When I first moved into my little flat in Wellington, I was determined to make the outdoor space my own. The dream? A lush, green lawn where I could enjoy my morning coffee, do some yoga, and have friends over for summer BBQs. The reality? A patchy mess of grass and weeds that either turned into a mud pit in winter or dried out in summer.

After way too many weekends wasted trying to make it look decent, I finally gave in and started looking at alternatives. That’s when I discovered synthetic turf lawns, and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner!

Why I Chose a Synthetic Turf Lawn

Before I took the plunge, I had a few doubts. Would it look fake? Would it be weird to walk on? Would my landlord even allow it? But after talking to a few neighbours who’d already made the switch, I realised it was the perfect solution for someone like me—busy, not exactly a gardening expert, and wanting a nice outdoor space without the hassle.

Here’s why I went for it:

✔ It always looks good. No more dead patches, weeds, or overgrown grass. It’s green and neat all year round.
✔ No maintenance. No mowing, watering, or dealing with muddy footprints in winter.
✔ Great for small spaces. My backyard isn’t huge, and a synthetic turf lawn makes it look more polished and usable.
✔ Saves money long-term. No need for fertilisers, weed killers, or high water bills.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Synthetic Turf

Of course, making the switch isn’t just about rolling out a green carpet and calling it a day. Here are some key things I learned along the way:

✅ Quality matters. The cheaper options can look plastic and feel rough underfoot. If you want something that looks and feels like real grass, it’s worth investing a little more.

✅ Installation takes effort. Laying turf properly requires good preparation, including levelling the ground and adding a base layer. It’s not a one-hour job, but once it’s done, it’s done.

✅ It can get hot in summer. On really hot days, synthetic turf can warm up under the sun. If you’re planning to walk barefoot or have pets, consider getting a hose-down feature or some shade.

Making the switch was the best decision I made for my outdoor space, and now I actually enjoy spending time outside instead of stressing over the lawn. If you’re tired of the endless battle with real grass, it might be time to give synthetic turf a go!