2GreenArtificial grass has come a long way from the shiny plastic mats of years ago. A good modern turf, laid on a proper base, looks convincingly like a real lawn, stays green all year with no watering or mowing, and lasts a decade or more. It is not the right answer everywhere, but for shady spots, small courtyards, pet areas and water-conscious homes it is often the smart choice. Here is what it costs, how it is installed, and how to look after it.
What does artificial grass cost?
Supplied and installed, artificial grass in South Africa typically runs from around R250 to R600 per square metre in 2026, depending on the grade of turf and how much groundwork the site needs. The grass itself is roughly R120 to R350 per square metre supply-only, and the rest is the base and the labour, which is exactly where a cheap job cuts corners.
| Item | Rough price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget turf (supply only) | R120 to R180 / m² | Thinner pile, shorter life |
| Premium turf (supply only) | R220 to R350 / m² | Denser, softer, more realistic |
| Base + installation | R150 to R300 / m² | Excavation, sub-base, laying, infill |
| Supplied & installed (typical) | R250 to R600 / m² | Most home lawns land here |
Cheap turf on a poor base fails fast
The single biggest cause of artificial lawns that ripple, sink or grow weeds is a skipped or thin base. A quality turf on a bad base fails; a mid-grade turf on a proper compacted base lasts for years. Never judge a quote on the turf price alone.
How artificial grass is installed
A lasting artificial lawn is built up in layers, and most of the work is out of sight in the base. The turf is the last and easiest part. Here is the sequence a proper installation follows:
- 1Clear the area: strip the old lawn, roots and topsoil so nothing grows or rots underneath.
- 2Build the sub-base: lay and compact a crushed-stone base for a firm, free-draining foundation, with a slight fall for drainage.
- 3Level with a laying course: a thin layer of sharp sand or fine aggregate, screeded dead level.
- 4Lay a weed membrane: to stop anything growing up through the joins.
- 5Roll out and cut the turf: all rolls running the same direction so the pile matches, then trimmed to the edges.
- 6Join and fix: glue or pin the seams and secure the perimeter so it cannot lift or move.
- 7Brush in kiln-dried sand infill: this weights the turf, keeps the blades standing up and helps it drain.
The base is the whole game. If a quote is unusually cheap, ask what the base is, because that is what separates a lawn that still looks good in ten years from one that ripples within a season.
How to maintain artificial grass
Artificial grass is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. A little regular care keeps it looking fresh and draining well:
- ✓Rinse it off now and then to clear dust, pollen and pet mess, and hose down pet areas more often.
- ✓Brush the pile against the grain with a stiff, synthetic brush to lift matted areas, especially on paths and high-traffic spots.
- ✓Clear leaves and debris before they break down, so moss and weeds do not get a foothold.
- ✓Pull the occasional windblown weed from the edges or joins, which is the only weeding a good install ever needs.
- ✓Keep barbecues and anything very hot off it, as high heat can melt the fibres.
Weeds in artificial grass?
Weeds in a synthetic lawn almost always grow from seed and debris landing on top, not up through a proper membrane. Keep it clear of leaf litter, and the odd edge weed pulls out easily. Persistent weeds up through the middle point to a missing weed membrane in the base.
Does it get hot, and is it pet friendly?
Artificial grass does warm up in direct summer sun more than a real lawn, and a quick rinse cools it down fast. For pets, a good free-draining turf is easy to live with: urine drains through and rinses away, and it stands up to running and digging far better than a worn real lawn. Choosing a quality free-draining product matters most in pet areas.
Artificial or real grass?
Neither is best for every garden. Artificial grass wins in deep shade, small courtyards, rooftops, heavy pet-and-kid wear and where you want zero watering. A real lawn wins on cost, on staying cool underfoot, and on feel, in open sunny gardens that can support it. If you are weighing it up, our guide to the best lawn grass types covers the real-lawn side, and for a genuine lawn we lay instant lawn too.
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Deep shade where grass will not grow | Artificial |
| Small courtyard, rooftop or balcony | Artificial |
| Heavy pet and children traffic | Artificial |
| You want to stop watering and mowing | Artificial |
| Open, sunny garden on a budget | Real lawn |
| You want a cool, natural feel underfoot | Real lawn |
Is artificial grass worth it?
It costs more upfront than laying a real lawn, but it pays back in saved water, no mowing, and no muddy or bare patches, year after year. In a water-scarce region like the Winelands, and in problem spots where grass simply will not thrive, it usually earns its keep. The key is to spend on a proper base and a decent turf, not to chase the cheapest quote. Our team installs artificial grass across Paarl, Stellenbosch and the Winelands, and will give you a straight answer on whether it suits your spot.
Frequently asked questions
How much does artificial grass cost in South Africa?＋
Supplied and installed, most artificial grass costs between R250 and R600 per square metre in 2026. The turf alone is roughly R120 to R350 per square metre supply-only, and the base and labour make up the rest. The grade of turf and the amount of groundwork are the biggest factors.
How is artificial grass installed?＋
In layers: clear the old lawn, lay and compact a crushed-stone sub-base with a fall for drainage, screed a level sharp-sand course, lay a weed membrane, roll out and cut the turf all in one direction, fix the seams and edges, then brush in kiln-dried sand infill. Most of the work and cost is in the base.
How long does artificial grass last?＋
A quality turf on a proper compacted base typically lasts a decade or more. A cheap product on a poor base can ripple, sink or fail within a year or two, so the base and the grade of grass make the real difference to lifespan.
How do you maintain artificial grass?＋
Rinse it occasionally, brush the pile against the grain to keep it upright, clear leaves and debris before they break down, pull the odd edge weed, and keep very hot items off it. It is low-maintenance rather than no-maintenance.
Why are there weeds in my artificial grass?＋
Weeds in synthetic turf almost always grow from seed and debris landing on top, not up through the base, provided a weed membrane was fitted. Keep it clear of leaf litter and pull the occasional edge weed. Weeds coming up through the middle suggest the membrane was skipped.
Is artificial grass pet friendly?＋
Yes, with a good free-draining product. Urine drains through and rinses away, and it stands up to running and digging far better than a worn real lawn. Choose a quality free-draining turf for pet areas and hose them down a little more often.
Does artificial grass get hot in summer?＋
It warms up in direct summer sun more than real grass does. In full-sun areas a quick rinse cools it down, and it is worth thinking about shade for spots where children or pets sit.
Is artificial grass worth it?＋
In shade where grass will not grow, in small courtyards, in heavy pet-and-kid areas, and where you want to stop watering and mowing, it usually is. It costs more upfront than a real lawn but saves water and time for years. Spend on a proper base and decent turf rather than the cheapest quote.