I’ll admit it—I am a terrible gardener. I forget to water plants, I let weeds take over, and the thought of mowing the lawn on a Saturday morning? No thanks. So, when I moved into a place with a backyard, I knew I had two options: accept my fate of having a messy lawn or find a smarter alternative. That’s when I discovered fake lawns.

Now, some people hear “fake lawn” and immediately think of those horrible plastic mats from years ago. But trust me, modern fake lawns look incredibly realistic. If you’re wondering whether it’s the right choice for you, here’s what I’ve learned.

Why More Kiwis Are Choosing Fake Lawns

New Zealanders love the outdoors, but that doesn’t mean we love maintaining lawns. Fake grass solves a lot of common issues:

✔ No More Mowing – Weekends are for relaxing, not pushing a noisy lawnmower around.
✔ No Water Needed – With occasional droughts in NZ, it’s an eco-friendly choice.
✔ Stays Green All Year – No brown patches in winter, no overgrown mess in summer.
✔ Great for Small Spaces – Perfect for balconies, courtyards, and even indoor areas.

How to Make a Fake Lawn Look as Natural as Possible

If you’re worried about it looking too artificial, these tips help:

• Choose a mix of colours – Natural grass isn’t one solid green; the best fake lawns have different shades blended together.
• Get a good pile height – Too short, and it looks like carpet. Too long, and it feels unnatural. Around 30-40mm is ideal.
• Install it properly – A smooth surface and good drainage make all the difference.

Since installing a fake lawn in nz, my garden has never looked better. More importantly, I never have to worry about looking after it.