Fake grass makes it easy to care for lawns, yet it turns really hot when summer comes around. If you've ever felt the burn of walking on fake turf on a boiling hot day, you know just what I'm saying. Don't worry, though! Your artificial grass Bradford installation can be kept cool and cozy with a few easy steps. Whether you purchased it from artificial grass wholesale supplier or had it professionally placed, the key is understanding how to control heat accumulation. I have all the pro tips you need to keep your artificial lawn looking great, even during the hottest months of the year, from watering tricks to selecting the best kind of infill. Let's get started!
What Causes Fake Grass to Heat Up?
Fake grass lacks the cool touch of real grass because it can't soak up water or let it go so it can cool off. It is made of man-made stuff such as polyethylene and polypropylene that keep the heat when the sun hits it. Even though the UK doesn't have very hot summers, when the temperature hits 25-30°C, your fake lawn can feel very hot, much like a hot pan.
This is the reason why artificial grass becomes hot:
-Material Selection: The way that various synthetic fibres respond to heat varies. While some absorb less, others do more.
-Materials for Dark Infill: Rubber crumb infill, which is frequently used for sports turf, absorbs and holds heat quite well.
-Direct Sunlight: Expect greater temperatures if your garden receives full sun for extended periods of time.
-Absence of Shade: Are there no trees or other covers? It is a one-way ticket to the city of hot turf.
After learning the why, let's move on to the how, namely how to prevent your fake grass from becoming a sauna.
1. Select the Proper Fake Grass:
Think of heat-resistant types if you're still looking for artificial grass or are preparing a fresh installation. Compared to conventional artificial turf, certain contemporary varieties are made to reflect more heat and remain cooler.
Pro-Tip: Seek out artificial grass that reflects heat and has a lighter colour. Certain high-end brands have integrated UV protection, which lessens heat absorption.
2. Employ an Infill with a Lighter Colour:
The material that provides weight and stability between your fake grass's blades is called infill. However, not every infill is made equally! The typical black rubber infill for athletic fields? It's a heat trap. Rather, aim for:
-Instead of absorbing heat, silica sand infill helps reflect it.
-Cooling Infill: Certain companies offer customized infill that lowers surface temperatures.
Pro-Tip: To lower the temperature, think about switching out your artificial grass with a rubber infill with a lighter, heat-resistant substitute.
3. Set Up Shade Solutions:
The simplest method of heat reduction? Keep your lawn out of the sun! Adding shade, whether from artificial or natural sources like trees, can significantly alter the temperature.
Here are a few simple shade suggestions:
-Patio Umbrellas- They move easy and look good, best for quick shade.
-Pergolas or Shade Sails- These stay put and look nice.
-Growing trees or tall shrubs is a natural, environmentally beneficial, and excellent way to improve air circulation.
Pro-Tip: Even a little shade can be beneficial. Place seating locations such that they cover the areas of the grass that you utilize the most.
4. Rinse It Quickly:
The good news is that synthetic grass enjoys water. Synthetic turf readily and rapidly drains water, in contrast to natural grass, which can get muddy and uneven. Surface temperature can be immediately lowered with a fast garden hose spray.
How to Use Water to Cool Artificial Grass:
-Mist the grass softly for one to two minutes with a garden hose.
-Pay attention to busy places where people sit or walk.
-Take a few minutes to do this before you go outside to avoid sizzling feet.
Pro-Tip: To keep things fresh on particularly hot days, think about running a sprinkler for a short while.
5. Include a Cooling Pad Below:
Consider including a cooling underlayment when putting up new artificial grass. To lessen heat retention, these specialty cushions are placed beneath the lawn.
Benefits of cooling pads:
✔️ Lower surface temperatures considerably.
✔️ Add more cushioning to make it seem softer.
✔️ Ideal for households with children and pets.
Pro-Tip: Adding a cooling pad during your next upgrade could be an option if your artificial grass is already placed and becomes too hot.
6. Pick the Proper Location:
When putting artificial grass, consider its intended use. Naturally, some places receive more sunlight than others.
Top spots for artificial grass:
✔️ Shaded Places- Already awesome? Better yet!
✔️ Close to Water Features- Lakes, streams, or pools make the air wet and cold.
✔️ Near Plants- Plants can take in heat and cool the area.
Don't put artificial grass in:
✔️ Unshaded gardens facing south.
✔️ Huge, open spaces devoid of any natural cooling sources.
Pro-Tip: Use several cooling techniques, such as selecting light-colored infill and installing a shade sail, if you must build in a full-sun area.
7. Make Your Pets Comfy:
If you own pets, it's key to keep your fake grass cool. Dogs and cats, like us, can hurt their feet on hot stuff.
Tips to Make Fake Grass Nice for Pets:
✔️ Cover the yard with pet-safe blankets or cooling mats.
✔️ Use a tiny tent or umbrella to create a shaded pet habitat.
✔️Before allowing them outside, rinse the grass.
Pro-Tip: Set up a DIY cool spot—put water in a low pan so your pets can wet their paws when it's warm!
8. Go For Artificial Grass with Integrated Cooling Technology:
It does exist! Cooling technology is already integrated into the fibres of several premium artificial grass types. These items push back sunlight rather than soak it up, which keeps the top cooler.
Even if they cost more, they cut down on a lot of work in the long term—no need to water every day or add more shade!
Pro-Tip: Enquire about cooling turf solutions from vendors if you're updating your artificial grass.
FAQs:
1. Is it possible to cool fake grass with ice?
Yes, technically, but this isn't the most effective way. Ice will turn into water fast and may not cool it evenly. It's much easier and faster to use a hose for a quick spray.
2. Does fake grass heat up even if it is in a shade?
No! Being in the shade helps a lot. Fake grass under shade is much cooler than when under direct sun. If your yard gets a lot of sun, try putting up some shade sails or big sun umbrellas.
3. Is it possible to cover my fake grass with a misting system?
Of course! Misting systems are great for cooling down fake grass. They make a light water mist that goes away fast, making the grass cool but not wet.
