A few months back, I was standing on my back deck in Auckland, coffee in hand, staring at my sorry excuse for a lawn. The grass was patchy, brown in some places, overgrown in others, and muddy where my mate’s dog had done laps during a barbecue. It was that moment I thought, “There’s got to be a better way.” That’s when the idea of installing an artificial lawn popped into my head.

Now, I’ll admit—I was a bit sceptical. Wasn’t artificial grass just for football fields and retirement homes? But I did a bit of digging (not literally, not yet), and here’s what I learnt—and what made me take the plunge.

1. No More Weekend Mowing

Living in NZ, especially with how temperamental the weather can be, lawn care becomes a chore. One weekend it’s too wet, the next it’s too sunny and the grass grows like crazy. With an artificial lawn, I no longer have to schedule my Saturday around mowing, edging, and watering. I’ve got my weekends back, and trust me, nothing beats a lazy Sunday without lawn guilt.

2. It's Surprisingly Realistic

I had visions of bright green plastic mats—but modern artificial lawns look seriously good. Some even come with different blade lengths and colours to mimic real grass. A couple of mates didn’t even realise I’d made the switch until I pointed it out.

3. Perfect for Renters and Busy Bees

As someone who moved to NZ for work, I’m renting. I didn’t want to invest in a full garden makeover I couldn’t take with me. Artificial lawns are great because they’re low maintenance and easy to keep neat without spending a fortune or hours every week. Some landlords are even on board because it keeps the property looking good with minimal effort.

4. Great for Kids and Pets

While I don’t have kids yet, a few mates do. They’ve told me how their little ones love playing outside, and with an artificial lawn, there’s no mud tracked inside and fewer worries about allergies. My mate’s Labrador also seems to love it—and no more muddy paw prints through the lounge.

5. Drainage Is a Dream

One thing I worried about was drainage. Would it become a soggy mess in the rain? Turns out, proper installation includes a base layer that helps with drainage, and it’s actually better than my old lawn ever was. No more puddles after a storm.

Tips for Making the Switch:

• Measure Twice, Install Once: Make sure you get the area measured properly. Don’t forget the sides of the house or awkward corners.

• Prepare the Base Well: It’s all about the foundation. A good base layer stops weeds, helps drainage, and keeps your lawn level.

• Choose Quality: Not all artificial lawns are created equal. Go for one that looks natural and has UV protection so it won’t fade.

• Brush It Occasionally: Just like a real lawn needs a mow, your artificial lawn benefits from a brush every now and then to keep it looking fresh.

Making the switch to an artificial lawn was honestly one of the best things I’ve done since moving here. It’s tidy, low effort, and means more time for barbecues, beach days, and just chilling.