Types of Artificial Turf

Artificial turf has many benefits: It doesn't need mowing, watering, or feeding; it's green all year round; and it can be as soft as real grass. From a distance it can be difficult to tell the real from the fake. Here are a few ways to make artificial turf work for your outdoor space.

Eating Outside

Dining al fresco is one of the pleasures of having a garden, and there are many benefits to using artificial grass to carpet outdoor dining spaces. In this chic, modern design the sharp square of artificial grass complements the style of the furniture and will be able to withstand chairs being moved back and forth across it — unlike real grass, the high volume of footfall won't wear it away. Artificial turf is a good choice here because it won't stay damp like natural grass, so furniture won't rust or rot. Since the grass doesn't need mowing, the heavy furniture won't have to be moved each week in summer.

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Kids' Play Area

Lawns can take a real battering in areas of the garden that children regularly play in and may often need repairing or patching. By using artificial grass instead, this garden looks fun and enticing for children yet will be robust enough to stand up to games, sports, and general wear and tear. Another great advantage is that the surface won't get muddy so children are less likely to bring dirt into the house.

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Edging

Proving that edges don't have to be straight and unimaginative, this artificial lawn looks stylish and contemporary thanks to the pattern of the irregularly sized white paving blocks. One of the benefits of using artificial turf is that it always looks neat and tidy and won't require the weekly chore of edging that would be necessary with natural turf.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Simple Steps to Success: Lawns and Groundcover © 2012 Dorling Kindersley Limited