10+ Artificial Grass Myths: Get the Facts from Our Experts

Artificial grass is beloved for its ease of maintenance and its realistic natural look. But for as long as it’s been around, artificial grass has developed a lot of rumors about its construction, price, features, and more. When it comes to shopping, these myths can cause a lot of confusion. 

This comprehensive guide busts eleven common misconceptions about artificial grass so you can shop smart and find the right option for you! Let’s dive in. 

Myth 1: All Artificial Grass Looks Alike and/or Fake

Expert Opinion: False

While the main premise of artificial grass is to look green all year round, different types of artificial grass do not look the same. 

The look of the grass depends on the application. For instance, sports turf will look different than landscape turf. Landscape turf is made to look exactly like natural grass. Whereas sports turf might look more artificial, and is more so what you’ll find on baseball fields, or in a gym.

Even different landscape turf options look different from each other. Typically, the major difference is the texture of the blades and the color of the grass. 

Pro Tip: For eye-catching artificial turf, consider Helios Artificial Grass Deck Tiles paired with Helios Deck Tiles to create a unique pattern for your patio flooring. 

Related Content >> Artificial Grass Pros and Cons

Myth 2: Turf is Primarily for Sports Fields

Expert Opinion: False

AstroTurf was one of the first turf options, installed in 1965 at the Astrodome, the former home of the Houston Astros. While it was intended for sports use at first, manufacturers realized that artificial grass could help upgrade yards all over the world with ease. 

Therefore, after years of innovation and improvements to artificial grass looks and functionality, artificial turf is now used as grass for residential yards, commercial landscaping, and so much more.

Pro Tip:  Make sure your grass blades stand up straight by adding grass infill after installation.

Myth 3: Artificial Grass Requires Zero Maintenance

Expert Opinion: False

While artificial grass requires less maintenance than natural grass, it still requires some effort to keep it looking nice all year round. It’s true, you do not have to mow or water artificial grass, but you do have to maintain and clean it. 

Artificial grass fibers can lay flat and look matted with continued foot traffic, so your beautiful green lawn won’t look as sharp as you’d like.

To keep your lawn looking fresh, it’s important to practice monthly lawn maintenance. The following steps make it super easy to get the job done. 

1. Remove any leaves or small branches from the area with a leaf blower.
2. Using a turf rake, sweep against the natural direction of the grass to groom it into an upright position and to loosen up any stuck-on dirt. 
3. If necessary, spray any spots affected by pet waste with your desired artificial grass cleaning solution. 
4. Lightly hose off the area to remove any dirt or debris so your artificial grass shines. 

Pro Tip: To stop weeds from growing through your turf, lay a weed barrier on top of the compacted turf base. Place the barrier wherever grass is being installed. 

Related Content >> How to Maintain and Clean Artificial Grass

Myth 4: Turf is Bad for the Environment

Expert Opinion: False

This is a pretty common rumor you might hear about artificial grass, but let’s break down the facts! 

You might be thinking, “What can be less harmful than natural grass?” But the truth is, artificial grass doesn’t require toxic pesticides, herbicides, weed killers, or fertilizers like natural grass does. 

Plus, you can significantly reduce your water usage by not running your sprinkler system, and the gas from your mower will no longer pollute the air.

By cutting out the maintenance of natural grass, you’re doing a lot more for our planet than you realize. 

Myth 5: Artificial Grass Doesn’t Drain as Well as Natural Grass

Expert Opinion: False

Years ago, before all the artificial grass innovations, this statement might have been true. Artificial grass used to get overwhelmed by copious amounts of water and didn’t drain properly. 

But that’s all changed! Manufacturers made adjustments to ensure excellent drainage for artificial grass rolls and tiles. Nowadays, there are drainage holes in the turf, plus you can use crushed granite to aid in the drainage process. So no matter how much rain your grass gets, your lawn will still look fabulous.

Pro Tip: If the blades on your lawn start to look flattened or matted, you can “bloom” the turf by raking it. This practice helps create a fresh-looking lawn in no time at all.  

