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Thanks to some ingenious people, both of these problems can be solved with artificial grass. Don’t know if it is for you? Take a look at our best artificial grass reviews and buying guide to find out.
Why Buying an Artificial Grass?
Let’s face it, the mere thought of having “fake” grass doesn’t sound very appealing but bear with us, and you’ll see why it can be a very attractive investment. There are several reasons why one should consider buying artificial grass, and we’re going to cover them in the following sections.
First and foremost, there is the lawn maintenance issue. No matter how much you love your grass, there comes a time when it’s just too big of an obligation. Artificial grass can solve this problem for you and the hours that you normally use for cutting grass could be spent doing something you enjoy.
A hassle-free lawn with the best artificial grass
Of course, there is the problem of real vs. fake grass, and how the latter can never feel good as the former. We beg to differ and advise you to check out some of the latest products in this category to see just how good they are. You’ll be surprised to find that sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between real and artificial.
Second, some people live on a terrain that’s not fit for growing grass, so there’s no way for them to have a real lawn. Artificial grass will make this possible, and such individuals will be able to have a vibrant and green yard regardless of the climate or surface they live on.
Third, folks who live in apartments or those who don’t have a yard now have a chance to have a lawn indoors or on the balcony. Okay, but why would you want such a thing? Well, having a patch of grass, even a fake one, is going to feel like you brought a piece of nature into your home, not to mention that your pets are going to love it. Just imagine how nice your balcony floor would look covered with lush, green grass. All you need then is a few pot plants, and you’ll have a little garden paradise all for yourself.
As you can see, the reasons are plentiful and valid, so all you that’s left to do is find the right type of grass for you. Not all artificial grasses are made equal – some are soft, delicate, and closely resemble real grass, while others are made from rougher materials and don’t feel as good, but they might be more durable. To make sure that you’re making the right choice, we’ve prepared detailed reviews of five of the leading artificial grass brands on the market.
Let’s get into it.
Meet the Best Artificial Grasses
This would be the rough overview of the products. Do you want to find out more? You’ll find the detailed reviews in the following sections.
All of the Factors Considered
We’re going to be honest, buying artificial grass is no walk in the park, especially if you’re looking to cover large surfaces with it. You’ll need to consider a lot of different factors to be sure that you’re choosing the right type. For example, it often happens that folks purchase delicate grass for high-traffic areas, and it quickly ends up ruined. To help you avoid such (and other) mistakes we’ve put together a list of things that you should think about before making your final decision.
Pile
The first factor that you’ll be considering is the pile height, which refers to the length as well as the shape of grass fibers. The general rule goes as follows: the longer the fibers, the more natural the look thus higher the quality.
Now, just how long are we talking here?
The pile heights usually go from 25 mm (about an inch) to 38 mm and more. Artificial grass that’s about an inch long won’t look very realistic and if you want it to look as natural as possible while staying neat at the same time, go for somewhere between 25-32 mm.
If you’re interested in a more “messy” look, then feel free to choose 38 mm and above. Keep in mind that long a long pile height doesn’t bounce back very well, so the areas that are walked on the most will look squashed after some time of use.
With all of the above taken into consideration, we can separate piles into three categories:
Short & Curly
This is the pile of lowest quality with little aesthetic appeal or durability. It’s usually about an inch long and is generally used to cover up ugly-looking areas, but without too much concern for a realistic grass look.
Long & Straight
Besides being longer, this pile also has a more realistic look than the previous one. From afar, one could easily mistake it for real grass, but its “fakeness” gets revealed when looked at from a closer distance. Nevertheless, this kind is a bit pricier, and the length of its fibers is usually around 30 mm or more.
Blend/Mix
The final and most desirable type is the blend of long and short fibers. This is created so skillfully that you’ll really need a keen eye to spot the difference between this pile and real grass. The blend is also very durable, so it’s great for covering areas with a lot of traffic.
Consider different factors to choose the right artificial grass
Materials
When talking about materials, we have to separate the grass into two parts – the blades and the backing material (the base).
The most common materials used for making blades are polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. The first two are quite similar in most respects – they’re soft, lightweight, and resemble the feel of real grass. The main difference is that polyethylene holds up much better after long exposure to UV rays.
