Artificial grass and real lawn have many similarities, but they also have several differences, too. Synthetic turf is a low maintenance product requiring no watering, no mowing, and no fertilizers. Artificial turf stays green during all seasons, all year long. Artificial grass is durable and can handle heavy use and multiple users at the same time.
While artificial lawn is extremely natural looking and soft, some people simply prefer the feel of a natural lawn. In this instance, we often get asked if we can lay artificial lawn next to real grass. If you’re wondering the same, keep reading as we explain everything about laying turf next to existing grass.
How to lay artificial grass next to real grass
In the instance that you choose to mix synthetic and real grass, or you’re installing your artificial grass next to your neighbors real grass, you need to take great care during the installation process. As always, we recommend you to call on the services of our professional installation team, but we recognize many people prefer to rely on our DIY installation guide to install it themself.
First and foremost, you need to install your artificial turf as normal. This means removing the existing surface, be it natural lawn or gravel. You will need to lay a base of granite dust, but at this stage, you also need to add your edging. When it comes to combining real and fake lawns, we always recommend separating the two with a border or edging of some description. This is because the real grass will inevitably need cutting, and the last thing you want is to accidentally catch the surface of your artificial grass with the lawnmower. There are several types of edging you may choose from, but you might end up choosing something like brick in order to create a distinct zone. Whatever you choose, make sure you install it at this stage.
Where your artificial grass is, you will need to lay a weed membrane and then cut your grass carpet to shape. You will then need to follow our process for making neat joins before spreading kiln-dried sand across the surface of the lawn and brushing it through.
Why artificial grass won’t affect your neighbors
Unless your neighbors pay close attention to how your lawn looks on a day to day basis, they may never realize you have an artificial lawn. While there are some clear signs, the one thing that won’t alert their attention is how your lawn looks. Artificial turf does not grow and its color does not vary from shade to direct sunlight. Observant neighbors will have their first sign when you no longer have to mow your grass on a regular basis. Other than that, the signs are minimal.
Check out how to pick the most realistic grass possible to blend in with your neighbors.
In conclusion
Artificial lawns offer all the same qualities as natural turf, but in addition, they’re low maintenance and require little looking after. This means you don’t need to mix surfaces in order to use your garden to its full potential.
If anything, combining the two could be more work for you because you will need to make a conscious effort to keep on top of your natural lawn section and make sure it doesn’t impede on your artificial lawn. For example, a natural lawn can become muddy and sloppy in winter, and the last thing you want is for that to be trodden through your beautiful synthetic turf.
