In winter, a garden or roof terrace can quickly turn into a wet, messy place that is not much fun. Add to that half the alphabet's worth of storms plus a dose of moss that spreads faster than you'd like, and it feels like a hopeless endeavour! That's why winter is the time when many people start thinking about low-maintenance gardens. When you consider the big picture, the big question is: which ground cover works really well, both in winter and in the long term?
A low-maintenance ground cover scores well on four points: it generates few weeds, provides good drainage, requires minimal cleaning and retains a fresh appearance throughout the year. In winter, these characteristics become even more important due to rain, frost and little sunlight.
Gravel is often chosen for its price and appearance. The light beige variety gives your outdoor environment a fresh, southern look, which is very aesthetically pleasing. However, problems quickly arise in winter: leaves mix with the gravel, weeds still have a chance to grow and water drainage is highly dependent on the sub-layer. Over the years, the grains also become finer, and you can easily carry them into your home or car, where they are difficult to remove.
These natural materials look warm and organic, but are often less practical in winter. They decompose, are displaced by wind and rain, and need to be replenished annually. However, these materials are ideal for keeping your plants warm in borders and filling in bare patches between flower beds.
Plants such as periwinkle or pachysandra remain partially green, but grow slowly in winter and often leave gaps where weeds can establish themselves. They also require pruning and replacement.
Artificial grass combines a green appearance with minimal maintenance. Modern types of artificial grass are water-permeable, non-slip and resistant to frost and snow. Unlike natural alternatives, artificial grass remains neat in winter without any extra work.
No mud or bare patches
No weed growth
Good drainage during rainfall
Ready for immediate use (if there are seams, you can use the lawn after 24 hours)
Frequently asked question: Isn't artificial grass cold or slippery in winter?
No, high-quality artificial grass is non-slip and does not freeze solid like tiles do. You can read more about the influence of the weather on your artificial lawn in this blog!
Winter, with its prolonged wet periods and moss growth, is a time when it quickly becomes clear what works and what doesn't for your outdoor environment! Every garden or roof terrace has its own needs, depending on factors such as orientation, the surrounding nature and other factors. But that makes this the ideal time to think about layout, materials and maintenance levels, and make choices that will benefit you all year round. Good preparation does not mean deciding everything in advance, but making smart decisions that will bring flexibility, comfort and peace of mind as soon as spring arrives!
Are you considering artificial grass as ground cover and wondering which type of artificial grass is best for you? Then pay a no-obligation visit to our showroom: we will determine the best options for your situation, prepare quotations for your favourite types, and you will go home with beautiful large samples so that you can make a well-considered choice at your leisure!