Choosing the right artificial grass solution
Artificial grass is not a one-size-fits-all product. Usage, drainage, pets, appearance and maintenance expectations all influence the right specification.
For homeowners considering artificial grass, professional installation ensures:
Correct material selection
Long-term performance
Clean detailing and natural appearance
When installed properly, artificial grass provides a practical, attractive lawn solution that integrates seamlessly into a well-designed garden.
