“Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because it is fake.”
-Author Unknown
Green spaces are becoming increasingly popular amongst townhome and condominium homeowners. However, as homeowners move from the suburbs into urban centres, the ability to surround themselves with greenery is diminished.
Homeowners are no longer satisfied with settling for the traditional condominium look and feel of concrete slabs, grey walls, and drab uniformity. Instead, today’s discerning homeowner wants a unique space filled with as much greenery and natural elements that is available.
As a homeowner, you should not have to sacrifice green space to gain the convenience that city living provides. Many homeowners have traded in their long commute for the convenience of city living and improved walkability scores. As such, they want to treat their condo and townhome balconies, patios, and rooftops like a backyard.
Since adding real grass to a rooftop, balcony, or patio is not ideal or recommended, alternatives to grass, such as artificial turf, are fast becoming a viable solution for outdoor flooring in Toronto.
Artificial grass is:
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Requires little maintenance
- Resistant to heavy foot traffic
- Pet-friendly
- Child-friendly
- Weed-resistant
Together with plant containers, small trees, and planted flowers, artificial grass can provide the garden oasis homeowners have been desiring.
Have questions? Don’t worry, we are here to help. Our team of experts has compiled a top-five list of inspiring design ideas incorporating artificial grass on your rooftop or balcony.
Artificial grass, wood, and wicker
Artificial turf is great for balconies, terraces, roof gardens, and roof valleys. It is easy to install and simple to clean and maintain. Due to its durability, artificial grass can last for many years.
By combining artificial grass with other natural elements, such as wicker or wood furniture, you can create a cozy and inviting space.
Artificial turf in a section of a balcony floor
Photo Credit: One Kind Design
Choosing a higher quality artificial grass can appear very similar to that of natural grass. For example, landscaping artificial grass–the type used in football stadiums–is not only durable and frost resistant but bears the closest resemblance to natural grass.
This synthetic grass is also easy to maintain. However, if you can’t envision a full artificial grass floor, get creative. By combining artificial turf with decorations such as stones, other artificial plants, wooden planters, and other outdoor flooring tiles, you can create a space that is not only functional but unique.
Balcony playgrounds and artificial grass
Photo Credit: Houzz
Some townhome and condominium balconies have larger spaces that give you as a homeowner a lot more possibilities. For example, if you have young children, you may want to create an outdoor space that balances your desire to entertain with a child-friendly area.
Since artificial grass is both child-friendly and pet-friendly and can be customized to any shape, color, and style, artificial grass provides versatility, functionality, and fun for younger children.
Artificial grass as a Zen-space
Photo Credit: Impact Magazine
A rooftop garden makes a perfect venue for a communal space. A flat gravel or pea gravel, combined with artificial grassed surface makes a practical ground cover to protect the structure, and allows you to create a perfect gathering space for residents to enjoy throughout the year. Community gardens can also help foster an atmosphere of collaboration and community.
Artificial grass on a rooftop garden provides a unique community space that allows for an outdoor green space for residents to enjoy. Through sustainable landscaping and preservation of natural air and water qualities, the garden compliments the existing views, and encourages an active and connected community.
Simple, yet modern
Photo Credit: Houzz.com
By pairing simple concrete slabs or tile squares with artificial turf, you can transform a simple space into a modern design. The combination of artificial turf against a linear square design adds both depth and dimension. You can choose to position the artificial turf as the focal point, with the surrounding tiles providing contrasting texture and color. By incorporating concrete pavers or other types of tile flooring with greenery, you create clean lines. The artificial turf becomes the central feature of your design.
Rooftop putting green with artificial grass
Photo Credit: Luxury Branded
Maintenance of your artificial grass
Artificial grass is a flooring solution that offers so many benefits. Not only does it look realistic, but artificial turf also requires little maintenance, is affordable, and has zero watering requirements.
Artificial grass looks, feels, and behaves like the real thing. But artificial grass does have a few requirements to keep it looking its best.
You’ll need to rake and brush it to remove dirt and other debris. You’ll also need to wash it occasionally to remove stains.
Tips for caring for artificial grass
- Clean often and do not let dirt and debris build up.
- Depending on your artificial grass, you might need to use a leaf blower every so often to remove leaves and other debris.
- Watering artificial grass is very gentle. The only thing to worry about is that water can pool on the blades, so be sure the grass is thoroughly drained after each watering.
- Brush weekly to keep the artificial blades from flattening and getting matted.
- Use a membrane below your artificial grass to prevent weed growth.
- Do not apply heat–such as blow-drying–after watering your artificial lawn
- Do not vacuum, as this can damage your artificial tur. Instead, use an outdoor brush or a power brush to remove debris and dirt
Although your synthetic grass needs little in the way of upkeep, it still requires a certain level of TLC. For example, to keep your artificial turf looking magnificent.
Disadvantages of artificial grass:
Artificial turf does have some drawbacks.
- Wear or discolouration
- Unnatural appearance
- Water retention
- Heat retaining
Keep in mind that not every type of fake grass is created equal. However, if you choose a well-made, artificial turf, you can avoid these issues.
“If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of a bad design”
~Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO Jaguar
Thanks to your artificial turf, you now have more time to spend lounging in the sun with the same look and feel as a traditional backyard. That is why artificial turf is considered a viable choice amongst condominium owners.
