Does Artificial Grass Get Hot? Do These to Keep it Cool

Charles Cline

By Charles Cline

Last Updated on February, 2025

As the hot summer months get closer, many homeowners consider installing artificial grass for its durability and to reduce yard maintenance costs.

However, you might also have concerns about how hot a synthetic grass lawn can get under the sun and whether it’s safe for your kids and pets. 

Australian summers are no joke, and the direct sunlight affects exposed synthetic turf, making it uncomfortable to walk on. This article explores how to keep your artificial grass lawn cool and a few maintenance and care tips for artificial turf during the high heat of the summer. 

Let’s dive in.

Quick Summary

  • Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf heats up under the sun, though it generally remains cooler than surfaces like concrete or asphalt. While it doesn’t stay as cool as natural grass, it won’t get dangerously hot due to modern heat-resistant materials.
  • Homeowners can use strategies such as choosing high-quality grass with cooling technology, providing shade, occasionally watering the turf, selecting heat-dissipating infill, and minimizing reflective surfaces to keep the artificial grass cooler in the summer.
  • To maintain artificial grass during hot months, regular watering, avoiding heat sources (e.g., barbecues, fire pits), brushing the grass, and taking precautions with fireworks are recommended to prevent damage and ensure a comfortable outdoor area.

Does Synthetic Grass Get Hot Under the Sun?

A garden floor that is installed using artificial grass

Yes, artificial grass does get hotter than real grass under the sun. Unlike natural grass, which retains water that helps keep it cool on hot days, artificial grass does not stay cool under the sun. 

While an exposed synthetic lawn heats up in sunlight, it typically remains cooler than other backyard surfaces like paving stones, decking, concrete, and asphalt.

Plus, thanks to technological advancements, modern synthetic materials absorb heat, but not to the extent that they become dangerously hot. 

So, while it may be warmer than natural grass, it won’t burn you and is a safer option than other different materials. 

Additionally, several easy methods exist to keep artificial grass cool during summer to ensure a comfortable outdoor space. Let’s take a look at some of them, 

Relevant guides:

How to Keep Your Artificial Grass Cool? 

While artificial grass can get hot under the sun, there are several effective strategies to keep your fake grass cool and comfortable during the summer. 

Here are the ways to help you maintain a pleasant temperature on your artificial lawn during sunny days. 

Choose High-Quality Artificial Grass

It is a worthy investment to install artificial grass that is of good quality, as it makes a significant difference in the amount of absorbed heat. 

High-quality artificial grasses reflect sunlight better and retain less heat.

Most artificial grass products are made of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon, designed to resist UV radiation. 

Look for products with cooling technology or lighter-coloured blades that stay cooler. 

Bundles of fake grasses

Provide Shade

Creating shaded areas in your yard can dramatically reduce artificial grass heat levels. Plant trees, install pergolas, or use shade sails to provide cover and shield your artificial turf from harsh sunlight.

Not only does shade help keep the grass cooler, but it also makes your outdoor space more comfortable overall. 

Cool Off With Water

Watering your fake grass from time to time can help lower its temperature on hot days. Spraying the turf with water using a garden hose or sprinkler system can provide immediate relief from the heat. 

This method is especially effective before you use the area, ensuring a cooler surface for play or relaxation. 

Select the Infill Material Wisely

The type of infill used in your artificial grass can impact its temperature. Some infill materials, like silica sand and durafill sand are better at dissipating heat than crumb rubber or other options. 

Choosing the right infill material can help keep your artificial grass cooler during summer. 

Avoid Reflective Surfaces

Reflective surfaces like windows, glass doors, or white walls can add more heat to your artificial grass by reflecting sunlight directly onto it. 

To mitigate this effect, use window film, shades, or strategic landscaping to block or diffuse reflected light. This will help prevent hotspots and keep your artificial grass cooler. 

Maintenance and Care Tips for Synthetic Turf During the Summer

Cleaning an artificial turf using a vacuum machine

Here are some tips to maintain your artificial grass during the hotter months: 

  • Regular Watering: Rinse your artificial grass with water to keep it cool. This helps mitigate the heat buildup from prolonged sun exposure and keeps your turf clean. 
  • Avoid High Temperatures: Keep barbecues, outdoor heaters, and fire pits away from artificial grass, as the high temperatures can cause the material to melt. Always place a protective barrier between any heat source and the turf to prevent damage. 
  • Fireworks Precaution: Do not light fireworks on artificial grass, especially during bonfire night, as the high temperature can damage the synthetic material. 
  • Brush Regularly: Use a specialised broom to brush your artificial grass, which helps keep the blades upright and the natural appearance of your turf. This simple step ensures your artificial grass looks its best throughout the season. 

FAQs

No artificial grass stays completely cool, but high-quality options with cooling technology can reduce heat absorption, staying cooler than standard turf.

Artificial grass can get hot and may be uncomfortable for dogs, but high-quality turf and shaded areas can help keep it safe and comfortable for pets.

Artificial grass doesn’t burn in the sun but can melt if exposed to high-temperature sources like fire pits or barbecues. Keep these items away to prevent damage.

Conclusion

So, does fake grass get hot under the sun? Yes, but fortunately, there are many ways to mitigate this. 

By choosing high-quality options for your artificial grass installation, providing shade, watering it, selecting the right infill, and avoiding reflective surfaces, you can ensure your artificial grass stays cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year. 

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