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Artificial Grass in Kenya: Types, Pros, Cons and Installation

By 4 min read

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In this article
  1. What Is Artificial Grass?
  2. Where It Is Used in Kenya
  3. Types of Artificial Grass
  4. Pros of Artificial Grass
  5. Cons and Things to Watch
  6. How Artificial Grass Is Installed
  7. Buying Tips
  8. Maintenance
  9. Sources and useful links

Tired of a lawn that turns brown in January and turns to mud in April? Artificial (synthetic) grass has become a common sight in Kenya: on balconies in Kilimani, around hotel pools, in kindergarten play areas, on rooftop restaurants and on five-a-side football pitches. It stays green all year without watering or mowing. But it is not right for every space. Here is what you should know before you buy.

What Is Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is made of plastic fibres (usually polyethylene or polypropylene) stitched into a backing mat that is laid like a carpet. Sports turf is often filled with sand and rubber granules (“infill”) to keep the blades upright and give a natural bounce. Third-generation (3G) turf, which uses sand and rubber infill, is what made artificial pitches widely accepted for football.

Where It Is Used in Kenya

  • Homes: balconies, small backyards, terraces and around pools.
  • Businesses: hotel and restaurant terraces, office receptions, events and exhibition stands, shop displays.
  • Schools and play areas: soft, mud-free surfaces for children.
  • Sports: football turfs, tennis courts, golf putting greens, hockey pitches and gym floors.

Types of Artificial Grass

  • Landscaping/decorative grass: soft, natural-looking blades for gardens, balconies and events. Pile height is usually medium to long.
  • Sports turf: tougher fibres built for heavy use, usually with infill. Football pitches for serious competition are tested against standards such as the FIFA Quality Programme.
  • Putting green grass: very short, dense fibres for golf practice.
  • Decor grass panels and mats: for walls, display tables and indoor decoration.

Pros of Artificial Grass

  • Green all year, even in dry spells and water rationing.
  • No mowing, fertiliser or regular watering.
  • Usable right after rain: no mud tracked into the house.
  • Works where real grass can’t grow, such as rooftops, balconies and heavy shade.
  • Sports turf can be played on many hours a day, which is why many pay-per-hour football turfs use it.

Cons and Things to Watch

  • Upfront cost: it costs more to install than planting grass. Get several quotes.
  • Heat: it can get very hot in direct afternoon sun. Hose it down on hot days or plan some shade, especially for children and pets.
  • Drainage: it needs a well-prepared, sloped base and a perforated backing, or water will pool.
  • Not alive: it doesn’t cool the air, feed insects or absorb carbon like real plants.
  • Plastic waste: it eventually has to be replaced and is hard to recycle, and rubber infill can wash out into drains.
  • Fading: cheap grass without UV protection can fade and turn brittle under the strong Kenyan sun.

How Artificial Grass Is Installed

  1. Measure the area and decide on the type and pile height.
  2. Clear the ground: remove existing grass, roots and stones.
  3. Prepare the base: lay and compact a layer of hardcore/ballast and fine aggregate or quarry dust, with a slight slope for drainage. On concrete balconies, check the drainage outlets are clear.
  4. Lay a weed membrane on soil bases to stop weeds growing through.
  5. Roll out the grass with all the blades facing the same direction.
  6. Join and fix the edges with joining tape and adhesive, and pin the edges down.
  7. Add infill (sand, or sand and rubber for sports turf) if the product needs it, then brush the fibres up.

On a small balcony you can lay rolls yourself. For a lawn, playground or football turf, a good base is everything, so use an experienced installer and ask to see their past work.

Buying Tips

  • Ask for a sample and check the feel, colour and backing.
  • Ask if the grass is UV-stabilised and what warranty comes with it.
  • Check the pile height and density: denser grass looks more natural and lasts longer.
  • Get a written quote that separates the grass, base preparation, infill and labour.
  • For playgrounds, ask about shock-absorbing underlay.

Maintenance

  • Brush it regularly against the grain to keep the blades standing.
  • Remove leaves and litter with a leaf blower, rake or stiff brush.
  • Rinse with water to remove dust and pet urine. Pick up pet waste promptly.
  • Top up infill on sports turf as needed.
  • Keep cigarettes, braziers (jiko) and fireworks away: the fibres melt.