I’m constantly amazed at the beautiful artificial grass landscapes I see in neighborhoods and in my social feed. How do they come up with those stunningly creative ideas? And how do they find the most realistic artificial grass? So, I did some homework and asked Artificial Turf Supply’s experts. It turns out that artificial grass looks the most “real” when it blends its own rugged endurance with nature’s aptitude for variance. Basically, the most realistic synthetic turf has a multi-tonal, varied shape construction.
There’s a lot more it than that. A LOT more. So how do you buy the most realistic turf to get you that green and pristine 24/7/365 real-grass look with almost zero maintenance effort? Well, follow these tips and you’ll have an artificial lawn that looks so real, you’ll want to host garden parties every weekend just to show it off.
What Makes Artificial Grass Look Realistic?
So, what’s the key to choosing the most realistic artificial grass? Tiny details. The most believable fake turf has subtle variations in color, blade size, and texture. Just like natural grass.
Here’s my short-list for getting that “real” look for your turf.
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- Multi-tonal coloring (various shades of greens and browns)
- Multiple blade sizes and shapes
- Variegated, matte fibers
- Brown thatch woven between green blades
- Natural imperfections & irregularities
Nature doesn’t produce perfectly uniform grass. Blades have slight color variation. Grass’s blade lengths, thicknesses, and shapes all grow slightly different. So, if your artificial grass looks too perfectly manicured and uniform, it just won’t look real. There’s a natural beauty in the authenticity created by all those little flaws and variations. (I’m sure there’s a life lesson in there somewhere, but I digress.)
So, how do you ensure you’re buying the most realistic artificial grass?
Know Your Needs and Budget
You can’t hit a target if you don’t know what or where it is, right? So first you have to think about how you want to use your artificial grass.
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- Is your artificial grass primarily decorative for curb appeal?
- Does it have functional requirements – like a play area for kids or pets?
- Do you want something unique like a putting green?
Different types of artificial grass are better for different uses. So nail down your primary needs.
Also, what is your budget? Are you able to pay a higher up-front cost to reduce the more long-term expenses? Creating a real-grass look requires high-quality artificial turf. This has a higher upfront cost than many options, but it often lasts longer. Trust me, you don’t want to have to replace your lawn in a few years because you skimped on quality the first time around!
Here’s a useful savings calculator tool to help you see the cost-savings with high-quality artificial grass.
Researching Different Types of Realistic Artificial Grass
Once you know your needs and budget, research the different types of artificial grass. You’ll find a range of pile heights, colors, blade shapes, and other features. For the most realistic look, look for turf with:
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- Varied blade shapes, colors and sizes to mimic real grass
- A mix of green and brown thatch for a natural, multi-tonal appearance
- Soft, non-shiny fibers (too much shine is a dead giveaway that it’s fake)
- Good drainage through a fully permeable backing
- A natural, matte finish
Also consider the face weight and density – a higher face weight and denser turf will look fuller and more realistic. For high-traffic areas, make sure to choose a product with fibers that won’t mat down easily.
Talk to Professionals During for Research
There really are a lot of artificial grass options and features for you to research. Luckily, the Artificial Turf Supply team has already done this research for you! Give them a call at (866) 677-9405, and they’ll help you quickly understand which turf options are the best for your landscape project. They can get you a quote in very little time, so you don’t have to guess.
Understand Artificial Grass Material and Durability
Most artificial grass is made from either polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Polyethylene is the most popular because it’s durable yet still soft and the most realistic looking. For high traffic areas, nylon is the strongest material but feels more abrasive. Polypropylene falls in the middle – it’s stronger than polyethylene but not as harsh as nylon. Many turf products blend polyethylene and polypropylene fibers for the best of both worlds.
Infill also factors into durability. It’s what weighs the grass down, keeps the blades upright, and provides stability. Look for turf with a good infill like silica sand or eco-friendly Envirofill.
Select a Realistic Right Pile Height
Pile height refers to how tall the grass blades are. Shorter pile heights, from ½” to 1½ “, are ideal for high traffic areas, pet turf, and putting greens. Longer pile heights of 1½” to 2″ have a lusher, more realistic look but aren’t as durable.
In my research, I learned that about 85% of professional landscapers recommend buying artificial grass with a blade height between 1.5 and 2 inches for a more realistic look. Obviously, this should be adjusted for you specific landscape goals, but it’s a nice place to start.
For front and back yards, a pile height between 1¾” and 2″ provides the most natural look while still being able to withstand moderate foot traffic and retain its integrity. So if you want a lawn that looks like real grass, aim for that sweet spot.
Consider Artificial Grass Blade Shapes and Colors
Artificial grass blade shape is something not many people know about. And once again, there a surprising number of options, and the shape you choose really matters.
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- Flat
- Diamond
- M-shaped
- S-shaped
- U-shaped
- V-shaped
- W-shaped
The more varying widths and angles in the blades, the more realistic the turf will look. I think W-shaped and S-shaped blades tend to appear the most natural.
When it comes to color, look for turf that incorporates multiple shades of green as well as some brown thatch. Avoid artificial grass in just one shade of green as it will look too fake and uniform to pass as real grass. My favorite fake grass has a blend of apple green, olive, and emerald blades mixed with a tan thatch.
Evaluate Backing and Drainage Systems
The backing is the foundation that holds the artificial grass together, so it needs to be high quality. This decision is less about making your turf look more real, but it’s super important. Look for turf with a fully permeable backing that allows for maximum drainage. Cheaper hole-punched backings can lead to flooding and pooling water.
If you live in a rainy climate or have pets, proper drainage is extra important to prevent mold, mildew and odors. At minimum, make sure the backing is waterproof and weather-resistant.
Compare Warranty and Maintenance Requirements
A quality artificial grass product should have at least an 8-year warranty, with some of the best turf boasting up to 15-20 year warranties. Generally, the face weight and density are good indicators of how long the grass will last. Turf with a 70+ oz face weight and 80+ oz/yd2 density will hold up the longest.
In terms of maintenance, it doesn’t get much easier than artificial grass! Still, there are a few small differences between products. Some turf requires regular brushing with a power broom to keep fibers upright. Others may need occasional washing or weeding. Look for low-maintenance options that only require a quick rinse with a hose every once in a while.
Making the Final Purchase Decision
You can know all there is to know. And you can do all the research there is in the world. But choosing the most realistic artificial grass comes down to your personal needs, preferences, and budget. Examine the details and purchase from a trustworthy source. That way you really can’t go wrong.
If you’re still on the fence, call Artificial Turf Supply at (866) 677-9405.
You won’t regret it. You also won’t regret investing in their high-quality, realistic-looking artificial grass that will last years to come! There’s nothing quite like looking out over your lush, green lawn, knowing that you’ll never have to lift a finger to maintain it. It’s the dream!
Get a free quote to start your project today!
