Dogs and families
Artificial grass for dogs and families in Kettering
Muddy knees, a goal against the fence, a paddling pool in August and a spaniel on patrol. A family garden asks a lot of a lawn. Here is how an artificial one can keep up, and where it needs a little care.
Play
A lawn for children to use every day
The big change for most families is simply being able to go outside after rain. Children can play on the grass in March without coming back in plastered with mud, and the worn goalmouth and bald patch under the swing disappear.
- Soft landings: under a climbing frame, swing or slide, ask about a foam shockpad laid below the grass to cushion falls.
- Hard-wearing pile: a shorter, denser grass copes better with running, skidding and bikes.
- Anchoring play equipment: ask how frames and goals will be fixed without cutting through the grass more than needed.
- Paddling pools: empty them onto the lawn and the base should take the water away, so long as it was built to drain.
Paws
Living with a dog on artificial grass
Dogs and artificial lawns can get along well. The usual worries are smell, digging and heat, and each has a practical answer.
- Smell: clear up mess straight away, just as on turf, and hose the regular spots, more often in warm weather. A permeable backing over a free-draining base lets the rinse water go straight through.
- Cleaners: enzyme-based artificial grass cleaners are widely sold for pet areas. Ask the installer which they suggest for the grass you choose.
- Digging: a dog cannot dig through a well-fixed lawn, but loose edges invite attention. Firm edging and secure fixings are worth asking about.
- Heat: like paving, artificial grass warms up in strong sun. Leave shade and water out on hot days, as you would anywhere.
The base matters more with pets and children
Everything that lands on an artificial lawn, from rain to rinse water to spilt squash, has to pass down through the grass and the stone layer and away into the ground. In a busy family garden that happens often, so the base deserves extra attention.
Around Kettering, the ground beneath lawns ranges from sandy, reddish ironstone soil on the higher land to heavy clay in the valleys, and some gardens sit on made-up ground. Nobody can tell which you have without looking. Ask any installer what they found under your turf, how deep they plan to dig, and how they will make sure water leaves the base. If they suggest a fully permeable grass or a different stone, ask them to explain why.
Barbecues, fire pits and other hazards
Artificial grass is made from plastics, which soften and can melt with heat. Keep barbecues, chimineas and fire pits on paving, not on the lawn, and be careful with hot coals and dropped cigarettes. Sharp objects and heavy furniture with narrow legs can mark the surface too, so put spreader pads under anything heavy that stays put.
Trampolines and paddling pools
A trampoline can stand on artificial grass, but the legs press into one spot for months and the shade beneath can collect leaves and damp. Ask about anchoring kits that do not need large cuts in the grass, and move it now and then if you can. For pools, choose a level area and let the water drain away gradually rather than all at once.
Before you choose
Family garden questions for installers
- Which grass would you suggest for children and a dog, and why that one?
- Is a shockpad recommended under the play equipment, and how is it joined to the rest?
- Is the backing perforated or fully permeable?
- How will you check that the base drains on our ground?
- How are edges fixed where a dog might dig or children might pull?
- What cleaning routine do you recommend for pet areas, and what voids the guarantee?
For a list tailored to your garden, try the grass chooser.
Questions from families
Is artificial grass safe for children to play on?
Families use it widely. Choose a grass from a maker who can tell you what it is made from, and use a shockpad under play equipment for softer falls.
Will my dog still use it?
Give them a little time to get used to the new surface. Some owners find it helps to lead the dog to the same spot each time at first.
Does it get slippery?
Wet grass of any kind can be a little slippery. A shorter, denser pile tends to give better footing for running games.
Planning a family lawn?
Mention the children, the dog and any play equipment when you request a quote.