Best and worst artificial grass

If you hate mowing, or have a dog that digs holes in the lawn or kills the grass when it pees, artificial grass is worth considering. Our expert guide uncovers the best options for your garden, scoring grass on appearance and ease of installation.

We've tested 8 mid-priced types of artificial grass to see which looked the most natural, even when it's been subjected to some tough wear-and-tear.

With so many artificial grass brands to choose from, our rigorous tests can lend a helping hand. The best artificial grass we've seen looks like real grass from a distance, but low-scoring options are let down by weak backing material that struggles to keep the grass secure.

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Artificial grass test results

How we test artificial grass

For each type of artificial grass we test, we pay close attention to the following: 

• Heat resistance - We tip boiling water over the fake grass, and drop a hot, disposable barbecue onto it to see if it melts. 
• Installation - We rate the instructions, where provided, and how easy it is to install the grass on a flat area of ground. 
• Appearance -We leave the grass outside for six months, driving a wear machine over it to see how well the join holds together and how well the grass stands up to heavy use. 
• Cleaning - We let mud and leaves accumulate on the lawn before cleaning them off using a leaf blower and a hose. We even make up a mix of treacle, oats and soil to simulate dog mess, and leave it to settle on the lawn over a weekend before cleaning it.

Want to pick the perfect artificial grass for your garden? Our how to buy the best artificial grass guide explains which features to look out for. If you've already parted with your money, see our advice on how to lay artificial grass.