We've just had a plastic lawn put in. AMA

[Imdunfer]

As title.

If you're going to raise climate issues please make sure you have your facts right before you post. There is a lot of incorrect PR and social media comment about plastic turf going around at the moment.

Did you choose artificial turf because that part of the garden doesn’t get enough sunlight for grass to grow well?

The good reason is that we love it. The garden looks great for the first time in the 4 years we have lived here.

I have a 3m x 3m decked area topped with astro turf, it was done to give my little boy a safe area to be outside. He is profoundly disabled, unable to sit or stand he has learned to roll although his head control is poor. He also has an unsafe swallow but likes to explore the floor underneath him with his mouth. The deck was installed to give him a safe, fenced area to be out of his wheelchair and explore safely, the people who put the deck in suggested AstroTurf to give him some cushioning when he does lose head control. I also find it easier to keep free of the natural debris that is on lawns.

Thank you for a sensible question. Yes. We fought for 4 years to make a decent lawn but the combination of lack of sunlight due to a high brick wall on 3 sides made it impossible no matter what we did. The underlying ground is also dire and won't support a healthy lawn. The next door neighbour has theirs taken up, dug out, new topsoil and premium quality turf at great expense 2 years ago and now it looks as rough as it ever did.

People seem to forget a garden is a living thing. It grows, it morphs, it even dies. It is never ever meant to be perfect.

And that is the number one reason why all fake lawns are identified as Fake as soon as you look at them - there is no life. No rogue dandelion or moss or another other plant. No one blade that is taller than the others, or a seed head poking its nose up. No worm casts or mole hill. Not an insect to be seen.

Has a fox shat on it yet? Do you think you'll enjoy cleaning it up when one does?

Same. We're looking at the moment and won't see a house with plastic grass

What options other than plastic did you consider for the area when you recognised that real grass wasn't suitable?

Yes it's obvious it's fake simply because it looks so lovely.

What is the expected lifespan before it needs replacing?

Here in Ireland we have a show called super garden, in gardeners compete for the proze to showcase their garden in Bloom - Our version of the Chelsea flower show. There was a good a few gardens designed for people who have disabilities in a wheelchair etc as well as families with children. not one had plastic grass, There are so many options out there for gardens without having to resort to plastic grass

I don't think it will be any different than the cat and the hedgehogs.

I suppose if you blow a large amount of money on something, you need to convince yourself that it looks absolutely identical to actual grass.

And your "ask me anything" question was? Oh, you didn't have one you just came on the thread to preach?

We wanted it, we didn't want the alternatives, we love it.

But it does.

You don't have to mow it, but you do have to vacuum it

A lot longer than either of us is likely to live.

Why? It is tacky and common.

You started the thread you are the one who is preaching 😆
Dont want peoples opinions dont start a thread then simples 😜

What will you do when it melts in the heat?

No - it looks fake and lifeless

No you don't. There is this stuff called rain that washes it clean and you just pick and litter and dead leaves off the surface.

I think some people have what could be politely termed an educational deficit when it comes to matters that have a profound effect on the world around them.

It looks great. It makes me smile every time I pass a window or leave the house by the back door.

Had mine 6 years. It’s never melted once.