A warning has been issued to households with artificial grass in their gardens ahead of the next UK heatwave. Temperatures are expected to soar again in the coming days, with the Met Office predicting that the UK could experience yet another heatwave. Met Office forecaster Neil Armstrong said that whilst temperatures should stay 'pleasant' for most of this week in the low to mid-20s, data reveals the UK could experience temperatures as high as 41°C next week – which could be Britain's hottest day on record.
Expert Warning on Artificial Grass Risks
Following the record-breaking heatwave last week, experts have now issued an 'avoid' warning to any household with artificial grass ahead of the upcoming heatwave. Colin Potts, owner of Artificial Grass Direct, one of Britain’s leading suppliers of artificial grass, warns that fake grass can become extremely hot in direct sunlight, posing potential risks to children, pets and vulnerable individuals.
'Artificial grass is a great product that saves water, looks great all year-round and requires minimal upkeep. But like any outdoor surface including tarmac or decking, it absorbs heat,' explains Colin Potts. 'Extremely high temperatures can turn synthetic surfaces into a serious hazard for children, pets, and bare-footed adults if proper precautions are not taken. Unlike natural grass which stays cool through transpiration, artificial turf has no moisture to evaporate.'
Surface Temperatures Can Reach 70°C
Studies have shown that synthetic grass surface temperatures can reach 50-70°C in direct sunlight on a hot day, more than double the ambient air temperature. This is hot enough to cause burns to skin within seconds of contact. Colin adds: 'Young children are among the most vulnerable. Because they play close to the ground and have far more sensitive skin than adults, even a few moments of contact with superheated turf can cause painful burns before they have the chance to react.'
Pets, particularly dogs, face serious risk from the heat as well. A dog’s paw pads are delicate, and on a scorching artificial surface, burns can occur within seconds. If the turf is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws.
Advice for Avoiding Burns
Colin advises: 'Avoid venturing onto the lawn barefoot during peak sunlight hours, between 11am and 3pm, as it risks burns from surfaces that can feel dangerously hot even through footwear. A quick temperature check before stepping out can make all the difference. Usual advice would be to time outdoor activity outside peak sunlight hours however, during this extreme record-breaking heat, artificial grass can remain hot even after the air temperature starts to drop, meaning a lawn that feels uncomfortable at 3pm may still be too hot for children and pets at 6pm if it has been exposed to direct sunlight all day.'
How to Keep Artificial Grass Safe During a Heatwave
Test before you touch: Place the back of your hand just above the surface; if you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, the grass is too hot to walk on.
Cool it down with water: A light hosing with cold water can rapidly reduce surface temperature by 20–30°C. This is the single most effective quick fix.
Use shade strategically: Garden parasols, shade sails, or temporary awnings placed over the lawn dramatically reduce heat build-up.
Put safety before play: On exceptionally hot days, consider moving children's activities indoors or into fully shaded areas altogether. Artificial grass can retain heat long after the air temperature begins to fall, so always test the surface before use.
Protect pets’ paws: Always feel the surface with your hand before letting dogs onto artificial grass. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Choose infill wisely: If you’re installing new artificial grass, opt for a cooling infill material such as silica sand or specialist organic infill, which can reduce temperatures by up to 15°C compared to crumb rubber.
Consider light-coloured or cooling-tech turf: Some modern artificial grasses are engineered with heat-reflective fibres. Speak to your supplier about options designed for hotter climates.