Nylon is the strongest of the three and can handle the most traffic and load, but it degrades quickly when exposed to water and sun.
As for the backing, we have rubber and polyurethane. The issue with the former is that it wears out relatively quickly and it gets damaged by water, so leaving it out in the rain will shorten its lifespan. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is quite durable and but doesn’t stick well like rubber. Another case where rubber beats urethane is breaking a fall, which is important if you have little kids running around.
Drainage
One factor that’s easy to overlook is drainage. Drainage is crucial if you live in a region that has a lot of rainfall (or flooding) as it enables the water to pass through to the ground and prevents logging. Read about what other users have to say about this feature before purchasing the grass.
Sizes
The best companies offer their artificial grass in many different sizes, and here’s why.
If you, for example, have a small space that you want to cover with fake grass, you can buy it in small dimensions that are just enough to fit the area. In this way, there’ll be less waste, and you’ll save money.
On the contrary, if you the manufacturer sells only large patches of grass you will have a lot left over and will likely pay more. Always check how many sizes the company offers before buying.
Color
Last but not least, there is the color of grass. Now, color may be more or less important depending on what you need the fake grass for. If you’re trying to replace or simulate real grass, then color should be one of your priorities. Those who just need a play area for kids and pets, or want to cover up an aesthetically unpleasing spot, then it won’t matter so much.
The trick is to get a pile with fibers of varying colors, as this makes it look more realistic. Also, stay away from anything shiny as this will give away the fakeness very easily.
In-depth Reviews of 5 Best Artificial Grasses
Zen Garden PZG Premium Artificial Grass
Key Features
Two Layers of Grass
If you remember, we mentioned the different types of grass fibers (short, long, etc.) and that the best kind is the blend. Well, that’s precisely what PZG has – a layer of long/straight and a layer of short/curly blades made of soft synthetic material. This makes the grass look and feel quite realistic.
Very Good Drainage
Even if you live in a very rainy region, you won’t have to worry about leaving this grass out in the open. It’s drainage holes are plentiful, and they get the job done quickly so there won’t be any water logging or flooding.
Can Be Installed on Different Surfaces
The base of this grass is made of rubber, which makes it suitable for spreading out on various surfaces including soil, concrete, wooden boards, and so on. Due to the rubbers anti-slip properties, it will not slide, and it feels very soft when you walk on it.
Doesn’t Last Very Long
While the rubber backing has its benefits, one of its main disadvantages is that it has a high risk of degradation, especially when exposed to water a lot. Also, the grass might shed a bit, but this shouldn’t be a huge issue.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
If you need a grassy surface for outdoor or indoor use, then Pet Zen Garden will not disappoint you. This is a product for folks whose primary concern is realistic grass feel and easy maintenance, so know that you’ll get both with it. Also, the price is reasonable, so you won’t have to break the bank.
What to Watch Out For
We’ve mentioned that this artificial grass isn’t perfect, and we meant it. Its main downside is durability, especially when it gets wet often. Don’t get us wrong, this grass is going to last you for some time, but that won’t be as long as some other brands would. With that being said, people who are looking for something that’ll last them a decade should definitely keep looking.
The Conclusion
Okay, so we feel that this product stood up well to our scrutiny. We left no stone unturned and found mostly good things, which is why we deem it worthy of you – our respected readers. Folks who’ve never had any experiences with buying fake grass will not make a mistake by choosing this one right away.
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LITA Realistic Deluxe Artificial Grass
Key Features
Very Realistic Look
The pile of this artificial grass is made from polypropylene, undoubtedly the most popular material for this purpose. The pile is 1 3/8” high, and it has a four-tone pattern which perfectly mimics the appearance of real grass. Seriously, there’s no way that you’ll be able to tell the difference between Forest Grass and the real one from afar.
Excellent Durability
This artificial grass is almost notorious for its durability, and the 10-year warranty that the company offers is a testament to this. What’s the secret? High-quality polyethylene pile and a backing made of polypropylene, net, and latex seem to do the trick.
