Artificial turf is convenient at best, but anyone with fake grass in their garden is urged to take extra precautions before lighting the barbecue this summer
Artificial grass can save you a huge amount of time and effort when it comes to maintenance – however, they can pose a huge risk when it comes to barbecue season.
The summer has proved to be hot so far and many Brits are organising garden parties and barbecues. After all, nothing screams sunshine and holiday-fever quite like the hearty smell of smoked sausage and toasting burger buns. Unfortunately, experts warn that artificial grass owners need to be extra careful when lighting up their barbecues – otherwise they risk melting their garden.
Artificial grass is typically made from high-quality synthetic material that is flame retardant. However, while it may not catch fire, it can still melt if it comes into contact with things like fireworks, cigarette butts and barbecues.
READ MORE: All UK gardeners with compost heaps urged to do 5 things in June
Not only will this ruin the look of your garden, it can be costly to replace. Plus, leaving hot material on your artificial grass also risks damaging the turf below it.
So, what’s the solution? Fortunately, there are multiple ways around this issue that don’t involve cancelling your barbecue parties.
James Higgins, a gardening expert from Grass247, says: “Having a BBQ in the sun is an essential activity for many Brits, but we understand the concerns you may have for your artificial turf. As long as you take the necessary safety measures, and take into account the type of barbecue you are using, it’s absolutely okay to have a barbecue on artificial grass.”
As for the best kind of barbecue to use, James says: “It’s recommended to use a metal standing barbecue on your fake grass, as this is raised and should stop any flames or heat from damaging the materials.”
This doesn’t mean that you can’t use a disposable barbecue, however. In that case, James warns to “never place it directly on the turf” and instead place it on a raised platform.
He explains: “You can create a platform using a metal table or stand, or rocks to protect the ground.” This way you don’t have to invest in metal barbecue if it doesn’t match your needs.
Artificial grass owners should also be mindful of any hot, burning materials on their grass. To keep your garden safe, James urges that dropped hot food or spills should be “cleared away quickly.”
If you have already spilt hot food on your artificial grass, then there are a couple of ways to rectify the damage. James suggest simply trimming away the melted material, before cleaning the area with a surface cleaner to get rid of stains and bacteria.
You should also take care to dispose of artificial grass trimmings. Otherwise, they risk becoming food for unsuspecting pets, who may be harmed by the grass’ sharp texture.
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you may find that the damage is permanent. In that case, it’s best to call professionals in to replace it.