Want to get more out of your backyard without constantly battling the weather to keep your lawn looking good? Artificial grass has come a long way in recent years, and more Kiwis are making the switch to a lower-maintenance outdoor space that still looks great year-round. But with so many options available, knowing where to […]
Want to get more out of your backyard without constantly battling the weather to keep your lawn looking good? Artificial grass has come a long way in recent years, and more Kiwis are making the switch to a lower-maintenance outdoor space that still looks great year-round.
But with so many options available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. To help, we’re here to run you through the most important questions to ask before buying artificial grass, so that you can choose a solution that suits your space, lifestyle, and long-term expectations.
After all, if you’re investing time and money into artificial grass, you want to make sure it’s something you’ll love for years to come.
Deciding on where you want to install turf is the first thing you’ll want to do, but you may be surprised at what is possible.
Artificial turf can be used to transform concrete areas, pavers, decking, balconies, and even indoor areas. Every space is a little different, so it’s important to find an artificial turf that will elevate your lawn in looks and function.
There’s no one-turf-fits-all product, but at SmartGrass, we have some great options to choose from that’ll create a unique space that is all yours.
A solid base is the single most important part of having an artificial turf that looks brand new for years, and also dictates how you’ll install your turf. How you prepare your base differs depending on what you’re laying it over, because you can replace more than the existing lawn.
If you’re installing turf to add new life to an existing concrete, paved, or decking area, this may need special considerations. While it is definitely compacted enough, using a turf with specially engineered drainage is key..
Replacing ordinary grass means ensuring it has been fully dug out so your base will be stable over time, without undulation or shifting.
Keep this in mind before you start your project, so you don’t have to improvise halfway through.
So your base is nice and compact, but you’re in a wet area. How do you stop it from becoming waterlogged? When it comes to drainage, it’s not just whether the turf drains water that matters; it’s how efficiently it can deal with it.
If you wait long enough, water will eventually drain from any surface, but this can lead to odour, growth of moss and mould, and hygiene issues. That is why you must check the drainage capacity of the turf you choose before you place your order.
And it’s not just rain you need to think about. If you have pets, quick drainage is important for handling urine, too. That’s why we designed our Earth Series!
Not all turfs are made alike, and if you want the best from your investment, you need to know what it is you’re purchasing. Our best tip is to look for turf that features a pile and backing made from recycled or recyclable materials, because cheap turf made from low-grade plastics tends to become damaged and look worse for wear much faster.
The quality of the sand used for turf infill is also important, as it doesn’t just keep the blades standing straight and looking great. Your infill acts as a part of your drainage system, so you don’t want clumpy sand when winter comes.
A good starting point is to check the warranty and look for features like UV stabilisation, which can tell you a lot about how long the turf is expected to last. Not every company will provide detailed specifications online, so having a conversation with suppliers about specifics is key.
Lifespan isn’t all about the product, though. How it is installed, the level of drainage, the quality of materials used, and how it is cared for can all have an impact. A little research goes a long way. Looking beyond the marketing can help you choose turf that not only looks great on day one, but continues to perform over time.
You can have the most stunning turf with perfectly manicured blades, but if it hasn’t been installed correctly, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to break down.
Every step of your installation is important to getting a long-lasting, eye-catching result. That means preparing the base, checking drainage, laying the turf, and finishing the infill.
A quick chat with your installer about their process, what happens during installation, and the warranty they offer can tell you a lot about the quality of their work. Even premium turf can become a headache if it’s installed badly, so it’s worth making sure your installer knows what they’re doing.
The best thing about artificial turf like SmartGrass is the time you’ll save not having to mow, water, seed, or weed your lawn. While turf isn’t totally free of maintenance, you can set yourself a routine for quick jobs throughout the year and extend the life of your turf at the same time.
Keeping your artificial turf looking great is usually pretty straightforward. Most of the time, it just means clearing away leaves and debris by hand or with a rake, while pet messes can be picked up and rinsed away with a hose. Busy areas can sometimes leave the grass blades looking a little flattened, but a quick brush with a stiff broom will help lift them back into place. With premium turf like SmartGrass, it won’t take much to freshen things up again.
For added protection, use our SmartGrass Turf Care Spray to sanitise your lawn and eradicate moss to keep it fresh and clean. Our Turf Care Spray features an active ingredient specially designed to eradicate moss and effectively break down bacteria from pet waste, and it’s completely child and pet safe. We recommend applying this to your lawn twice annually, and more frequently if it is used by dogs.
If you’re after more advice, we’ve got plenty of maintenance guides and practical tips to help make caring for your turf easy.
The more you know about the process, the better prepared you are to create a long-lasting, practical, and great-looking lawn.
Have a browse through our range of products to find the one that will give you the outdoor lifestyle you deserve, and then let the expert SmartGrass team do all the hard work so that you can sit back and enjoy it.
Choosing the right product, the right installer, and the right location is key to having a lawn that looks just right. Stop by one of our showrooms (located in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington) or get in touch with our team to discuss your project.
