Did you think that artificial grass designs are limited to backyard lawns and sports fields?
Think again. Synthetic grass has moved with the times and, in the past 20 years, has become more versatile, more realistic, and more affordable for homeowners.
So, it’s not just NFL stadiums and college football teams that enjoy the many benefits of artificial turf. Making the switch to synthetic grass makes a lot of sense for homeowners too.
Whether you have a small garden or a large, sprawling backyard space, the landscaping possibilities with turf allow you to get creative.
Here are 17 innovative artificial grass design ideas for you to implement in your yard for an ultra-low maintenance but visually appealing space that strays green all year regardless of the weather or how much you water or work on it…
1.A CUSTOMIZED PUTTING GREEN FOR YOUR BACKYARD
Not so long ago, a pro-level putting green in the comfort and convenience of the backyard was just a dream for most homeowners.
Not anymore. Customized putting greens are now much more affordable. High-quality putting green turf emulates the roll of a real grass putting green complete with fringe and chipping areas—without any maintenance, constant watering or green fees!
Golfers no longer need to head for the local course for putting or chipping practice or to start the kids early and train them up for that first tournament victory. A customized backyard putting green is also a winner if you want to host mini-tournaments for guests over a barbecue.
The backyard putting greens installed by the Grass Pros team look immaculate and can match the performance of fine grass greens—just like this one we installed for a client recently:
This artificial grass design idea is mainly for homeowners with large backyard spaces but if you just want a putting green with a hole or two and no bunkers or chipping areas, you’ll be surprised what’s possible.
2.TURF STRIPS AROUND AN IN-GROUND POOL AREA
In-ground pools look fantastic if you have the space and the budget. But what should you put around the pool to accentuate the centerpiece of your backyard?
Artificial grass turf strips between pavers are an innovative design idea that is both beautiful and practical, as you can see from this example from an Artificial Grass Pros client:
The synthetic turf strips provide a soft, non-slippery, sun- and chlorine-resistant surface that feels great under bare feet and drains well if installed by professionals. And, while artificial grass feels hotter than real grass in the summer, the water provides a cooling effect on feet.
A major benefit of replacing real grass with synthetic grass around swimming pools is that wet feet do not trail grass fibers or mud into the pool or back into the house after a dip. No trimming is required either—that can be awkward with real grass strips between pavers.
Ultimately, the hard stone between the soft and lush grass creates a sensory contrast, with the combination of pavers and artificial grass adding color, style, and practicality to backyard pool areas.
3.ARTIFICIAL GRASS DESIGNED AROUND AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL
There is a high demand for swimming pools in much of the southwest but homeowners often run into budget constraints.
If you have the space for a backyard pool in your garden, it doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Budget swimming pools are a popular choice, especially for homeowners with limited space, like in this example with a stylish above-ground pool area:
All the benefits of artificial turf strips outlined above also apply to an entire area around an above-ground swimming pool: the best artificial turf for pools remains cool, drains well, withstands the chlorine and sun, and prevents grass clippings and mud from trailing into the pool or home on kids’ feet.
Again, it’s important to install your artificial grass area professionally so that there is adequate drainage for the splashes and wet feet emerging from the pool.
4.A DRIVEWAY THAT COMBINES PAVERS AND ARTIFICIAL GRASS
Another artificial grass design idea for your home is a driveway made from turf and pavers.
Synthetic grass is not just for your backyard. It works great in front yards too and its eye-catching but practical nature can make a statement at the front of your home.
You probably wouldn’t want to park your car long-term on artificial grass (it would quickly flatten the fibers) but you can drive on artificial grass and, in combination with stone or concrete pavers, it will withstand the weight of a vehicle and look very stylish.
Here’s another fine example:
5.A LAWN SHAPED AROUND YOUR PATIO OR ENTERTAINMENT AREA
Do you have space in your backyard for a patio for family get-togethers or an entertainment area for guests?
If so, you can landscape a low-maintenance artificial grass lawn around this backyard feature. The results can be stunning, as in this example from an Artificial Grass Pros client’s home:
If you don’t have the space or budget for a sprawling lawn shaped around the outdoor area, you can use artificial grass simply to accentuate the feature, like in this example:
One of the beauties of synthetic turf is that everything can be scaled back and used more sparingly—but all of the visual and practical benefits of the best artificial grass still apply.
6.DESIGN YOUR LAWN AROUND A BACKYARD FIREPIT
Another popular artificial grass design idea is to install turf around a backyard firepit.
Backyard firepits can make cooler evenings spent at home a pleasure, whether you hang out there with the family, alone, or with guests.
