UK households with artificial grass in their gardens have been issued a warning as a heatwave arrives this week. Britain is poised to experience another heatwave, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures could climb as high as 32°C in certain areas of the country.
The scorching conditions mean many people will be spending time outside in their gardens, whether relaxing, socialising with loved ones, or tending to their plants. Artificial grass has become a favoured option in British gardens because it requires less upkeep and maintains a vibrant green look year-round, allowing homeowners to spend less time mowing and maintaining their lawn.
However, with an increasing number of homeowners having fitted artificial grass, specialists are now cautioning that certain activities on sunny days could damage fake lawns, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Outdoor Activities Can Cause Damage to Artificial Lawns
During the summer period, when gardens experience their peak usage and the broadest range of activities, artificial grass can become dented, stained, melted, or even have its synthetic fibres torn.
"Families set up paddling pools, leave bikes on the turf, and apply sunscreen without thinking about the impact on the surface beneath them. Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable with just a little know-how," explains Colin Potts from Artificial Grass Direct.
Paddling Pools
Colin warns that positioning a paddling pool on artificial grass can cause serious damage. "A paddling pool sitting in the same spot for days creates two problems: the sustained weight and suction effect can matt down the fibres, potentially permanently, and any trapped moisture underneath creates the perfect conditions for mould and bacteria to develop in the backing," he warns. "The fix is simple: place the pool on a flat patio area instead, or lay down a purpose-made ground sheet beneath it and move it daily."
Barbecues
With weekend get-togethers in full swing, the barbecue is inevitably wheeled out, yet this remains one of the most frequent causes of irreversible artificial grass damage. "Coals remain dangerously hot for hours after cooking ends, and an accidentally knocked barbecue can drop hot ash directly onto the turf," Colin says. "Even a spark landing on artificial fibres can cause scorching. Always position the barbecue on a patio slab or concrete area, and never assume the lawn is far enough away."
How to Keep Artificial Grass in Top Shape
Experts from Artificial Grass Direct recommend the following routine during busy holiday periods:
- Sweep the lawn with a stiff-bristled broom every two to three days to maintain upright fibres following heavy foot traffic.
- Hose down with a garden hose every few days, especially if sunscreen, food, or drink has been spilt in the garden.
- Relocate any heavy garden furniture to a different position every few weeks to avoid permanent damage.
- Remove any leaves, food debris, or dropped items quickly to prevent staining.
- Position bird feeders over paved areas, as seed residue and droppings can accumulate rapidly in warm weather.
