Artificial grass is very often a top choice for homeowners. There are many benefits to choosing an artificial lawn, including easy maintenance and the guaranteed beauty of your garden for years to come. But is it dangerous in this current summer heatwave?
One of the first concerns people have about artificial grass is whether it is safe for their pets and young children. In short, artificial grass is supposed to never become too hot for dogs or other animals to the point that it burns or injures them.
However, 1 Islander begs to differ following an incident at their home in East Cowes this week. Taking to social media, they’ve said:
“Whoever has Astroturf (fake grass) in their garden, please don’t let your dogs on it, it’s just burnt my dog’s paws.
“I didn’t even realise it gets that hot until I stood on it after my dog did, it’s unbearably hotter than the concrete.”
There are a few different things you can try to reduce the heat on your lawn though as the summer heatwave here on the Island shows no sign of letting up.
Infill serves many purposes. It weighs down the grass, so you can enjoy the lawn without wrinkles or sags, and it also protects grass blades from flattening. The right infill will allow air to flow throughout the grass, cooling it down significantly, as well as making the grass feel softer as you – or your pets – walk on it.
An artificial lawn will cool off rather quickly after a quick spray of water, even on a boiling hot day in the middle of summer. There is no need to stand on your lawn with a garden hose for hours. A few minutes of sprinkling water across your garden is enough.
The other and most simple solution may be to keep the shade in your garden. Don’t cut down trees or bushes that provide shade on your lawn – as tempting as it might be – because that shade can help regulate the temperature in the summer months.
Best thing is natural grass and contrary to popular belief it doesn’t require much maintenance. In fact, the less, the better effects: cut some area, leave rest for twice a year and let it grow, be a neighbourhood to wildlife: buffet of insects inviting more birds to your area who will then also protect your potted plants and vegs, plus much more chill ground, better water retention, great co-existing with ferns which then help trees and it all goes around in the ecosystem.
Best gardeners work smart, not hard, and let nature run its course. That’s how big botanical gardens thrive on just a handful of staff despite their size and variety.
Absolutely. I was going to say if you want to keep your garden cool, have real grass. And I think almost every garden does. I think it’s only some sports pitches that are artificial. Then get a hose sprinkler. Not good saving water, but necessary.