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Artificial grass versus real grass: Why artificial grass is a rewarding choice in autumn and winter

Written by Resigrass | Sep 25, 2024 10:37:22 AM

When the autumn leaves start to fall silently and winter is just around the corner, you need to start thinking about how your garden and patio can endure these cold and wet months. While real grass struggles to maintain its colour and vitality in these wet, gloomy months, you don't have to worry about this with artificial grass. In this blog, we briefly summarise for you why artificial grass is a smart choice not only in the summer but also in the winter months, and answer frequently asked questions about artificial grass in the colder months.

 Evergreen, Summer or Winter

One of the biggest frustrations of natural turf is that it often loses its fresh green colour in autumn and winter. With lower temperatures, less sunlight and an increase in humidity, real grass often begins to discolour and wither, leaving your garden looking bare and drab. These conditions, in turn, are ideal for moss, which becomes rampant and gives you a lot of scarification work in spring. 

Artificial grass does not have this problem. It stays green all year round, whatever the weather. Whether it is freezing, raining or even snowing, artificial grass retains its vibrant colour and gives your garden a fresh look, even in the darkest months of the year. This is especially a great advantage for people who value a nice-looking garden, but don't have the time or energy to constantly maintain a natural lawn. Also for shady gardens - e.g. due to tall trees or a walled city garden - artificial grass can offer a permanent green solution without weekly maintenance.

Low-maintenance: never mow, fertilise or water again

Real lawn requires a lot of maintenance even in autumn and winter. For example, it still has to be mowed regularly as long as it grows, you often have to remove leaves to avoid choking the grass, and in winter it is a challenge to avoid muddy patches and frost damage.

With artificial grass, you save yourself all this trouble. Artificial grass does not require mowing, and leaves can be easily removed with a rake or leaf blower. It does not require water, which is handy in cold months when you prefer not to use the sprinkler. Plus, you don't have to worry about muddy footprints or bare patches. A very wet winter? Even that is no problem for this ground cover: the grass mats have interpellations in hum soil layer that allow up to 60L of rainwater per minute per square metre to flow through. Ideal for the Belgian winter climate, in other words!

Resistant to rain and frost

Autumn is notorious for its rainy days and winter already treats us to snow and frost. As a result, natural lawns often become a dreary mess: soggy and muddy, resulting in puddles, slippery spots and sometimes even irreparable damage to the grass.

Artificial grass, on the other hand, is permeable to water. This means that rainwater can seep through the underlayer, preventing puddles from forming on the surface. This makes artificial grass particularly suitable for wet autumn days, where people and animals can enjoy the garden without mud.  In addition, artificial grass is resistant to frost and negative temperatures, where it will not break down either! The grass remains firm and safe to walk on, without becoming slippery or muddy.

Durability: longer lifetime without wear

In autumn and winter, your garden is often more heavily stressed. Persistent rain and snow weaken natural lawns, with treading on the grass or putting down garden furniture then leading to final damage. This leads to scuffs and muddy, bare patches that are difficult to repair before the spring growing season begins.

Artificial grass is designed to withstand intensive use, regardless of the season.You can use it intensively, and even garden furniture or children's toys will not leave permanent impressions. This makes artificial grass an excellent choice for gardens that are heavily used even in the colder months.

A sustainable alternative to an intensively maintained lawn

Although artificial grass is often associated with synthetic materials, in some ways it can actually be more environmentally friendly than real grass that is intensively maintained. This is because artificial grass does not need fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides, meaning fewer harmful chemicals are released into the environment. You also save water, which is especially beneficial in times of drought or in colder periods. 

Frequently asked questions about artificial grass in autumn and winter

  • "Does artificial grass really stay green in winter?’
    Yes, artificial grass stays green all year round, regardless of the weather. It does not lose colour due to cold temperatures or snow. Resigrass' grass mats are of the highest quality on the market, so even sun will not cause the colour to fade. 
  • ‘Does artificial grass become slippery due to snow or ice?’
    Artificial turf can become slippery due to a layer of ice, but this also happens with natural lawns. The big advantage is that with artificial grass, you don't have mud formation, and snow can be easily swept away.
  • ‘Can artificial grass freeze?’
    Artificial grass itself will not be damaged by freezing. It is resistant to cold temperatures and will not crack or deform if it freezes. Up to temperatures of -50 degrees Celsius, at least, you should not worry about your investment! 
  • More questions? Find our FAQ's answered here

In autumn and winter, artificial grass offers very many advantages over real grass. It stays green, requires little maintenance, is resistant to rain, snow and frost, and has a longer lifespan. If you are looking for a garden that looks tidy even in the colder months, artificial grass is the ideal solution.

Wondering if artificial grass could be a solution in your garden and about the different types? Resigrass has more than 30 types of natural-looking artificial grass, with something for every preference and budget! Discover the different types in Antwerp's largest show garden and receive a free quote and samples.