Astro Turf/fake grass

[user1498809986]

Hi

We have two kids (7 & 4) and are thinking of redoing our grass area (6m x 8m) in our garden and replacing it with AstroTurf/Grono/Fake Grass.
Am wondering if anyone has any experience of it, either good or bad? Particularly with having kids playing on it a lot of the time, slides, trampoline etc?

Thanks
Heather

Well, I had the opportunity to last year, didn't take it, and I really regret it now! Lawn never stops growing, and the children want to be able to play. At 7 and 4 you could have it for 6-8 years, then returf?

That is a possibility I guess, we've just had some conflicting advice, with some saying it's great and others saying it's not good for heavy usage (kids running round/playing etc) and is only really good for decorative purposes.....so a bit stuck on what to do!

We had a north facing, clay soil, swamp in rainy scotland. Put artificial grass in 3 years ago and love it. We don't have trampolines (do they need ground pegs?) but looks a good as new after 3 years of footie with ds and his mates.

Drains straight away, and they are out as soon as the rain stops and there is no mud coming into the house.

We have it. We love it.

Get as best as you can afford. We got ours at grass direct. They send up to 6 free samples.

Our garden looks fab now. Good luck!

I have it. It looks great.
I have a slide in it though with a metal base. It has left a rust mark. It's due a jet wash soon so don't know if it will come off yet.

Only downside is it's very very bad for the environment

We have it, and love it

It was laid on a sand base, and 4 years on, there are a few dents and lumps and bumps
It doesn't bother us, but if you want bowling green smooth after years of kids playing on it, get the rubber underlay stuff (which also acts as a shock absorber)

We jet wash ours every few weeks because we have a dog and it smells of pee, but otherwise it is totally low maintenance

The closest I can list as a downside is that it looks a bit odd in the height of winter when it is still bright green
Oh, and you'll get called an environmental terrorist by other MNers, so get some trees and planters to keep them happy

We have it. Love it. House stays immaculate! Only downside weve found is ours gets really really hot in hot weather/direct sunlight. You cant walk on it in bare feet. (I may have wussy feet)
Its not a big issue, shoes, chairs rugs etc but it was something I didnt realise till we got it. Still get caught out on occasion when I pop out for something and have to hop back in double quick for my flip flops!

Oh wow, lots of advice, thank you all very much! You've put my mind at rest and I think we will be going for it! Thanks xxxx

Sorry was meant to come back op to tell you the rust did come off with a jet wash

Great! I'm glad you are rust free and good to know that the grass is easily cleaned! We have a small trampoline and a little tikes slide so they're both easily sprayed with a bit of water to keep clean. Do you think regular jet washes of the grass are a good idea then?

I do mine regular. Mainly because we have a dog and it's lay over tarmac so does get a bit stinky if we don't. But I jet wash far less than I would mow the lawn. If you don't have or plan on getting a jet wash I would say a bit of safe outdoor disinfectant and water and a stiff brush a couple of times a year would be just as good. But I wouldn't bother unless it needs it. Like I said the only reason i clean mine is because of dog wee and rust from the slide. If it wasn't for any of those I probably wouldn't clean it at all

Ok great. Thank you!