Update, September 2026: I have folded the advice below into a much fuller guide, Artificial Grass Offers a Realistic, Quality Lawn Grass Alternative, which covers choosing a grass that looks real, what it costs, and step by step installation with the kit you need.

Over the past few years the quality and varieties of artificial grass has improved by leaps and bounds, with a choice of everything from a basic green ground cover right through to specialist surfaces suited to any one of the many sports played on grass.

There are even many different colours now available for anyone wanting something out of the ordinary. This could include uses such as pool surrounds or feature paths. Some of these surfaces require a dressing of sand, rubber crumb or a mixture of both to perform at their best, but the majority do not require any dressing or it can be an optional extra to increase wear resistance.

The main ones we supply and fit around Dumfries and Galloway are those suitable for use in the domestic garden, although we will certainly be happy to consider any other more specialist enquiries such as from bowling greens or golf courses. Get in touch for prices, but I will give you a quick guide here as to what will suit you best.

If the lawn is to be used for a variety of purposes including football etc, then a 20mm pile with sand infill is ideal as the sand aids in wear resistance and gives a better grip for turning on. If you wish to use the lawn for putting, bowling or croquet, then the ideal surface is a 13 mm pile which is also ideal for a variety of other uses such as patios and paths. Sand dressing is optional on this surface, although for putting it would be preferred.

The other three I will mention here are the 24 mm, 37 mm and 40 mm piles which are all very good quality artificial grasses of varying colours for a more realistic look, and are suitable for a wide variety of uses around the home. Of these it is really down to which one the home owner finds most attractive.

One other product I should mention for anyone with young children is a safety shockpad which comes in tiles, is easily fitted and conforms to all child safety regulations. These tiles are ideal for using under any play equipment such as chutes and climbing frames, or even on steps.

Full laying instructions are included with most grass, and we can also provide a fitting service, but the process is fairly simple in that it can be glued directly onto any existing level concrete or slabbed surface, or laid on a prepared bed of firmed hardcore finished with a thin layer of fine aggregate. The artificial grass can be cut to shape easily with a stanley knife, and jointing tape and glue are used for any joins, which if done properly cannot be seen when completed. The edges are then secured on batons which are also hidden. The full sequence, with the kit list, is in the installation section of the main guide.

Once installed you can sit back and enjoy your lawn in any weather with no mowing, no fertilising, no dirt and no worries.