Artificial grass - help!

[PennyPinkPineapple]

We've got artificial grass in our garden, about 11m2 of it. I don't like it but DH says it's more suitable than real grass as we have a dog.

I've just read a thread about how bad for the environment it is and seen other discussions about no mow May, wildlife in gardens etc and I've decided I want it GONE, like now!

DH has finally agreed we can get rid of it but 1) not until winter because you can't lay turf or grass seed in summer - no idea if this is true, and 2) we have to pay a professional to do it because it's hard work - again, no idea if this is true.

Whilst this discussion was taking place I got another waft of hot dog wee and said enough is enough, I'm doing it today. This has turned into an argument and I've been told I'm being reckless and impatient 🙄and the garden will be ruined by sun down.

Before I embarrass myself by starting something haven't got the strength or ability to finish, can anyone tell me if I can do this? I was just going to rip the AG up, take it to the dump and go and get some turf and unroll it and cut it into shape with probably a knife from the kitchen?

that really is marvellous
my ds is moving soon to a house with a patch of artificial grass, they too plan to remove, dh wondered whether he could sell it somehow

Wow, that is a big job 😳 how long did it take you?

I was very lucky in the end, less than £100 and a few hours work, plus daily watering.

It would be great to see another update @PennyPinkPineapple . I hope the grass is thriving.

I'm on holiday at the moment, but I took these photos on Sunday 16th July.

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Very impressive- good job!

@PennyPinkPineapple blimey that’s one healthy looking patch of grass. Can you come and sort my lawn out for me?

Lush!

That makes you want to walk on it barefoot and wiggle your toes down into. I can’t imagine wanting to do that with artificial

Oh wow! No comparison. Great decision

Well done OP!!

It is very green isn't it!

Yes, it is nice and cool and tickley to stand on now 😊

I can't believe how good it looks! Your dog will be nice and cool lying on it.

I have an update about the old plastic grass.

My husband dropped it off at our daughter's nursery last weekend (after it had been thoroughly vacuumed and disinfected!) and they have just been sent some photos of it's new home. They've made it into a little outdoor reading area 🌻📚 it looks really nice.

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Lovely! Also, (as you have done) don't be afraid to keep the grass quite long this year to allow the roots to establish. Someone once told me that the height to grass is proportional to the root length, so if you keep it long for the first season or couple of seasons then it has the chance to stay much healthier.

Oh and when you do cut it, do it in stages so you are only taking a bit off each time and don't shock the grass.

Seriously good job so far though, it's lovely 😍

Uh oh, DH borrowed a mower and did it while I was away 😬😬
It has grown a bit since, but I'll make sure it doesn't get cut again for a few months. Thanks!

Another good thing about proper grass is being able to see we have a night-time visitor 🦔

Wow, your new lawn looks amazing! As another poster said, fancy coming and sorting mine out? And great to see evidence of visitors.

Just here to add to the applause.

They have it next door and it is grim-best impulse decision ever to rip it up-must have been so so satisfying!!!!

Some schools or play groups might like it it's taken up in a large piece and still okay, especially if they only have a concrete yard. They just lay it in the ground like a rug for the children to sit on to read, do activities, etc. They can then roll it up and reuse it again and again - like any other playmat/rug.

Ah - she have read the updates and the full thread!
But - just like the nursery has done is pretty much what I was going to suggest.

New lawn looks lovely, as does the nursery's little outdoor reading area.