What Makes Artificial Grass Look Real?
Artificial grass has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, making it an appealing alternative to natural lawns. Yet, many Dallas homeowners still worry that artificial options will look too obviously fake.
We get it – poor-quality artificial grass certainly looks like cheap, green plastic. But the kind of products we use here at Synthetic Turf DFW mimic the real thing so closely, it’s hard to tell the difference. Here are some of the features that make our turf look extremely natural:
Varied Coloration
Gone are the days of uniformly bright green artificial grass. Today’s advanced products feature a blend of tones at the base of the blades, mimicking the subtle color variations found in real lawns. For instance, our artificial grass for Dallas landscapes blend earthy browns, olive greens, and even hints of yellow to create a natural depth.
Thatch Layer
Thatch, the layer of brown, dead grass found within a real lawn, might seem undesirable, but it actually plays a crucial role in realism. Manufacturers incorporate a thatch layer into modern artificial grass, creating an organic look for backyard turf installation and breaking up the otherwise uniform green color.
Blade Shape
Flat, uniformly shaped blades were once a telltale sign of artificial grass. Now, blades come in a variety of shapes – some flat, others with a central spine (C-shaped), and still others with a “W” or diamond shape. These variations recreate the diversity of natural grass blades, and crucially, change the way light reflects off the surface, reducing artificial shine.
Pile Height
Pile height refers to the length of the grass blades. Choosing a pile height that matches your desired look is important. Longer pile heights (around 40mm) offer a lusher appearance, while a mix of different blade lengths contributes to an even more natural look.
Texture and Density
Realistic artificial grass feels softer than you might expect. The density of the blades (how many are packed into a set area) also plays a major role. A denser turf prevents the backing from showing through, making it less obvious that the lawn is artificial.
Additional Considerations
As with most things, investing in high-quality artificial grass will yield a more natural-looking result. Premium options prioritize the elements mentioned above for increased realism, while cheaper options may skimp on these details.
The skill of your installation team matters, too! For instance, our installers understand how to infill the turf (the material added for support and bounce) properly and can even manipulate the direction of the blades for a realistic, windswept appearance.
Learn More
High-quality artificial grass can be shockingly indistinguishable from well-maintained natural grass, even upon close inspection. If you have more questions about our products or installation process, don’t hesitate to call 214-972-0449 or send us a message.
In the meantime, check out some of our real-life projects to see how realistic Synthetic Grass DFW installations can be.
