Landscape Design Ideas to Transform Your Backyard with Artificial Grass

The friendly team here at Artificial Turf Supply has been designing and installing stunning artificial grass landscapes for years. Let me tell you, we’ve seen it all. And we’ve got a wide range of ideas to transform your backyard using artificial grass. Tiny urban balconies you can barely lie down in? Yep. Sprawling suburban lawns with all the bells and whistles? Definitely! And we’ve pretty much done everything in between, too.

Here’s what we’ve learned: there’s no space that can’t be transformed with a little creativity and a lot of lush, green artificial grass.

Artificial Grass Landscape Design Tips

• • Artificial grass is low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and perfect for any backyard space.
  • Proper artificial grass planning and design are crucial for creating a cohesive, functional, and beautiful landscape.
  • Incorporating natural elements and creating focal points will take your artificial grass landscape to the next level.
  • Choosing the right type and style of artificial grass for your specific needs is essential for long-lasting beauty and durability.

Now, let’s get those backyard design creative juices flowing!

Why Choose Artificial Grass for Your Backyard Landscaping

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Why should I choose artificial grass over the real deal?”  I’d counter with, “Why SHOULDN’T you?” I mean, artificial grass is super low-maintenance. Say ‘adios’ to mowing, watering, and fertilizing, amigo. So what will you do with that extra time? Enjoy your newly-redesigned beauty of backyard!

Plus, artificial grass is incredibly versatile. Create a pet-friendly play area. Or a putting green. Or a pool surround. Whatever you decide to design will stay lush and green all year round, no matter the weather.

Landscape Design Step 1: Assessing & Planning

The first rule of landscape design is: make a plan that fits your space. So, before you start dreaming up your perfect artificial grass landscape, you should first to assess your backyard space. Take a good look at the size, shape, and layout of your yard. And take note of your existing features like trees, garden beds, or hardscapes.

Now think about how you want to use your backyard space. Do you envision a cozy seating area for entertaining friends and family? A play area for the kids and pets? Or maybe a putting green for perfecting your short game?

Here are some landscape design ideas I’ve seen turn out beautifully.

Create Designated Zones

Use artificial grass to define different functional areas in your yard. Install a lush, grassy play space for the kids next to a modern paver patio with comfy furniture for the adults to relax. Contrasting materials for each space adds visual interest while subtly separating them.

Make a Backyard Putting Green

Practice your short game steps from your back door! A custom artificial turf putting green not only provides endless entertainment, but ups your home’s wow factor. Start with a small 3-hole course and expand it over time (trust me, it’s addictive).

Design a Dreamy Pool Surround

Say goodbye to hot concrete or messy mulch – artificial grass is the perfect pool companion. It feels lush on bare feet, dries quickly, and provides a slip-resistant surface. Plus, no more tracking dirt and grass into the pristine pool water!

Keep Fido Happy with a Dog Run

Give your furry friend a designated bathroom area with antimicrobial, drainable artificial grass. No more yellow spots on your lawn! Create a dog run along the side of your house – the realistic turf will blend right in.

Build a Bocce Court

Artificial grass makes an excellent bocce ball court surface. The smooth, even turf provides the perfect roll. Outline the court with pavers or add string lights above to illuminate nighttime games. Time to bring out that competitive streak!

Beautify a Balcony

No backyard? No problem! Transform a small balcony into a green refuge with artificial grass. Add some potted plants and a comfy chair and you’ve got a lush escape from the concrete jungle. Ahh, take a deep breath of fresh air.

You can see the endless possibilities, right? But you need to have a clear idea of your goals before you start designing.

So now you’re starting to imagine how you want to use your backyard. This is the perfect time to start planning your design layout. This is where the real fun begins!

Turn Your Landscape Ideas Into a Detailed Layout

Now we’re going to put some flesh on your backyard design bones. Start by sketching out a rough plan of your backyard. Make sure you include notes for any existing features you want to keep. Then, play around with different layout options.

• • What is your desired flow? How do you want people to move through it?
  • Consider breaking your backyard into distinct zones for different activities like dining, lounging, or playing
  • How are you using your current landscape features? How does each support your design goals?

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! One of my favorite design tricks is to use curves and angles to create visual interest and break up the space. And remember, artificial grass gives you the freedom to get creative with shapes and patterns.

