When I first moved into my rental house in Christchurch, I had all these grand plans for the backyard. I imagined flower beds, a veggie patch, and a beautifully manicured lawn where I could sit with a book and a coffee. Fast forward six months, and all I had was a backyard full of weeds, overgrown grass, and endless frustration.

Gardening, as it turns out, is a lot of work. And honestly, between work, social life, and trying to stay sane, it just wasn’t a priority. That’s when I started looking into artificial lawns — and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

Why I Switched to an Artificial Lawn

Before making the change, I had my doubts. Would it look fake? Would it feel weird underfoot? But after visiting a friend’s place with an artificial lawn, I was convinced. Here’s why:

✔ No maintenance needed. No mowing, watering, or weeding—just a perfect green lawn all year round.
✔ No muddy patches. With NZ’s unpredictable rain, my old lawn turned into a swamp. Artificial turf drains quickly, so it’s dry and usable even after heavy rain.
✔ It’s pet-friendly. My friend’s dog loves it, and it’s easy to keep clean—just a quick hose down if needed.
✔ It looks amazing. Honestly, some of the new artificial lawns look just like real grass, and unless you touch them, you can’t even tell the difference!

What I Learned About Installing an Artificial Lawn

I won’t lie—switching to an artificial lawn isn’t as simple as just rolling it out. Here are a few key things I learned:

✅ Good prep is everything. If the ground underneath isn’t level, the lawn won’t sit properly. Taking the time to prepare the base properly makes a huge difference.

✅ Choosing the right type matters. Some artificial lawns are better for pets, some are softer underfoot, and some are designed to stay cooler in the sun. I tested samples before deciding.

✅ It’s an investment, but it pays off. Artificial lawns cost more upfront than natural grass, but with zero maintenance costs, it balances out over time.

After switching, my outdoor space actually feels relaxing—no more worrying about mowing or weeding, just a perfect green lawn that always looks great. If you’re tired of dealing with patchy, high-maintenance grass, I highly recommend looking into an artificial lawn!