How long does artificial grass last?

Far lower maintenance than a natural lawn but with the same attractive appearance, artificial grass can be an easy solution worth considering for outdoor areas. Before making an investment, you may be weighing up the price against how long your new grass will last, to make sure you are making the right decision.

Artificial grass installed on your property can typically last between 10 and 20 years, although this term can be longer or shorter. This is because the longevity of synthetic grass is dependent on many different variables, some of which you have the power to influence. In the following passages, we break down the factors affecting how many years you will get out of your grass and what you can do to help.

The quality of the product

What your artificial grass is made from and how well it has been manufactured can have a significant impact on its lifespan. Like the natural grass it imitates, synthetic options are comprised of thousands of separate blades. Crafted from plastic, the blades are sewn into a specially designed backing material. How long your grass can endure will partly depend on the strength of the plastic used for the blades. Most artificial grass uses either robust options like polypropylene or nylon, but always check the quality of the blades before buying.

The backing to which the blades are attached has two layers. The membrane is the top layer onto which the grass is physically sewn, while the bottom layer is a built-for-purpose bonding material that affixes everything together. If damage occurs between these two layers, it can greatly decrease the life of your artificial lawn, so request samples and test the backing material’s strength.

Overall, lower quality products will be represented by weak blades and backing, offering a far shorter lifespan.

How you use your grass

Obviously, the more traffic your synthetic grass sees, the more quickly it will wear. Lawns located merely for display will tend to outlive those situated in communal gardens with footfall from children and pets on a regular basis. If you plan to use artificial grass for a family lawn, the more durable and high-quality offerings are worth considering.

Professional installation

An efficient installation is a major factor in how long your grass will last, so if you want to see the best return on your investment, leaving this task to the experts can be a wise move. Without proper care during installation, a lawn can suffer from drainage issues along with plant and weed growth problems, which can drastically reduce its longevity.

Proper maintenance

While artificial options are nowhere near as labour intensive as a natural lawn, they do require taking care of to ensure they last. The key area of maintenance will be to remove organic or chemical spills and pet waste from your lawn instantly to avoid damage or discolouration, while any general foreign objects can be brushed away around once a month. Simple rinsing and brushing will be all that is needed to keep your artificial grass looking at its best and extending its life for many years.