If you make your firepit the centerpiece of your backyard, like in the following example, the evergreen artificial grass lawn can accentuate its beauty and make the area appear more inviting;
If you’re worried about the sparks from a firepit burning artificial grass, that’s possible but unlikely if you take a few precautions. Artificial grass can melt so make sure that your turf area is far enough away from the fire source to avoid damaging it with hot embers. And remember, you could always choose a gas or electric firepit over a wood-burning one.
Here’s a good example where artificial grass is a suitable distance from the fire source:
7.DESIGN A MINI-SOCCER PITCH OR VOLLEYBALL COURT FOR THE FAMILY
Artificial grass first shot to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with AstroTurf, when it started to be used on sports fields around the country.
With the advances in turf technology and the widespread availability of high-quality, affordable artificial grass for the home, homeowners with backyard space can install sports areas, like in this example:
The best sports turf looks just as at home in the backyard as it does in some of the largest and most famous stadiums in the country. A sports area is also a great way to get the children outdoors and away from their smartphones.
So, whether it’s a mini-soccer field, tennis court or volleyball court you’re planning—or a smaller-scale design—artificial grass is versatile and affordable enough to make it a reality.
8. DESIGN A SMALL BOCCE BALL COURT
Don’t have the space for a kids’ playground, putting green or a mini-sports field? Try a bocce ball court which can amuse the whole family…
Bocce ball doesn’t take up much space and many homeowners scale down the standard dimensions of the backyard bocce ball court (60 feet long and 12 feet wide):
Your bocce ball court may even increase home value, depending on who’s interested in buying.
9. INTEGRATE OTHER HARDSCAPE ELEMENTS INTO YOUR ARTIFICIAL GRASS DESIGN
You’ve already seen how stone or concrete pavers can work with artificial grass to create a stunning, low-maintenance area for your home—around a swimming pool or for a driveway.
Other hardscape elements like pea gravel also combine well with artificial grass. Check out this artificial grass design with pea gravel around a firepit:
This combination achieves a contemporary design. Pea gravel may be available in cream, gray, tan, etc., with the stark neutrals of the gravel contrasting with the bright green of the grass. It works equally well in commercial properties and businesses as it does at home.
Another idea is to design a pathway across the lawn to a seating area using concrete or stone flagstones/pavers. In this example, a fine pathway leads to another firpit area:
10. ADD A ROCK GARDEN OR WATER FEATURE TO OFFSET YOUR EVERGREEN LAWN
You can also offset the verdant green of an artificial lawn with other popular yard features.
You don’t need a putting green to install a water feature. Perhaps a fountain or garden pond is what’s needed to add some interest to your artificial grass design, as in this example:
Don’t fancy water or maybe you’re worried about water shortages in your area? Maybe you have a grand old tree in the middle of your yard or, if not, how about landscaping a rock garden that your artificial grass lawn can surround?
Again, the neutral colors of the rock contrast effectively with the plants and evergreen color of the synthetic grass—and it’s ultra-low maintenance like turf!
Here’s a great example:
11. DELIGHT THE KIDS WITH A BACKYARD PLAYGROUND DESIGN
Slides, swings, climbing frames, sandbox areas, trampolines…the simple attractions of playground features are not just for public parks or schools anymore.
Many homeowners with the space and budget bring the delights of commercial or public playgrounds into the backyard—and they work excellently with artificial grass. In fact, many of the best parks and playgrounds use synthetic turf because of its low maintenance requirements and safety record.
This is an especially useful design idea if you have small children—and a fantastic way to manage excessive screen time and get your kids outdoors.
However, safety is an important concern for parents. Normally, with professional turf installations, artificial grass is laid after the ground is prepared carefully. With playground turf, there’s the additional step of adding a shock-absorbent layer to protect against injury.
12. DELIGHT YOUR PET(S) WITH A CUSTOMIZED DOG RUN
Making the switch to artificial grass should be of no concern if you let the installation team know beforehand that you have a dog. Certain measures like installing a weed barrier will be skipped, while drainage will be enhanced and an antimicrobial infill used on the artificial grass area, which is standard procedure with all of our pet turf.
Dogs can pee on artificial grass and owners can let them use the area freely without worrying about nasty odors if they take these simple precautions and clear up any solid mess as soon as possible.
Some homeowners create dedicated dog-run areas just for their pets. This allows safe and convenient exercise while the toughness and durability of pet turf handle the inevitable wear and tear of boisterous dogs’ play well.
