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Does Artifical Grass Drain Well?

Matt Gordon • October 26, 2022

Many homeowners are choosing to install artificial grass in their yards because it is a low-maintenance option for those who don't have time or the inclination to keep up with their natural lawns. The benefits of fake grass are many and one question that many people ask is whether or not artificial grass drains well. Let’s look a bit deeper into the benefits of the product itself and how installation affects drainage.


Artificial Grass On The Rise


You may have seen artificial grass in front of homes and businesses, but have you ever wondered if it drains well? Artificial grass is a popular alternative to natural grass because it is durable and low maintenance. It is also a green alternative to natural grass. The benefits of fake grass are plenty which is why so many of us are choosing artificial turf. A few of the most popular uses are:

  • Front yards
  • Backyards
  • Playgrounds


Artificial grass can also be used for many other purposes such as sports fields, golf courses and even private lawns on boats or yachts!


How Does Artificial Turf Drain?


With the wet and wild weather we’ve been experiencing Australia wide, it is important for us in Brisbane to consider the products we use in our yards and how they can prevent flooding. Fake turf is an excellent choice for many as it is made of permeable materials that allows water to run through them into the ground below them. In addition, the base product itself is a combination of synthetic materials that also allows water to drain quickly into the earth below it.


Installation Matters


Artificial grass is made from a permeable material that allows water to drain but that doesn’t full-proof you yard from flooding. While one of the benefits of fake grass is that the product allows water to flow through it naturally, proper installation is imperative during times of heavy rain. Whether you’re looking to do a DIY installation or have a fake turf supplier install for you, there are a few important considerations to take into account.


Installing Fake Grass Over Concrete


If you’re installing your fake grass over concrete or pavers, you need to ensure the slope is appropriate for the area. The general rule for hard surfaces is a 1% slope and away from your property. This slope can be achieved when preparing the turf base which will ensure no puddles, proper drainage and a long lasting product.


Installing Fake Grass Over Organic Surfaces


If you’ve chosen to install fake grass over organic surfaces such as soil, you will also need to achieve a proper slope to prevent flooding and waterlog. With an organic surface, you will need to achieve a 2% slope when building the turf base.

Are you installing over clay-based soil? If so, you will need a minimum of 15cm of gravel or crusher dust to ensure the water can flow through. If you’re installing over a softer surface, a 7cm turf base will be sufficient. This installation process will reduce the amount of water that builds up in between your lawn’s blades and prevents soggy conditions from developing on top of your synthetic grass.


Artificial Grass For Easy Up Keep


There are many benefits of fake grass in place of natural turf, such as reduced maintenance requirements and improved aesthetics by not needing watering or mowing every week during hot summers or dry winters. Adding to the list of benefits is the design with drainage in mind and has been proven to work well in wet weather.

If you’re considering installing fake grass in your yard, contact us today to find out how our fake turf can make your life that much easier.


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The benefits of fake turf are plenty. A backyard can be transformed into a stunning, inviting and natural looking space with the use of artificial turf . Not only is it low maintenance, but it also looks beautiful regardless of the weather. Our Brisbane weather allows us to enjoy our backyards year-round and our climate makes fake turf an ideal choice in your backyard design. In this blog, we will explore how to create a multi-dimensional and a low-maintenance backyard with fake turf. Create a plan Before starting any landscaping project, it's essential to have a plan in place. Make a list of what uses you want your low-maintenance backyard for and consider the shape and size of your yard. Decide on the areas that you want to create that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Additionally, consider who will be using the yard. Do you have pets and small children? Do you want to section off designated areas for them? Making a plan before you design the area will ensure you are getting the most out of your investment in artificial turf . Installing Synthetic Turf The next step is to install your new fake turf. If you are planning on doing a DIY installation, here are some of our top tips: Ensure you clear the area of any existing grass, debris or rocks. Once the existing grass has been removed, spray the area with a weed killer to ensure it won’t grow back. Next you need to spread your base layer . We suggest a road base such as crusher dust. Ensure it is level while also creating a gentle slope to where you want the excess water to drain. Then you need to compact it . This critical step is best achieved by spraying water on the crusher dust which turns it into a concrete like base. Lastly, install the fake turf ! Read our helpful resource for more detailed instructions on a DIY installation of fake grass . It’s All About The Levels To add dimension and interest to your backyard, create different levels using materials such as timber, stone, or brick. You might want to build a raised garden bed or a retaining wall to create additional seating. The different levels will add interest and texture to your backyard, making it more visually appealing while also providing seating. Add Greenery We are so fortunate to live in a conducive climate for year-round outdoor living. Utilize what nature has gifted us and add plants and trees to your backyard to create a natural look for you and your family to enjoy.  Choose plants that thrive in your climate while considering your specific elements such as where the sun falls and areas that are more prone to wind. Also factor in areas of high and low drainage. Be sure to plant trees far enough away from any structures or the fake turf to prevent damage long-term. Incorporate Features What do you want to achieve with your low-maintenance backyard? If you’re looking to create a more zen feel, perhaps a water feature will work for your design. If you have a green thumb, maybe building a herb wall is more your style. If you have any drainage issues that need to be considered, perhaps a rain garden is a feature worth investing in. Whatever your design may be, installing a feature that draws the eye adds value and appeal to your space. Install Lighting Installing lighting in your backyard is essential. It will allow you to enjoy it even after the sun goes down whilst keeping you safe. You might want to install path lights to illuminate walkways, or string lights to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Consider installing a timer to automatically turn the lights on and off or solar powered lighting to reduce your energy bills. Create Comfort The final step to creating your low-maintenance backyard is to add outdoor furniture to create a comfortable and inviting space. Choose furniture that fits the style of your backyard and your home and consider the materials used. Ensure that whichever furniture you choose is friendly to the environments they will be exposed to and that they will require very little maintenance. Creating a multi-dimensional and low-maintenance backyard with artificial turf is a great way to transform your outdoor space. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional while saving you time. Be sure to incorporate different levels, plants and trees, water features, lighting, and outdoor furniture to make your backyard an oasis you can enjoy all year round. For more information on fake grass and how it can transform your backyard, get in touch with us at Impressive Turf Solutions today.
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