Artificial grass is often a heavy investment since the prices are not cheap. Artificial grass looks amazing though and is much less maintenance than real grass. If you live in a very hot climate though or one where there are more sunny days than rain, you might need to find ways to cool your artificial grass in the summer
Cooling the artificial grass ensures that it has a long lifespan and does not burn your feet or your pet’s feet. This article will cover the top nine ways to make sure your grass stays cool in the summer months.
Does Artificial Grass Get Hot?
Yes, artificial grass can get hot in the summer. Most of the time though, the turf will never get hot enough to cause injuries or damage to your feet. The turf can retain heat though which can cause it to get mildly hot.
If you live in a very hot or sunny climate though, the turf can become so hot that it can cause blisters to form on your feet which can be very painful. It’s also best to monitor how your grass is and to make sure your family members are wearing shoes.
If you have sensitive feet or children, you might find it very uncomfortable to walk across the artificial grass. Managing how hot your grass gets is easy though.
How Hot Does Artificial Grass Get?
Artificial grass can be about 20 to 50 Fahrenheit degrees hotter than natural grass. In some climates, the temperature of artificial grass can even be hotter than pavement. Exactly how hot your grass gets depends on where you live and how much sunlight exposure your grass gets.
Can Artificial Grass Burn Your Feet?
It’s possible to get skin burns from artificial grass on very hot days and very high temperatures. In most cases though, artificial grass will not cause burns to your skin. Before getting artificial grass installed, you might want to research the company and seek referrals and reviews.
You can ask other people who have had their grass installed whether they have ever received skin burns or not. If you are wearing shoes or laying on a surface instead of directly coming into contact with the grass, there is a very minimal chance you will get burnt.
Keep in mind that many countries in the Middle East and West Africa where it’s hot and sunny all year round have artificial grass in some fields and homes. Even in extreme weather conditions, the grass can be hot but not hot enough to cause injuries.
Can Artificial Grass Burn Dogs Feet? 
Along with being worried about potential burns for your family members and kids, you might also be wondering if your dogs are in danger of burning their feet on the artificial grass. Just like humans, your dog will probably not burn their paws on artificial grass unless the weather is extreme.
If the temperatures in your town are dangerously high, your artificial grass might become very hot and then your dog is at risk of burning his paws on it. However, remember that artificial grass does not radiate heat like pavement does.
Dogs can easily burn their paws on pavement because of the way it emits heat, but getting burns from artificial grass is much harder.
How to Cool Down Artificial Grass?
Luckily, there are many easy ways you can cool down artificial grass. If you have noticed your grass becoming way too hot in the summertime, try some of these tips to make it cooler and easier to walk on for everyone in the home.
1. Spray with a Hose
This is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your grass cool since chances are you already have a hose in the backyard. In the summer days, you might want to spray the grass with a hose every day or just a few times a week depending on the sun and weather.
You can also spray the grass with a hose right before you plan to bring pets or kids outside to play.
2. Sprinklers
Sprinklers will work the same as a hose but will be less time-consuming for you. If you have a sprinkler system, you can put it on a timer so that it starts to spray automatically and you don’t have to stand outside during the watering process like you would with a hose.
Sprinklers will also not saturate the grass like a hose so they might work better if you do not have a proper drainage system.
3. Lasko Misting Fan
You can also get a Lasko Misting Fan. It has a 90-degree pivot which can change the direction of the mist flow so that your entire yard will get enough water. You can also change the speeds depending on how much water you need in that specific area to get.
The mist is also soothing if you are laying on the grass or if your pet or children are outside playing in the grass.
4. Install an Awning for Shade
If you have space in your yard or patio, you can install an awning to help cover the majority of the grass or the part of the grass that receives the most sunlight. This will help to block out the sun exposure and keep most of the yard cool.
Read our article on the best motorized retractable awnings!
5. Install a Misting Cooling System
This is also a cost-effective way to make sure your grass is getting a nice misting that will keep it from getting too hot. This Misting Cooling System gives your yard uniform watering so all the spots of your artificial grass will be cool and safe.
