Just because you have a small amount of backyard is no reason you shouldn’t get to fully enjoy it in a big way. So how do you transform that small space into your own personal fresh air paradise? There are a lot of great ideas, but have you considered artificial turf?
For some of you readers, the words “artificial turf” immediately make you think of that stiff plasticky stuff that’s BARELY softer than concrete. Toss those ideas into a grass clippings bag. And then toss out all your grass clipping bags (you won’t need them anymore). Fake grass has come a loooong way. Today’s artificial turf looks good and feels good on those toes. Plus, it’ll save you cash and tons of back-breaking effort 365 days a year… for years to come.
Small Backyard Turf Ideas
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- Putting Green – perfect for a long narrow space
- Around a Pool Area – slip-free surface, eliminates mud tracks
- Around a Fire Pit Nook – clean look around any outdoor feature
- With Pavers – no burnt spots, professional landscape design look
- The Perfect Dog Run – keeps landscaping fresh after zoomies
- Water Wise Landscape – drought tolerant, looks nice year-round
- On a Balcony – fantastic option for limited outdoor space
Assessing Your Small Backyard Space
First things first, take a good hard look at that postage stamp you call a backyard. Is it a funky shape? Got some awkward angles and corners? No worries! Artificial turf can be cut and customized to fit any space, no matter how challenging. It’s like the yoga pants of landscaping – stretchy and forgiving.
No matter how small or oddly-shaped your yard is, measure your square footage so you know how much turf to order. Don’t forget to account for any obstacles like trees, bushes, or that rusty swing set you keep meaning to get rid of. Tailor your turf to fit around pretty much anything.
Where Can I Install Artificial Grass?
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- Almost anywhere in your yard
- On any existing landscape
- Applied directly to concrete
- On hard surfaces like a deck or patio
- Great solution for city dwellers with small patios or balconies
Selecting the Right Turf Options
Now for the fun part – picking out your perfect turf! There are tons of options out there, from different shades of green to varying blade lengths and textures. We’ve got a ton of experience helping clients with their small backyard turf ideas. Want a putting green? There’s a turf for that. Need something extra durable for little Fido’s potty breaks? We’ve got you covered.
Consider things like foot traffic, sun exposure, and drainage when making your selection. You don’t want puddles forming every time it sprinkles. Another great idea if you’ve got kiddos or pets? Look for a turf with built-in antimicrobial protection to keep things clean and odor-free.
Preparing the Ground for Turf Installation
Alright, time to get down and dirty. Clear out any existing grass, weeds, or debris from your soon-to-be turfed area. You want a nice smooth surface to lay that luscious lawn on.
If your soil is really uneven or bumpy, you may need to do some light grading first. Don’t worry, this doesn’t need heavy machinery – a trusty rake and some elbow grease will do the trick. The goal is to create a level base so your turf lays flat and seamless.
Learn more: How to rough grade your artificial turf base
Installing Artificial Turf in a Small Backyard
Let me just say this up-front. It’s okay if installing (even a small amount of) turf isn’t your idea of a good time. That’s okay, our installation experts are just a call away.
For the rest of you, here comes the most satisfying part – rolling out that beautiful synthetic green grass! Start by laying down a weed barrier to prevent any pesky sprouts from poking through. Then, unroll your turf and let it acclimate to its new home for a few hours.
Once it’s settled, start fitting the turf into place, cutting around any obstacles as needed. Use lawn stakes or landscape staples to secure the edges firmly to the ground. For a really polished look, add a border of pavers or stones around the perimeter.
Fill in the turf with infill (basically a fancy word for sand) to help the blades stand up straight and perky. Brush or rake the blades to get them looking their best. And voila! Instant lawn gratification.
Expert Tips for Designing a Small Backyard with Turf
So, now you’ve got soft, sole-pleasing new lawn. It’s time to zhuzh up the rest of your small backyard design. And as always, we have a number of good small backyard turf ideas for you. The beauty of turf is that it pairs perfectly with all kinds of landscaping elements.
Create designated zones like a dining area, lounge space, or play area to maximize functionality in your compact yard. Use pavers, gravel, or decking to define different sections. The turf will keep connect everything visually.
Vertical gardens and hanging planters are your best friends in a small space. They add lush greenery without taking up precious square footage on the ground. Trellises and privacy screens can also help define areas and add some height.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. Built-in seating. Multipurpose storage. Fold-away furniture. All are great for maximizing your space. The sky (or in this case, the fence) is the limit!
Maintaining and Caring for Small Backyard Turf
The best part about artificial turf? Barely any upkeep required! No more mowing, edging, seeding, or sodding for you. And watering? Pfft, only if you feel like giving your turf a quick rinse to freshen it up.
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- Very low maintenance compared to real grass, it doesn’t need to be mowed or watered
- Artificial turf stays consistently green and fresh looking without the hassle of upkeep
- No bare spots or brown spots in hard to grow areas
- Reduces your water bill
- Produces zero pollen – a big plus for allergy sufferers
- Safe for children and pets
- Installing artificial grass will eliminate the need to use harmful pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
To keep your lawn looking its best, give it a quick brush or rake every once in a while to fluff up the blades. If you’ve got pets, hose down any soiled areas regularly to keep things clean and sanitary. Most turf is stain-resistant and drains quickly, so maintenance is a total breeze.
Learn more: Artificial turf maintenance
Enjoy Big Wins in Your Tiny Turf Yard!
I hope these small backyard turf ideas get you amped. Don’t be afraid to dream big here, everyone.
Personally, the thought of enjoying an ice-cold summer sip in my backyard without having to mow first is my dream. And the fact that my monthly lawn maintenance costs are lower with artificial turf leaves a sweet, sweet aftertaste. We’ve covered a lot of ground today.
If you still have questions, concerns, or are ready to dig in and shop for the best synthetic turf for your little lawn, give the Artificial Turf Supply team a call at (888) 449-2362. Or hop over to ArtificialTurfSupply.com for all your artificial turn installation and supply needs.
Request a free quote for your project today!