Incorporating Artificial Grass into the Overall Landscape

How you integrate artificial grass into your backyard design is a crucial decision. One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is installing artificial grass without considering the surrounding elements. So let’s avoid this mistake, shall we?

A key to beautiful backyard design is creating a cohesive look. So think about how your artificial grass will blend with your existing hardscapes (like pavers, decks, or patios). Also, adding borders or edges to areas defines the space. That’s how you create a clean, polished look.

And don’t forget about plants! Incorporating natural elements like trees, shrubs, and flowers will help soften the look of your artificial grass. This is how you give your turf a more organic feel.

This is also an opportunity to use other types of artificial foliage. You can create visual layers of greenery by installing it on the ground. Or install it on a wall or vertical surface to create that sophisticated hanging garden look.

Creating a Focal Point with Artificial Grass

Another rule of landscape design is: create a focal point. You want something to draw the eye and anchor the rest of your design elements. So, how can you do that using artificial grass?

One of my favorite ways to use artificial turf as a focal point is to create a putting green. It creates a fun and functional element to your backyard, and it serves as a stunning visual centerpiece. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at parties!

Another option is to create a raised artificial grass platform or mound. Use it for a prominent seating area, a play space for kids, or simply a sculptural element in your landscape. Again, this is a chance to get creative!

Add Elements of Nature to Enhance Your Landscape Design

You can always use artificial grass as the hero of your backyard landscape. But it’s important to remember that nature is the true star. Natural elements bring a sense of balance and harmony to your design. And good design always leverages balance and harmony.

• • Water features like fountains, ponds, and birdbaths
  • Large rocks can be artistically placed as design elements
  • Stone firepits add rustic functionality
  • Trees, flowers, and plants enhance health, beauty, and privacy

One great way of incorporating a natural element is with a water feature. A fountain or a small pond creates a soothing ambiance that attracts wildlife. But maybe bubbling water and attracting wildlife isn’t your gig. That’s totally fine. Natural stone or wood elements add texture and warmth to your space.

And we can’t discuss natural elements without mentioning trees, shrubs, and flowers. Placing these in the right spot in your landscape provides shade, privacy, and a beautiful pop of color.

Designing Functional Spaces with Artificial Grass

Backyard landscape design is just like any other design … it’s all about balancing form and function. You want to create a functional and practical outdoor space. Artificial grass is a flexible and powerful tool for creating functional spaces.

One of my favorite ways to use artificial grass is to create a pet-friendly play area. Not only does it provide a safe and comfortable space for your furry friends to run and play, but it also helps keep your main lawn looking pristine.

Another option is to create a children’s play area with artificial grass. You can incorporate fun elements, such as a slide or a climbing wall, and the soft, cushioned surface of the grass will help prevent injuries.

And let’s not forget about the ultimate backyard entertaining space – the outdoor living room. With artificial grass, you can create a comfortable and inviting seating area that’s perfect for relaxing with friends and family.

Choosing the Right Type and Style of Artificial Grass

Customers are often surprised by the sheer number of artificial grass options there are these days. Bringing your landscape design to life means choosing the right type and style of grass for your specific needs. And you also want to choose turf that contributes to a long-lasting and beautiful landscape.

So what’s the right artificial grass choice for your design? Well, you have a number of factors to consider: pile height, blade shape and color, infill material, and more. For example, if you’re creating a putting green, you’ll want a shorter pile height and a denser blade structure to mimic the look and feel of real putting green turf.

I recommend talk to the Artificial Turf Supply team at (866) 677-9405. They’ll help you navigate all of these tough turf choices without the stress.

Also, I can’t stress enough how important proper installation is! Poorly installed artificial grass turns into a nightmare fast. You get lumps, discolorations, seams that begin showing. And unfortunately, there are a lot of complexities to the installation process. Hire the Artificial Turf Supply team and your artificial grass will look and perform its best for years to come.

They can also walk you through all of the installation and artificial grass maintenance information you’ll need.

The Artificial Grass is Always Greener!

Now you know how to design a backyard landscape with artificial grass. Your beautiful, functional, uniquely-you outdoor space is within grasp.

If you’re still on the fence, or you’re worried about the costs, give our team of experts a call: (866) 677-9405

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start designing your dream backyard with artificial grass. Trust me, you won’t regret it!