Related Content >> Artificial Grass FAQ

Myth 6: Pets Make Turf Smell

Expert Opinion: Mostly False

When pet waste sits on any surface long enough, it will start to smell. This is why it’s important to maintain a weekly cleaning routine for your lawn by picking up pet waste and spraying urine spots regularly.  Certain artificial grass infill is also here to make pet odor control even easier. 

It’s true that pet-friendly artificial grass allows your pet to play longer and relieve themselves without worry. But you can control pet odor permanently with the help of Zeolite Max Artificial Grass Infill. By installing it under and within the turf, Zeolite neutralizes pet smells on artificial grass. 

Pro Tip: To keep the urine odor from your artificial grass, spray pet-friendly, non-toxic Turf Fresh on a regular basis, and your turf will look and smell like sunshine.

Myth 7: Installing Artificial Grass Limits Your Landscape Design 

Expert Opinion: False

This is a common misconception where grass is involved. However, artificial grass is 100% customizable for any yard. 

You can install it around your trees, bushes, and other lawn fixtures with no problem. Simply cut your roll or tiles to fit. 

Myth 8: Artificial Grass is Unsafe for Kids and Pets

Expert Opinion: False

Artificial grass is completely safe for kids and pets. Top-quality artificial turf products are manufactured using only non-toxic ingredients that are often recycled (source). Plus, unlike natural grass, synthetic grass does not develop holes or other surface issues that can trip up kids at play. 

Pro Tip: For some extra cushion under your feet, lay down a lawn pad. If you have some kiddos running around, most lawn pads are also fall height-rated for safety.

Related Content >> Best Artificial Grass For Dogs

Myth 9: Artificial Grass will Fade Over Time

Expert Opinion: Mostly False

Most artificial grass is UV resistant and won’t fade over time. However, UV resistance depends on the fiber material, and the amount of fiber used to create artificial grass. 

Materials like nylon are not UV-resistant and will fade over time. But it’s important to remember that nylon is primarily used in gym turf, landscape turf does not have nylon fibers in its construction. 

Pro Tip: To keep landscape turf looking its best, make sure to rake up any stray leaves or other debris. If it gets dirty, dusty, or muddy, simply hose it down and leave it to dry. 

Myth 10: Artificial Grass is Too Expensive 

Expert Opinion: False

It’s true, artificial turf does cost more than natural grass upfront, but when investing in your outdoor living space, artificial grass saves you time and money. Over the years, artificial grass pays for itself, while natural grass continues to rack up costs.

Once your grass is installed, you don’t have to worry about buying an expensive lawnmower, or watering your lawn every night. Your main concern is how to start having fun on your new lawn right away. You also needn’t worry about weed killer or pesticides since your lawn is artificial. 

Pro Tip: According to HomeAdvisor, artificial grass costs around “$2 to $8 per square foot.” Artificial grass with a higher face weight or thickness will be more expensive, because more material is used, and it’s going to be more durable. 

Related Content >> Artificial Grass Cost Guide

Myth 11: Artificial Turf is Hard to Install 

Expert Opinion: False

While installing artificial grass might be time-consuming, the process of installation is quite simple. Whether or not you need a professional installation depends on your comfort level and where you’re installing the artificial grass. 

Steps to replace natural grass with artificial turf: 

1. Prepare the area
2. Lay your base
3. Install a weed barrier
4. Compact and level the area
5. Place lawn pads and artificial grass
6. Trim the edges 
7. Pin down the turf with turf seam tape, nails, or staples
8. Apply turf infill
9. Brush out the grass

Steps to install artificial turf over concrete:

1. Prepare the area
2. Install a lawn pad 
3. Layout your grass
4. Use double-sided tape or glue to secure the turf 
5. Trim the edges 
6. Apply turf infill
7. Brush out the grass 

For an in-depth look at the installation process, check out our installation guide, here. 

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to use staples in your lawn, you can always use seam tape to stick the turf together.

Related Content >> How to Choose Artificial Turf Infill

Conclusion

Now that we’ve busted these myths, you know the facts about artificial grass, and you can shop with confidence.

Ready to find the perfect artificial grass for your outdoor living area? We got you covered from grass to installation accessories. 

ORDER FREE SAMPLES  SHOP ALL ARTIFICIAL GRASS