It’s also eco-friendly and can be used in the yard as fun for the kids to play in on hot summer days. It’s easy to assemble and install.
6. Install a Sun Shade Sail
A sun shade sail is a nice piece of fabric that can be hung across the yard to block UV rays. The material also allows rain to pass through so you aren’t stuck with pools of water and later mold and mildew build-up.
7. Plant Tall Trees Around Yard for Shade
If you want some extra trees or tall plants around the house, installing them to protect your artificial grass is a great idea. You can create a perimeter of tall trees around the yard that covers the edges and center of the grass.
8. Use a Pop-Up Canopy Tent on Hot Days
Some homeowner’s associations do not allow permanent structures so you may need to get a pop-up canopy like this one. You can bring it out on the days that are very hot and then put it back down on cooler days.
9. Patio Umbrella
If you have a patio and want some shade on your patio and for the grass, you can get a patio umbrella. This allows you to cover space for sitting on your patio as well for when your kids are playing in the grass. It’s a great two-in-one option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Infill Affect the Temperature?
Yes, the infill affects temperature. The standard infill can get hotter than some newer infill technology that blocks UV rays and reflects the heat off the grass rather than absorbing it.
Does Artificial Grass Start to Smell with Dogs in the Heat?
This depends on how your grass was installed and whether the installers gave it a drainage system. Drainage systems allow for urine to be washed away instead of leaving the odors in the grass. Some companies also give the turf a deodorizer so that smells do not stay in the grass.
If you have pets, you should let the installer know. This will allow them to put in a drainage system that allows the pet smells to wash away.
If drainage and deodorizer features are not put in place, you will probably notice a dog urine smell. You can always water the grass yourself and wash the urine away, but this is not as effective as a drainage system. If your dog prefers to pee in one spot, this particular place might begin to smell overwhelmingly of urine.
Can Artificial Grass Melt from the Sun?
Artificial grass can melt from the sun in extreme circumstances when it becomes too hot and the sun is reflecting off of it at high temperatures. This usually only happens when it reaches 175 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is more likely to happen in extreme climates or where the sun may beat down on the grass all day long. Keep in mind that the sun at these high temperatures can melt the grass or anything on the grass such as plastic toys or plates that you may have left outside.
Can You Buy Artificial Turf that Doesn’t Get Hot?
All artificial turf gets hot when the sun is sharp. However, there are some companies with new artificial turf technologies that can help keep the turf cooler than other types of artificial grass. Silica turf is one option because it stays cool even in very hot climates.
Infill is expensive though. If you want to get one of these newer artificial grasses, you should be prepared to pay more money.
What is the Best Artificial Grass for the Heat?
If you need artificial grass that stays cooler in the heat, check out HydroChill. This is one of the most popular types of artificial turf that is installed in places where there are water problems or where there are severe droughts.
HydroChill is UV resistant which makes it a better option for extremely hot climates. The materials are also non-toxic which makes them safer for children and pets.
There is also a turf called TigerCool. It stays cooler in hot climates and is often used in public parks where children and pets are often playing. It advertises that it can keep your artificial grass cooler by around 15% or 10 degrees.
Paradise Green’s Cool Blade Technology was made for extreme Arizona weather conditions and can stay cooler and more comfortable compared to other kinds of artificial turfs. The technology is built into every blade of grass and does not absorb the sun’s rays.
Does Artificial Grass Last Long in Hot Climates?
Artificial grass can last up to 25 years. Sometimes though, depending on the installation and where you live, it can only last for five years. The quality of the grass as well as the material and the maintenance you give it all affect how long the grass will last.
Read our related artificial grass articles:
- Does Artificial Grass Drain Well?
- Does Artificial Grass Feel Real?
- 9 Ways to Clean Your Artificial Grass
- Does Artificial Grass Increase Home Value? (5 Ways How)
- Is Artificial Grass Slippery When Wet? (All You Need to Know)
- 5 Best Artificial Grass Options for Your Backyard
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.