Artificial grass has a unique history. The idea first took hold in the 1950s when it was thought that many children and young people in urban areas were not getting enough exercise – artificial grass would offer a soft and safe surface on which to play all year round. These early days, however, did not produce the best results – complaints of the grass not being soft enough and not looking like real grass formed its principal bad press.

Today, however, it’s a very different story. Manufacturers’ materials (eg. yarns and backing), manufacturing techniques and installation materials and procedures have been extensively, even  radically refined and developed in recent years and the artificial grass of today provides a soft, safe and easily manageable surface that looks every bit as good as real grass. It will even fool your pets!


However, it’s not just the improved quality of artificial grass that has led to its significant growth in popularity in recent years – concern for the environment has brought an extra and very special focus to the product. Climate changes are creating water shortages and we now recognise the damage done by carbon dioxide emissions and overuse of pesticides. By installing artificial grass in your garden you can save on water, avoid running the petrol lawnmower and never have to use pesticides again. Going beyond general household use, many city and county councils are using artificial grass for these reasons which is why we now see it being used on roadside verges, in city parks, pathways, traffic roundabouts, shopping centres, etc. Read more about the Environmental Benefits of Artificial Grass.

Another significant part played in the history of artificial grass is today’s lifestyle. More people seek to maximise their leisure time with friends and family and want to reduce their ‘chores’. The advent of dishwashers and microwave ovens is a good example. Outdoors is no different … a lawn is something to be enjoyed in your leisure time BUT look at the work involved to make and keep it nice enough to enjoy – a constant round of maintenance from mowing to killing weeds to fertilising, etc. Hours and hours of work in the garden are fine for those who enjoy it and have the time but given today’s lifestyle, the less time spent working in the garden and the more time spent just enjoying it, the better! Installing artificial grass in your garden can give you just that. Read more about the Advantages of Artificial Grass

The history of artificial grass does not stop there either … being used an alternative to real grass is one thing but being used in its own right where you simply could not use real grass is another. For example, many office complexes and corporate headquarters use artificial grass as carpeting, showrooms use it to provide a ‘green’ setting for displaying everything from cars to garden furniture, television and movie sets use artificial grass to create a garden/rural setting under indoor conditions where real grass could not be considered.

The list goes on. Even The Prince of Wales has made his own contribution in this regard by installing artificial grass in his garage as a form of insulation because the biodiesel system on his 4x4 needs protection from low temperatures. You couldn’t put real grass into that kind of application!   So artificial grass really has come into its own as a viable product and for people at every level of society. It’s no longer just ‘an alternative’. Read more about the Applications of Artificial Grass