A dog run prevents damage to the flower beds, hygiene issues on the lawn that you and the family use, and muddy paws trailing back through the house. Potholes and buried bones will also be a thing of the past.
Small, practical dog runs can be attached to existing structures in the yard or a standalone dog run may be suitable if you have more space.
If you ever have a problem with dog pee odors on your artificial grass area, you can neutralize dog pee smells with these tips.
13. CREATE AN OASIS WITH A GRASS WALL IN A SMALL BACKYARD
For smaller backyards, artificial grass can still be a huge benefit.
Small spaces with real grass may take less maintenance than larger ones but you still need all the tools and the yard can still become overgrown, unsightly, and develop bald patches.
You’ll need to cut, water, and fertilize it to keep it looking pristine. The expense of mowers and garden tools is unnecessary for such small spaces—besides, where do you store it all without a garden shed?
None of that is needed with synthetic turf. Your backyard oasis requires practically no work to keep it in tip-top condition year after year. Why not hang a hammock or a swing or create a private sitting area underneath a tree canopy:
Another innovative artificial grass design idea with a small backyard is to go vertical—with an artificial grass wall, as in this example:
Other ideas for small backyard spaces are potted plant gardens and string lights for sitting out in the evenings.
14. INSTALL ARTIFICIAL GRASS IN YOUR SIDEYARD
Artificial grass can be precisely cut into any size and shape by professional installation teams. If you have a tree or gazabo to navigate around, that’s easily done, for instance.
You can also shape your artificial grass to the dimensions of your sideyard, so instead of concreting it over, you can add some color to the side of your house.
Sideyards can be problematic for homeowners because of a lack of sunlight reaching the ground. With artificial grass, you don’t need to worry about that as it remains pristine even with no sunlight.
It’s interesting to note that tall sports stadiums often have a sunlight problem, just like sideyards, which is why many of these stadiums opt for artificial grass over natural grass.
15. CONVERT AN UGLY CONCRETE BACKYARD INTO AN ATTRACTIVE GREEN SPACE
Some homeowners opted for a low-maintenance backyard a long time ago by installing concrete, stone or gravel.
You can retain this practical space—requiring little work and no water—but add a splash of color and style with artificial grass.
Stone or concrete can appear drab and lifeless (even adding a few flowerbeds wouldn’t save this one):
But even drab spaces can be transformed into beautiful green areas that will stay that way without any work from you…
16. TURF LANDSCAPING IN APARTMENTS
This artificial grass design idea is not just for homeowners—and can apply to commercial property owners too—but just because you live in an apartment or condo doesn’t mean that there’s no use for synthetic turf.
Space is usually more limited but artificial turf can be installed on apartment balconies, entertainment areas, around swimming pools, and in other common areas like seated rooftop areas and rooftop gardens.
The splash of green can brighten a stark urban landscape while the low maintenance requirements and cost benefits of artificial grass are obvious attractions for building owners and residents.
17. INSTALL ARTIFICIAL GRASS ON A BACKYARD SLOPE
Do you have a backyard slope that makes it hard to mow, water, and keep trim?
Artificial grass could be your answer. Remember, synthetic grass needs next to no upkeep so once it’s installed, it should just stay that way for many years.
The trouble is artificial grass must be installed professionally on slopes or you could end up with slipping and wrinkled areas. The installation process requires extra steps to keep the grass in place on the slope.
Once the new turf is in place, there’s no mowing, watering, weeding, aerating, pesticides or fertilizers to worry about.
MAIN CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR ARTIFICIAL GRASS DESIGN
If you’re planning a design with artificial grass for your backyard, front yard or sideyard, the most important considerations are:
- How much space is available?
- Will the space be used as a lawn, sports area, playground or dog run?
- What level of foot (or paw) traffic will it get?
- What’s your budget (bearing in mind the upfront cost of artificial grass is higher than real grass)
- What practical concerns, such as existing landscaping and drainage issues are there to contend with?
- What are your design tastes/preferences?
- Will pets use the area?
- Who will install it?
- What type of artificial grass is required?
BRING YOUR ARTIFICIAL GRASS DESIGN TO LIFE…
Whether you have a sprawling backyard area or a compact outdoor space, the above 17 artificial grass designs should help you find what you need.
Regardless of budget, you can create a beautiful, verdant, durable space that requires very little maintenance, no water, and remains green all year round—suitable for you, your children, your pets, your vehicle, and entertaining guests for many years to come.
Choose your artificial grass carefully and have it professionally installed by knowledgeable landscapers and your design idea will come to life before your eyes…
If you’re considering what to do with your outdoor spaces, discuss your options with an artificial grass professional.
