Artificial lawns won't be damaged this summer when gardeners follow a few simple steps

Garden experts are urging homeowners to be aware of potential missteps that could result in costly artificial grass repairs this summerPhoebe Jobling and Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer

10:58, 30 Apr 2026

This beautiful backyard woodland garden features a maintenance free lawn made of realistic looking artificial grass, a huge landscaping trend for small spaces.

Garden experts are urging homeowners to be aware of potential missteps that could result in costly artificial grass repairs this summer(Image: Joanne Dale via Getty Images)

Every UK homeowner with artificial grass in their garden is being urged to follow important guidelines to safeguard their lawn ahead of the summer months. With Britain enjoying pleasant weather this spring, barbecue season has kicked off earlier than usual as people venture outdoors to make the most of the succession of bright days.

However, artificial grass specialists are now cautioning homeowners about a series of straightforward yet expensive errors that could cause irreversible damage to their lawn, leading to repair costs of up to £500 or even a complete replacement that could set them back more than £2,000, reports the Manchester Evening News.

“Artificial grass is incredibly durable and can handle everything summer throws at it, kids, dogs, garden parties. But it doesn’t like direct heat,” explained artificial grass expert Colin Potts.

Two individuals are engaged in conversation while preparing food in an outdoor backyard setting. A grill and a house are visible in the background.

BBQs can cause damage to artificial grass(Image: Getty Images)

“A disposable barbecue left on the lawn, or even sunlight bouncing off a glass door at the wrong angle, can cause permanent damage that’s completely avoidable with a bit of know-how.”

Unlike natural grass, artificial turf is manufactured from synthetic fibres, typically polypropylene, which can melt or distort when subjected to direct heat. The positive news is that with some advance preparation, barbecues and artificial lawns are entirely compatible.

Rules artificial grass owners should followAlways position your BBQ on a hard, fireproof surface, paving slabs or a patio area are ideal.Position the barbecue well clear of any artificial grass edges, leaving adequate room for any embers that might spark or tumble free.Place a BBQ mat or fire pit pad beneath as an additional safety measure on any surface.Ensure coals are completely extinguished and cooled before relocating the barbecue.What to avoidNever position a disposable barbecue directly onto artificial grass, even momentarily.Don’t leave fire pits, chimeneas or outdoor heaters on or immediately next to the lawn.Avoid placing metal garden furniture that’s been sitting in direct sunlight onto the grass for prolonged periods, as metal retains heat and can transfer it to the fibres. Two individuals are engaged in the installation of synthetic turf in an outdoor setting. One person is kneeling while the other is bent over, both working meticulously to lay the green artificial grass over the ground. The backdrop includes a brick wall and lush greenery, suggesting this is part of a landscaping project.

Artificial grass can become damaged in the heat(Image: Getty Images)

Apart from the barbecue, one of the most frequent and unexpected causes of artificial grass heat damage is reflected light from windows, glass doors and garden mirrors.

Energy-efficient double glazing, patio doors, ornamental garden mirrors and even gleaming metal planters or solar light covers can all concentrate sunlight onto a single point in the same manner as a magnifying glass, creating intense heat capable of melting or discolouring artificial fibres.

This phenomenon is especially noticeable during extended sunny periods and in south-facing gardens. Homeowners who spot discoloured or flattened patches emerging in particular areas following sunny weather, even without any apparent heat source nearby, should investigate whether a reflective surface might be responsible.

Heat damage is seldom covered by installation warranties, and depending on the severity of the burn, repair costs can range from £150 for a small patch to full replacement at £70 or more per square metre.

“We see this a lot in the spring when people start getting their gardens ready. A garden mirror goes up, or new double glazing has been installed over the winter, and suddenly there’s a melted patch appearing on the lawn. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to prevent, but it catches a lot of people off guard,” said Colin.

With the first spell of warm weather now upon us, it’s also an opportune moment to carry out a quick seasonal inspection of your artificial lawn before it sees heavy use throughout the summer months.

An outdoor backyard area featuring a lush green lawn, a wooden fence, and various trees and plants, with a paved pathway leading to the entrance.

There are few steps you can follow to ensure your artificial lawn stays in good condition over the summer(Image: Getty Images)

Simple steps to keep your artificial grass looking its bestBrush the fibres upright with a stiff-bristled brush or artificial grass rake. After a flat winter, the pile can become compacted and a brush-up makes an immediate visual difference.Rinse the lawn with a garden hose to clear away any winter debris, dust, and spring pollen that may have settled on the surface.Check the edges and any joins for any lifting that may have occurred over the winter months.On very hot days, a light misting of water will cool the surface down quickly, helpful for barefoot children and pets.