Ever wondered how your neighbours keep their lawns looking green all year round, even in Melbourne’s scorching summers? The secret often isn’t natural turf – it’s artificial grass. With minimal maintenance, no muddy mess, and year-round beauty, artificial grass has become the go-to solution for Melbourne homeowners.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about artificial grass Melbourne – from planning and preparation to installation, design ideas, and maintenance.
Why Choose Artificial Grass in Melbourne?
Natural lawns struggle in Melbourne’s climate, where extreme heat, clay-heavy soil, and water restrictions make upkeep a challenge. Artificial grass solves these issues by offering:
- A lush, green look year-round
- No watering, mowing, or fertilising
- Kid- and pet-friendly surfaces
- Long-lasting durability with minimal maintenance
Whether you want a backyard for entertaining, a play space for kids, or a pet-friendly lawn, artificial turf offers a reliable, low-maintenance alternative.
Planning Your Project
Before installation, careful planning ensures success.
- Measure your backyard accurately and sketch the installation area.
- Consider drainage patterns and existing features like garden beds or trees.
- Choose the right turf based on use:
- Short, durable pile for high-traffic areas
- Softer, longer pile for play zones
- UV-stabilised turf to withstand Melbourne’s harsh sun
When comparing options from retailers such as Bunnings or Mitre 10, look for turf with mixed blade colours for a more natural look. Quality products range between $20–$85 per square metre, and higher quality often means better longevity.
Ground Preparation and Drainage
The key to a long-lasting lawn is proper preparation.
- Remove existing grass, weeds, and debris thoroughly.
- Excavate 75–100mm of topsoil, creating a slight slope (1–2%) away from buildings for drainage.
- For waterlogged yards, install ag-pipe drainage connected to stormwater systems.
- Apply a weed mat before laying the base, securing it with landscape pins every metre.
Skipping these steps often leads to drainage problems or weed regrowth – the biggest mistakes DIY installers make.
Choosing the Best Base
Artificial grass should never be laid directly on soil, especially in Melbourne’s clay conditions. Instead, use a stable base:
- 50–75mm of crushed rock for drainage
- 25mm of coarse sand for levelling
- Compact each layer with a plate compactor
Coarse river sand or crusher dust is ideal. Avoid fine sand, which can wash away. For poor-drainage areas, use crushed granite or blue metal gravel as the primary base for extra stability.
Step-by-Step Installation
Follow these steps for professional-looking results:
- Roll out the turf and let it settle for 2–3 hours.
- Position the turf, ensuring blades run in the same direction.
- Trim edges carefully using a sharp knife.
- Join sections with adhesive and joining tape, pressing edges firmly.
- Add infill sand (5–10kg per m² of kiln-dried silica sand) to help blades stand upright.
- Brush thoroughly with a stiff broom for a natural look.
For Melbourne’s climate, aim to install turf on mild days (15–25°C) to avoid adhesive curing too quickly in the heat.
Securing and Finishing
Proper finishing ensures your new lawn stays put:
- Fix edges every 30cm with galvanised nails or grass pins.
- For borders against concrete or pavers, use outdoor adhesive.
- Add final touches:
- Power brush the surface
- Top up infill in high-traffic areas
- Install edging strips for clean borders
Once finished, your lawn will look lush, neat, and professional.
Common DIY Mistakes
Avoid these errors for the best results:
- Skipping proper excavation and drainage
- Using only sand as a base
- Poor compaction leading to dips and bumps
- Installing in extreme weather conditions
- Visible joins from poor cutting or adhesive use
Taking extra care with preparation and joins makes all the difference.
Kid- and Pet-Friendly Options
Artificial grass is ideal for families and pet owners in Melbourne.
For Kids:
- Install shock-absorbing underlay for safer play
- Create zones with different turf heights
- Add sports lines or play equipment areas
For Pets:
- Choose turf with antimicrobial backing
- Install slight slopes for easy drainage
- Use pet-specific infill to neutralise odours
With the right setup, your backyard becomes a safe, clean, and fun space for the whole family.
Creative Design Ideas
Artificial grass isn’t just for lawns. It opens up endless design possibilities:
- Combine turf with stepping stones or pavers
- Use different turf colours for geometric patterns
- Install synthetic grass on rooftops or balconies
- Mix with real plants for contrast
- Create pet runs, putting greens, or vertical walls
In Melbourne’s compact courtyards and shaded areas, astro turf provides greenery where natural grass won’t grow.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Should you install it yourself or hire professionals?
DIY Advantages:
- Saves 30–50% of total cost
- Flexible timing
- Satisfaction of completing the project
Professional Advantages:
- Faster completion (1–2 days)
- Specialist tools for better finishes
- Warranties on materials and workmanship
For smaller areas (under 50m²), DIY is manageable. For larger or complex spaces, professional installers are worth the investment. Some homeowners save money by preparing the base themselves and hiring professionals for final installation.
Maintenance Tips for Melbourne
Artificial grass requires less care than real lawns but still benefits from regular upkeep:
- Monthly: Brush high-traffic areas, rinse dust, and check edges
- Autumn: Remove fallen leaves with a blower or plastic rake
- Summer: Hose down during heatwaves to cool the surface
- For pets: Rinse weekly and use enzyme cleaners for odour control
- Winter: Treat moss or algae with diluted vinegar if needed
With proper care, quality synthetic turf can last 15–20 years in Melbourne conditions.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Low-Maintenance Lawn
Installing artificial grass in Melbourne is one of the best ways to achieve a beautiful, hassle-free lawn. With proper preparation, the right base, and careful installation, you can enjoy a green, vibrant backyard all year round – without mowing, watering, or mud.
Whether you DIY or hire professionals, artificial grass delivers lasting beauty, water savings, and a functional outdoor space for kids, pets, and entertaining. With minimal maintenance, your new lawn will be the centrepiece of your home for years to come.
So why wait? Start planning your artificial grass project today and transform your backyard into a stunning, low-maintenance retreat.