Does Artificial Grass Get Hot in the Sun?

Like any surface, artificial turf absorbs heat. So it can feel warm on sunny days, even in the UK. High-quality artificial grass uses new tech to keep your lawn a little cooler in summer. In this article, we'll look at artificial grass heat resistance, whether artificial turf gets hot, and how artificial grass compares with real grass in hot weather.

Does Artificial Turf Get Hot?

Yes, artificial turf can get warm, but not too hot to walk on. That makes it safe for children and pets to use all year round.
Fake grass gets warm in the sun because it absorbs heat, just like real grass. That heat then moves through the surface.
In average UK weather, artificial turf should not get hot, especially when the lawn is in shade. The surface mainly warms up on very hot days when the grass sits in direct sun for a long time.

Is There an Artificial Turf That Doesn't Get Hot?

No. All artificial turf is made from synthetic materials, such as plastic or nylon, which absorb heat. These materials can warm up fake grass over time. But they also make artificial grass a durable, low-maintenance choice for gardens.

What 

Real grass stays a little cooler in summer, but artificial turf often performs better overall in the sun and gives homeowners more value.

Pros of artificial grass in hot weather:

• Keeps its green look all year
• Does not need watering, but a light mist on hot days can help keep it cool
• Does not turn muddy after cleaning or misting, so kids and pets can use it right away
• Lasts in all weather, even in direct sun, with built-in UV protection
• Does not get as hot as patios or concrete
• High-quality fake grass, like our luxury artificial turf, has strong heat resistance and stays cooler in the sun

Cons of artificial grass in summer:

• Can feel warmer underfoot than real grass
• Long sun exposure can fade it over time (our range is UV-protected, so it stays bright for five years)

Cons of real grass in hot weather:

• Hot weather dries out real grass and can damage it
• It needs frequent watering in warm weather to stay alive
• It can turn brown, patchy, or straw-like in heat

Pros of real grass in hot weather:

• Stays a little cooler than artificial grass because of moisture in the soil and blades

How Do I Stop My Artificial Grass From Getting Hot?

Read our tips on cooling artificial grass:

• Use a good foundation: We recommend 50mm of MOT stone sub-base followed by 25mm of granite or limestone dust (see our installation guide)
• Opt for a lighter green: Our light green New Galactic range can reflect the sun more compared to our darker green Aspire range, thus staying slightly cooler
• Mist the grass: On a particularly hot summer day, lightly watering the grass can help it stay cooler for longer by dropping the surface temperature