Gardening has never been my strong point. As much as I love a good-looking outdoor space, the effort involved in keeping a natural lawn thriving isn’t for me. After a particularly rough winter in Auckland, where my tiny backyard turned into a bog, I’d had enough. That’s how artificial turf became my secret weapon.

Why I Made the Change

A few things pushed me to finally make the switch:

• My schedule was packed, and I had no time for mowing.

• The backyard looked terrible half the year due to patchy grass.

• Mud getting tracked into the house every time it rained was driving me nuts.

• I wanted something low-maintenance but still inviting.

Artificial turf turned out to be the answer to all my problems. And here’s what I learned along the way.

What to Consider Before Getting Artificial Turf

If you’re on the fence about artificial grass, here are some things to think about:

1. Does It Fit Your Lifestyle?

If you have kids or pets, artificial turf is great – no more muddy shoes or paw prints. It’s also fantastic if, like me, you’d rather spend your weekends exploring than working in the garden.

2. Is It Installed Properly?

One thing I quickly learned was that proper installation makes all the difference. A neighbour of mine got a cheap roll of fake grass and laid it down without sorting out drainage – big mistake. Whenever it rained, his backyard turned into a waterlogged mess.

3. How Does It Handle the Heat?

Artificial grass gets hot under direct sunlight, especially in summer. I ended up adding a bit of natural landscaping around it, like potted plants, to create shade in key areas. Problem solved.

4. What About the Aesthetics?

My biggest concern was whether it would look too artificial. The trick? Go for a realistic mix of fibres – some have different shades of green and even a hint of brown to mimic real grass.

My Verdict

Would I ever go back to real grass? Honestly, not a chance. My backyard is always green, never muddy, and needs almost no maintenance. For anyone who wants a gorgeous, fuss-free garden, artificial turf is a game-changer.