Last Updated on January, 2025
So, you’re thinking about artificial grass for your yard, but the big question on your mind is, does artificial grass get hot?
The answer is yes, it can, especially in direct sunlight during those hot summer months.
But don’t sweat it!
With a few easy tricks, you can keep synthetic turf cool and comfortable, even in the warmest weather. Let’s talk about how artificial grass handles the heat, why it’s still a great option, and some easy ways to keep your artificial lawn chill.
Quick Summary
- Artificial grass retains heat, especially in direct sunlight, but it cools faster than hard surfaces. Simple methods like spraying with a hose, adding shade, or choosing lighter colors and advanced cooling technology can keep the surface comfortable.
- The type of infill, such as silica sand or durafill sand, significantly impacts heat retention. High-quality artificial grass with UV-resistant fibers and cooling features further helps maintain a cooler surface in warm weather.
- Regular brushing, avoiding high heat sources, and using misting systems can help maintain the turf’s appearance and functionality. These measures make artificial grass a durable and comfortable choice, even in high temperatures.
Why Does Artificial Grass Get Hot?
Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf or fake grass, is made of synthetic materials like polyethylene and nylon that retain heat when exposed to direct sunlight.
Unlike natural grass, which cools off through moisture, synthetic grass absorbs heat and doesn’t cool down naturally. However, while artificial grass does get warmer than real grass, it also cools down more quickly than hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete.
With some planning, you can reduce the surface temperature on your synthetic lawn so it’s comfortable to use, even in high temperatures.
How Hot Does Artificial Grass Get?
Artificial grass can get quite warm, especially in hot weather, reaching anywhere from 10-30°F higher than natural grass.
But don’t worry, high quality artificial turf designed with advanced cooling technology and UV-stabilized synthetic fibers can help maintain a cooler surface.
And unlike those hard surfaces, your artificial turf cools off faster when the sun goes down. Plus, once you install artificial grass, you’re done with constant watering, mowing, and muddy messes.
How to Keep Your Artificial Grass Cool?
Ready to keep your artificial grass lawn cool as a cucumber?
Here are some tips to make sure your synthetic turf stays comfy, even on the hottest summer days.
- Spray It Down with a Garden Hose
Need a quick cool-down? Just give your artificial grass a spritz with the hose. Since fake grass doesn’t require frequent watering like regular grass, a light mist now and then can quickly lower the temperature without excessive water use.
- Go for Lighter Colors
Lighter-colored turf reflects sunlight, which helps reduce surface temperature. Choosing a light-colored high quality turf can keep your lawn cooler under direct sunlight.
- Choose Your Infill Material Wisely
The type of infill material you use has a big impact on heat retention. Crumb rubber infill holds more heat, while options like silica sand or durafill sand reduce surface temperatures by dispersing heat better.
Choosing the right infill options can make a huge difference in how your artificial turf feels on a hot day.
- Add Shade
Have trees or shaded areas in your outdoor space? Great! Providing shade helps prevent heat buildup. If you don’t have natural shade, try adding shade sails, umbrellas, or even a pergola.
Artificial grass stays cooler in these shaded spaces, so you can enjoy a chilly surface for relaxation.
- Consider Advanced Turf Options
If you want the best, go for high quality artificial grass with cooling technology. These premium turf products include UV-resistant turf fibers and other features that help deflect heat and keep your artificial turf comfortable.
Is Artificial Grass Safe for Pets in Hot Weather?
Worried about your pets?
No problem!
Modern artificial grass lawns are pet-friendly and safe. On hot days, just give the surface a little spritz with the hose or let your pets relax in a shaded area on the synthetic grass lawn to keep them comfy.
A quick spray can go a long way to make sure your furry friends stay happy on your fake grass.
Tips for Maintaining Artificial Grass in High Temperature
While artificial grass is pretty much minimal maintenance compared to real grass, a little extra care during hot summer months can help keep it looking and feeling great. Here’s how to keep your lawn in top shape:
- Brush Regularly
A specialized brush will keep your grass fibers upright, helping with airflow and maintaining that realistic appearance everyone loves.
- Avoid High Heat Sources
Keep barbecues, fire pits, and outdoor heaters off your artificial turf. These can cause excessive heat damage, so it’s best to avoid them on your artificial grass.
- Consider Misting Systems
Adding a misting system around your artificial grass installation can help keep the hot artificial turf cool, especially on sunny days. This is especially great for larger spaces like sports fields.
Artificial Grass vs. Natural Grass: Which Stays Cooler?
When it comes to keeping cool, natural grass performs better since it retains moisture, which lowers its temperature. Artificial turf can get warmer, but it cools off faster than concrete, asphalt, or stone.
With a few simple adjustments, your artificial lawn can be a refreshing surface that’s perfect for summer fun and relaxation.
Picking the Right Infill for Warm Weather
Believe it or not, your choice of infill material makes a big difference in managing surface heat. While crumb rubber absorbs and holds onto more heat, sand-based infills like silica sand or durafill sand provide a much cooler surface.
Always consult with professional advice when selecting infill materials for your yard to make sure you’re getting the best results.
Heat-Resistant Features of Artificial Grass
Most synthetic grass options now come with UV-resistant properties to prevent color fading under direct sunlight, so your artificial grass will stay vibrant, even in warm weather.
Some options even include fire-resistant technology, which can be helpful in extreme conditions. With these heat-resistant features, your lawn will look fresh and last through plenty of hot days.
Extra Tips for Staying Cool on Artificial Grass
Here are a few more ways to enjoy your lawn during the hottest temperatures:
- Plan Your Time on the Lawn: Enjoy your lawn in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are naturally lower, for the most comfort.
- Use Furniture to Create Shade: Position outdoor furniture to provide shaded areas over your artificial grass. Even a little shade helps reduce heat retention and keeps the turf feeling good.
The Urban Heat Island Effect and Artificial Grass
In urban areas, surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and even some synthetic material can contribute to the urban heat island effect by absorbing and holding heat.
However, artificial grass with cooling properties and the right infill option can reduce ground heat in these settings, making it a comfortable alternative to hard surfaces for urban outdoor spaces.
Useful guides:
Final Thoughts
So, does artificial grass get hot?
Sure, but managing absorbed heat is easy!
A quick spray from the hose, a bit of shade, and the right infill options will keep fake grass comfortable all summer long.
Ready to make the switch to synthetic turf? Need some professional advice?
We’re here to help with all your artificial grass needs, from helping you buy artificial grass to choosing the best turf and cooling solutions.
With high quality artificial turf, a bit of simple care, and a few cooling tricks, you’ll have a fresh surface that’s perfect for hot spells, no mowing, no mud, no worries!
Enjoy your synthetic lawn and keep things chill, even on those hot sunny days!