Weatherproof
Since it’s being advertised as both indoor and outdoor artificial lawn, LITA Realistic is equipped with all kinds of features to make it last longer out in the open. It is UV-resistant, and it also has plenty of drainage holes to keep your yard safe from flooding in heavy rains.
It’s Going to Cost You
Those who’re looking for a budget option might be disappointed, because this is not going to be it. Despite being a great piece of artificial grass, we feel that this product is a tad overpriced.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
It’s not easy to give an answer to this question, but our best guess would be that it’s for anyone who wants quality fake grass that both looks like the real thing. LITA Realistic Deluxe will make your yard, balcony, or any other space prettier, no doubt, but you probably you’ll have to pay a little extra for it.
What to Watch Out For
We’ve mentioned dozens of times, but we’ll say it again – the biggest problem is the price. You’ll probably be able to find artificial grass of slightly lower quality at a much lower cost. Besides this, the grass can get heated up on a scorching day, so walking on it won’t be the most pleasant feeling then.
The Conclusion
To conclude, this grass does everything you’d want it to – it feels good and looks realistic (after some time of use). It’s also free of toxins so you won’t have to worry about letting your kids or pets play on it. Its high price is the main reason that it landed in second place on this list, and it was going up against very tough competition – the PZG!
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LITA Premium Artificial Grass
Key Features
Available in Many Sizes
A great thing about the LITA company is that they offer their grass in many different-sized rolls. With Premium, you’ll have more than thirty sizes to choose from so you’ll surely find something that suits your needs.
Easy Installation on Soil
If you want to set up this grass on a patch of soil properly, here’s all that you need to do – dig a hole, lay the base and roll out the rug over it. Once the grass is in place, it will be secured and will not move. However, there’s no real manual for installing it on concrete or wooden boards, so you might have some trouble with keeping it from sliding.
Suitable for Indoor/Outdoor Use
No matter if you want fake grass to cover your yard or to use instead of a carpet indoors, this product should do it for you. A great thing is that you can easily buy the grass in whichever dimension you prefer, big or small. Expect some inconsistency in terms of the fibers’ pattern and density when covering very large areas.
Cheaper than Other LITA Grass
Fan’s of LITA’s grass will be happy to find out that this one isn’t as expensive as some of the others that hey have. Of course, this comes at a price of performance, but this shouldn’t be a big deal for most users.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
People who want to use it indoors will not regret this purchase, whereas those who want to place it outdoors (especially on surfaces like concrete) might experience a bit of inconvenience. We feel like folks who are on a budget could definitely derive more value than harm from this one.
What to Watch Out For
As we’ve said, you’ll need to find a way to stick it down to the floor if you want it to stay put all the time. This doesn’t count for soil; it works well on that surface. Besides, covering a large yard with it might be frustrating as we’ve seen many cases where the lawn looks quite inconsistent and uneven.
The Conclusion
Although its price is fair, and it has some strong points, it fails to perform well when it comes to not sliding and covering large areas. Having said this, we feel that we can’t recommend this grass to everyone. Let’s get this straight; it’s not that the product is terrible per se, it’s just that it’s not excellent in any aspect.
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MTBRO Artificial Grass
Key Features
Anti-UV & Weatherproof
MTBRO is suitable for outdoor use, regardless of the weather conditions and the climate you live in. The combination of polyethylene and polypropylene will withstand freezing as well as very hot temperatures without any problems.
Easy to Clean Up
People who want to use these rugs primarily as potty training areas will be pleased to hear that cleaning won’t be too much hassle. The pile is constructed in a way that makes it easy to scoop up any animal litter that your pet leaves behind. When it comes to urine, just hose it down and leave the mat to dry.
Available in Small Dimensions
A thing that MTBRO offers which you won’t find with many other companies is the small mat-size dimensions of their artificial grass. This means that, if you only want a small patch you can just order it, so there’ll be no need for cutting or fitting it anywhere. However, there might be a problem when wanting to cover large spaces because there’s only one large size available.
Heavy-duty Rubber Base
The great thing about rubber backing is that it is heavy and has a lot of traction, which means that the grass will not move around no matter what surface you put it on. MTBRO’s backing is sprinkled with drainage holes which work well, but you’d better dry the grass quickly to prevent mold from forming.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
People who are looking for a pet potty training ground will like MTBRO’s grass rugs. They can be cleaned up easily and are very portable so you can move them between indoors and outdoors as many times as you like.
What to Watch Out For
Most of the problems with this product are smell-related. It has a pretty strong odor when you unpack it, but this gets better over time. Individuals who want to have a large patch outdoors might have issues with drying it well after a heavy soaking, which, if not done, can lead to a moldy smell. All of this can be dealt with of course, but it’ll be a pain for those with sensitive noses.
The Conclusion
So, is this a good artificial grass? You could say so. Is it the best? No, definitely not. An upside is that its price is decent so even if you end up not liking it, you won’t be wasting a lot of money. We would recommend this one to pet owners who’re looking for a small patch of grass, and not so much for people who want to cover their entire yard.
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Petgrow Realistic Artificial Grass
Key Features
Excellent Look & Feel
The selling point of this grass is its appearance and softness, and that’s something nobody can argue with. The 1.37” pile is long enough to look like a tidy, real lawn, but still short enough so that it’s easy to maintain. The fibers are also quite dense and the 4-tone color is a nice touch.
UV-resistant
The pile is made of polyethylene and polypropylene yarns which are treated with an UV-resistant coating. This allows them to maintain their color even after long exposure to the sun. However, the grass does not stay cool in the sun and might be a bit hot to walk on during summer days.
Very Durable
The materials that Pet Grow uses are nothing unusual in this industry, but experience has proven that they do indeed last. With that being said, the company gives a confident, 10-year warranty for the grass, so you’ll be covered for the next decade if something goes wrong.
Ordinary but Expensive
Although this is a solid patch of artificial grass it doesn’t justify the fact that it’s three times more costly than some of its counterparts. We’re not convinced that it has any “secret” advantages over the others, so its price is a major turn off.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
This product is worth considering if you’re interested in fake grass that looks realistic and is comfortable to walk/sit/lay on, but you don’t mind the high price. There’s nothing unique or special about Pet Grow, but if you somehow feel that this is the right thing for you, we won’t stop you in purchasing it.
What to Watch Out For
Besides being expensive, Pet Grow’s grass tends to shed quite a bit. Now, the shedding doesn’t seem to worsen over time, which is good but it’s still present and might be annoying. The second and last thing to be aware of is the initial stickiness that this grass has for some reason. However, most of the customers agree that this problem goes away eventually.
The Conclusion
It’s tricky to make a final conclusion about this one, but we’ll give it a go. While it definitely has its upsides (looks/feels great), it does have a few lackings (sheds, gets hot in the sun), and when you add the high cost to all of that, it’s arguable whether it’s worth the money. We leave the final choice to you!
The Best Artificial Grass – Zen Garden PZG Premium Artificial Grass
We have to be honest with you, picking the winner of today’s roundup was not easy by any means. The competition is very rough out there, which results in products of high and similar qualities. Nevertheless, there are ways to find that one brand that sticks out, and after a lengthy consultation, we agreed to award Zen Garden PZG Premium Artificial Grass with the first place. It doesn’t blow the others away by a long shot, but it still has several key advantages over them.
The main reason we picked Pet Zen Garden as the best one is its price to value ratio, which is unmatched by the others. Due to the nature of its materials, it might not last as long as some more durable models, but it won’t give you the headaches regarding maintenance, bad odors, or unwanted side effects. PZG is undoubtedly a fantastic choice for first-time buyers, and a good pick for more experienced users too.
The Conclusion
Since the winner usually takes all the fame, we’d like to leave you with a few words about the rest. Each product made its way onto this list for a reason, so you can rest assured that it’s among the best there are. We chose the winner while trying to stay objective and relying on our expertise, but everyone has their own preferences, so a bit of personal bias might creep into the final decision. The point of the story is that you don’t have to like the same stuff as we do, and you should feel free to buy another as long as you do your research.
Before we go, we’d like to ask you for a tiny favor. If you found our article useful, please share it, if not, go on about your day. Whether you take our advice or not, we wish you all the best in finding your ideal artificial grass!
